172 



VALERIANE^. 



[CLASS 



single cell containing one ovule, the other two cells being 

 aborted. 



Spikenard is the root of Nardostachys jatamansi, a 

 North Indian plant. It has been highly valued as a 

 perfume from early antiquity. The root of Common 

 Valerian possesses a strong and peculiar odour, which 

 acts powerfully on the nervous system of cats. 



Corn-salad, or Lamb's-lettuce (Fedia olitorid), is eaten 

 as a salad. 



36. Natural Order Dipsaceae. The Teasel Family. 



DISTRIBUTION. Temperate regions of the Old World, 

 especially around the Mediterranean ; also at the Cape 

 of Good Hope. British genera 2, species 5. 



Herbs. Stamens epipetalous, same number as corolla-lobes. 

 Ovary I -celled, inferior. Ovule pendulous. 



Type Blue Scabious (Scabiosa succisa. ) 

 Herb with a prasmorse (truncate) rootstock, opposite 

 entire leaves, and terminal involucrate flower-heads. 



OBSERVE the small involucel enclosing each individual 

 flower, very easily mistaken for a calyx : the rigid pointed 

 bracts of the flowers of Fuller's Teasel (D. fullonuni). 

 The heads are fixed into frames, and used to give a 



