GROUNDSEL 189 



ptera, Coccinella\ Hemiptera, several species of Thrips\ Neuroptera, 

 Panorpa. 



Though there is no pappus the achenes have a membrane, and are 

 aided by this means by the wind in their dispersal. This plant grows 

 on sand soil, being a sand-loving plant, or on alluvium on sandy loam. 



A fungus, Puccinia tanaceti, the sun-flower rust, may be found on 

 the leaves. 



Three beetles, Chrysomela graminis, C. menthastri, Adimonia 

 tanaceti', a Hymenopterous insect, Colletes fodiens ; several Lepidop- 

 tera, Ringed Carpet (Boarmia cinctaria], Essex Emerald (Geometra 

 sniaragdarid}, Cleodora striatella, Pterophorus diclirodactylus, Dicro- 

 rampha alpinana, D. tanaceti; a Homopterous insect, Phytocoris iihui; 

 and 4 Heteroptera, Camptobrochis tubcscens, Orthocephahis nnitabilis, 

 Macrocoleus niolliciilus, and M. tanaceti, are found on it. 



Tanacetmn, Pliny, originally Athanasia, or immortality, of which it 

 is a corruption, is from the Greek, thanatos, death; and the second 

 Latin name emphasizes its universal character. 



Tansy is also called Bachelor's Buttons, Buttons, Bitter Buttons, 

 English Cost, Fern (Parsley, Scented), Ginger, Ginger-plant, Joynson's 

 Remedy Cheese, Tansy. It is called Scented Fern from its fern-like 

 leaves and scented smell, and Bitter Buttons from the shape of the 

 flowerheads and bitter taste of the whole plant. 



The smell is strong and aromatic. The plant is very bitter, and is 

 regarded as a stimulant and carminative. The seeds were supposed 

 to be sudorific. It is said to drive away bugs. A distilled water and 

 bitter for stomach complaints are made from it. The young leaves are 

 shredded, and used to give colour and flavour to puddings, omelets, 

 and cakes. The curled variety is used for garnishing. It is frequently 

 grown in the garden. 



ESSENTIAL SPECIFIC CHARACTERS: 



1 6 1. Tanacetum vulgare, L. Stem erect, rigid, leafy, dark-green, 

 leaves bipinnatifid, leaflets serrate, flowerheads numerous, yellow, 

 corymbose, terminal, outer florets longer than phyllaries. 



Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris, L.) 



Common and widespread, but obviously connected with the pursuit 

 of agriculture, Groundsel is not represented in ancient deposits. In 

 the North Temperate and Arctic Zones it is found in Arctic Europe 

 and N. Africa, and it has been recently introduced into other parts in 

 the Temperate regions of the globe. Groundsel is found in every part 



