BORAGE TRIBE. 433 



unfrequent. Distinguished by its erect stems, 2 feet 

 high, which generally grow 5 or 6 from the same root, 

 by its small yellowish white flowers, and above all, by 

 its highly polished seeds, which resemble small sea- 

 shells, and contain a considerable quantity of pure silica 

 or flint. EL June, July. Perennial. 



2. L. arvense (Corn Groniwell). Stem branched; 

 leaves narrow, tapering, hairy ; nuts wrinkled. Corn- 

 fields ; less common than the preceding, but not rare. 

 Stem about a foot high, branched from the lower part, 

 and having rather small white flowers, the calyx of 

 which lengthens when in fruit, and contains 3 or 4 

 brown, wrinkled seeds. EL May July. Annual. 



* L. purpuro-cceruleum (Purple Gromwell) is a rare 

 species growing in chalky or limestone soil, and is 

 distinguished by its prostrate barren stems, and large 

 bright blue powers. 



4. MERT^NSIA (Smooth dfromwell). 



1. M. maritima (Sea-side Smooth Gromwell). The 

 only species. A singular plant inhabiting the sea-coast 

 of North Wales, Scotland and Ireland ; the leaves are 

 fleshy, and covered with a glaucous bloom; they are 

 destitute of bristles, but are sprinkled with hard dots, 

 which are very evident in dried specimens ; the plant 

 when fresh is said to have the flavour of oysters ; the 

 flowers are purplish blue. EL May June. Perennial. 



5. SYMPHYTUM (Comfrey). 



1. 8. offidndle (Common Comfrey). Stem winged in 

 the upper part ; leaves elliptical, pointed, tapering 

 towards the base and running down the stem ; flowers 

 drooping, in 2-forked clusters. Watery places and banks 

 of rivers, common. A large and handsome plant 23 

 feet high, with branched leafy stems, and several clusters 

 F F 



