OROBANCHACE^E. 



upon the roots of beech trees in the southern states of the 

 American Union. 



A smooth, fleshy, branching parasite, growing from 6 to 18 inches 

 high, and clothed with small scales in lieu of leaves. Flowers alternate, 

 distant, nearly sessile, the lower perfect, the upper usually imperfect 

 and abortive. Calyx short, 4-toothed. Corolla white streaked with 

 purple. Capsule dilating after it opens, very much in shape of a cup. 

 Michaux says that in Virginia the powdered stems are frequently 



i cancers, with considerable be- 



nefit. A quack medicine known in N. America by the name of " Mar- 

 tin's Cancer powder," is said to be a compound of this plant and white 



526 



