124 AS CALIFORNIA FLOWERS GROW 



it has been effective when a physician's medicines 

 have proved powerless. Manzanita is also used in 

 compounding medicines to cure catarrh of the 

 throat and stomach. Manzanita belongs to the 

 beautiful Heath Family, and her little pink and 

 white chimneys are well planned for securing aid 

 in her seed-making. Her seeds have given her both 

 the common and the scientific names. "Manzanita" 

 is the Spanish for "little apple/' and Arctostaphylos 

 is the Greek for "bear grapes," because the animals 

 love the fruit. This species is called nummularia 

 because its leaves are shining with a glitter similar 

 to the shine of a coin. 



Another of our medicinal plants that still bears 

 its Spanish name is Yerba Buena. The Indians used 

 tea of it to allay fever and indigestion. They called 

 it to the notice of the Franciscan Fathers, who, rec- 

 ognizing its worth, named it Yerba Buena, "the 

 good herb." It makes a palatable beverage by pour- 

 ing water over it and draining at once. A stronger 

 decoction is needed for medicine. Aside from its 

 dainty, graceful lines and its refreshing fragrance, 

 Yerba Buena is interesting to observe as an individ- 

 ual. Notice how it sends down new roots wherever 

 its stems touch the ground. Run your finger along 

 its stem and feel the four corners, proving its mem- 

 bership in that well-known healing tribe, the Mints. 

 Yerba Buena is Micromeria Douglasii in botany, 



