CIMICLFUGA 



163 



each terminated by a deep cup-shaped scar; on the lower side are 

 found numerous brittle rootlets from i to 2 mm. (^5 to ^{2 m -) 

 thick; externally brownish-black; fracture of rhizome, horny; odor 

 slight (the powder, however, has a heavy odor) ; taste bitter and acrid. 



FIG. 70. Cimicifuga Cross-section of Rhizome. (18 diam.) A, Parenchyma of cortex. B, 

 i Vascular bundle. C, Group of bast fibers. D, Xylem. E, Medulla. (Photomicrograph.) 



Cross-section of the rhizome exhibits a large, whitish pith, around 

 which, more or less stellately arranged, are wood-wedges separated by 



M 



FIG. 71. Cimicifuga rootlet Cross-section. (26 diam.) G, Cork. H, Parenchyma of cortex. 

 I, Phloem. K, Xylem. M, Endodermis. (Photomicrograph.) 



medullary rays. Bark hard and thickish. The rootlets display, 

 under the microscope, a thick cortical layer, the space within which 

 contains converging wedges of open, woody tissue, three to five in 

 number, forming a Maltese cross. The stellate arrangement of the 



