GENTIANA 



357 



the bark is rather thick, wrinkled, and contorted, separated by a 

 black cambium line from the yellowish-brown, porous, and spongy 

 meditullium marked with indistinct medullary rays. Fracture 



FIG. 206. Gentian A, Rhizome portion. B, Root portion. (\<2. natural size.) 



D 



FIG. 207. Genlia.no. lutea Cross-section. A, Cork. B, Parenchyma of cortex. C, Water 

 tube. D, Parenchyma of xylem. 



irregular, brittle when dry, flexible and tough when damp; odor 

 pronounced and characteristic; taste intensely bitter, sweetish, and 

 not disagreeable. 



Gentiana catesbcei, the blue gentian of the Southern States, grow- 

 ing in mossy swamps, is said to be little inferior to the official species. 



