BUCKTHORN OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 65 



places in this country. It has a hard fleshy tuberous root- 

 stalk 2 to 3 inches in diameter, and the greater part above 

 ground, from the centre of which rise annually slender twining 

 stems, rambling over hedges and bushes, furnished with heart- 

 shaped leaves. The flowers are small, inconspicuous, and dioe- 

 cious ; its fruit is a black berry. Its fleshy slimy roots were at 

 one time in repute with herb doctors for making plasters. The 

 fruit is used as a remedy for chilblains. 



Buchu, or Bucku, a name given by the Hottentots to 

 Barosma crenulata, B. crenata, and B. serratifolia, slender 

 branched shrubs with small alternate leaves, and pretty pink or 

 white flowers of the Eue family (Eutacese), natives of the Cape 

 of Good Hope. The leaves are highly esteemed by the Hotten- 

 tots ; mixed with brandy called Buchu brandy, it is a favourite 

 medicine, taken internally for many complaints, and applied 

 externally for rheumatism ; they also make a powder with the 

 leaves, and mix it with grease to anoint their bodies, which 

 operation forms an important part of their toilet. The leaves 

 are full of pellucid oil-cells, and have a strong fragrant odour ; 

 they are frequently prescribed by regular practitioners in this 

 country, especially in diuretic affections, and for promoting 

 perspiration. 



Buckbean (^Menyanthes trifoliata), a trailing herb of the 

 Gentian family (Gentianaceee) ; it is one of our most beautiful 

 native plants, growing abundantly in marshy places and by the 

 sides of streams. It possesses strong medicinal properties, the 

 leaves being extremely bitter. An infusion of them is a 

 favourite domestic remedy in rheumatism, and is employed 

 by regular practitioners in fevers. They have been used as a 

 substitute for hops ; but they give bitterness without any 

 accompanying aroma. 



Buckthorn, represented in this country by several species of 

 the genus Bhamnus, typical of the Buckthorn family (Eham- 

 nacese). With the exception of B. Alaternus, they are rude, stift- 

 branched, somewhat spiny shrubs, seldom exceeding 10 feet iu 

 height. 



