376 . Select Plants for Industrial Culture and 



Podophyllum peltatum, Linne.* 



Eastern North-America, where it is known as the Mandrake. 

 , Hardy in Christiania. A perennial forest-herb of importance for 

 medicinal purposes. The root contains the bitter resinous podo- 

 phyllin. American physicians recommend it as a drastic purgative, 

 cholagogue and hepatic stimulant. Podophyllum Emodi (Wallich), 

 occurring in the Indian mountains at heights of from 6,000 to 

 14,000 feet, can probably be used like the American species. The 

 berries of both are edible, though the root and leaves are poisonous. 

 A third species, P. pleianthum, has been described by Dr. Hance, 

 from Formosa. 



Pog-ostemon Patchouli, Pelletier. 



Mountains of India. A perennial herb, famed for its powerful 

 scent, arising from a volatile oil. P. parviflorus and P. Heyneanus 

 (Bentham) belong to this, species. One cwt. of the herb yields 

 about 28 ounces oil [Piesse] ; but the essence is chiefly obtained by 

 enfleurage. 



Polianthes tuberosa. Linne. 



Mexico. The Tuberose. Valuable for perfume. Available late 

 in the season ; thus one of the plants most required, to maintain 

 garden- fragrance in serene climes through the course of the year. 

 The gathering of flowers of " Tubereuses " at Grasse, Cannes and 

 adjacent villages alone comes annually to about 20,000 Ibs. [Piesse]. 

 The price is about Is. per Ib. [Daruty]. The scent is best extracted 

 by Blogg's methyl-process, mentioned under Jasminum grandi- 

 florum. The double-flowering state of this plant preferable for 

 distillation. 



Polyg-ala crotalarioides, Hamilton. 



Temperate Himalaya and Khasia. Praised as an ophidian alexi- 

 pharmic. To several other species both of the eastern and western 

 hemisphere similar properties are ascribed ; but we are almost 

 entirely without any reliable medical testimony on these and many 

 other supposed vegetable antidotes against snake-poison. Doubt- 

 less this small perennial herb possesses therapeutic virtues like 

 many of its congeners. 



The Senega Snake-Root. Eastern North-America. A perennial 

 herb. The root is of medicinal value, and about 100,000 Ibs. of it 

 are required annually. 



Polygaster Sampadarius, Fries. 



South-Eastern Asia. One of the most palatable, of all truffles. 



