538 



A TEXT-BOOK OF BOTANY. 



somewhat acrid. The drug contains an acrid, saponin-Uke gluco- 

 side, leontin ; a crystalHne alkaloid, caulophylline ; two resins ; and 

 starch. For analysis of the seeds see Chem. A^ezvs, 1908, p. 180. 



Podophyllum peltatmn or May apple is the source of the official 

 podophyllum. This is an early, herbaceous, low, perennial plant 

 forming large patches by reason of its long dichotomously branch- 



Fig. 300. A group of transplanted plants, showing in the upper portion 

 a fruiting plant of blue cohosh {CaidophylUim thalictroides). 



ing rhizome (Fig. 182). It forms two kinds of branches, one 

 bearing a single, peltate, 5- to 7-lobed leaf ; and another bearing 

 in the axil of two similar leaves a white flower which gives rise 

 to a large, yellowish, ovoid berry which is edible. 



d. MENISPERMACE^ OR MOONSEED FAMILY.— 

 The plants are climbing or twining, herbaceous or woody vines 

 with simple, entire or lobed leaves and small, greenish-white dice- 



