700 



D1PSACACE/E. 



[Epigynous Exogens. 



tube is entirely distinct from the ovarium. This kind of partial cohesion between pistil- 

 lum and calyx is directly opposite to what usually takes place, namely, the base of the 

 ovarium being coherent, while its upper is distinct. It ecpially, however, determines 

 the apparent origin or insertion of corolla and stamina, producing the unexpected 

 combination of ' flos superus ' with ' ovarium liberum.' " — Linn. Trans. 12. 138. 



The species are chiefly natives of the south of Europe, Barbary, the Levant, and 

 the Cape of Good Hope ; not affecting particular stations in any striking degree, 

 except that they generally shun cold, and do not attain much elevation above the sea. 



Their properties are unimportant. The Teazel used by fullers in dressing cloth is 

 the dried head of Dipsacus Fullonum, bristling with hard, stiff, spiny bracts. Some of 

 the species are reputed febrifugal. Scabiosa succisa is said to yield a green dye, and 

 also to be astringent enough to deserve the attention of tanners. The leaves of the 

 common Teazel are united at their base so as to form round the stem a hollow hi which 

 water collects ; heuce the plant was called Atipcucos or thirsty, and also obtained the 

 name of Venus' Bath; and the superstitious fancied that the water thus collected from 

 rains and dews was good for bleared eyes. 



GENERA. 



Morina, Toumef. 



Diototheca, Vaill. 



Asaphes, Spreny. 

 Dipsacus, Tournff. 



Galcdragon, Gray. 



Cephalaria, Schracl. 

 Lepicephalus , Lagase. 

 Cerionanthus, Scliott. 

 Succisa, Vaill. 

 l'i/cnoco»wn, Wallr. 



Knautia, L. 



Trlchera, Schrad. 

 Pterocephalus, Vaill. 

 Scabiosa, Horn et Schiilt. 



Askroccpludus, Vaill. 



Sclerostemma, Schott. 

 Spongostcmma, ltchb. 

 Succisa, Coult. 

 Columbaria, Thuill. 



Numbers. Gen. 6. Sp. 150. 

 Position. — Asteracese. — Dipsacaoe.e. — Valcrianacere. 



