PLANTS. 303 



in all countries lying within the south temperate zone, 

 Southern Europe, etc. The Jalap of the shops is the 

 product of the root of the Exogonum purga of Mexico, 

 Scammony of Convol. Scammonia, native of the Levant. 

 The drastic qualities of both depend upon the presence 

 of a peculiar resin. 2f . 



FORTY-SIXTH FAMILY. BORRAGINACEJS. Plants 

 or shrubs, seldom trees with single flowers. (Class 5, 

 Linn.) 



The Forget-me-not (Myosotis palustris), Germ., has 

 a simple, angular stem obtuse, lanceolate leaves- and 

 handsome blue flowers, arranged in hanging clusters. 

 This beautiful plant delights in damp grounds, or by 

 brook sides. Remains fresh a long time after being 

 pulled. Much prized in Europe, where it is sent to 

 friends as a token of remembrance. Scorpion Grass 

 (M. crepitosa), Schultz (a laxa), De Cand., is often mis- 

 taken for it. The latter grows in Canada and the United 

 States. 2. 



Heliotrope (Heliotropium peruvianum). A herbaceous 

 rugous shrub. Is a native of Peru, but, on account of its 

 elegance, cultivated as a green-house plant. Leaves 

 rough, lanceolate, longer than wide. Flowers erect, 

 small, but numerous, very fragrant, white, or- tinged 

 with purple, b . 



Borage (Borago officinalis). Stem branching and 

 hairy; leaves oblong-oval, rough, stalked, and deeply 

 incised ; flowers light-blue. Native of Palestine, but 

 now growing wild in Europe. Leaves and stalks very 

 succulent, and tasting like cucumbers, is eaten as sal- 

 ad. O. 



Lungwort, Hounds-tongue. Wild Comfrey, eto.. 

 United States, belong also to the Borinacese family. 



