ALEXANDERS. 15 



rets in the centre bear only stamens. The calyx is very small, 

 and scarcely perceptible. The petals are five, ovate-lanceolate, 

 entire, incurved at the points. Stamens five. Germen inferior, 

 with two simple styles and stigmata. Fruit of two indehiscent pe- 

 ricarps or carpels, somewhat crescent-shaped, channelled, nearly 

 black when ripe. Plate II., fig. 1., («) floret ; (6) fruit ; (c) the 

 fruit cut transversely. 



Alexanders is generally found in waste places near the sea, and 

 not unfrequently about inland towns. It is very abundant on 

 the western coast, and in the south-western part of the isle of 

 Anglesea. From its being often met with in the vicinity of 

 the ruins of abbeys, &c., we may infer that it was held in great 

 esteem by the monks. It flowers in May and June, and the 

 seeds ripen in August. 



This plant appears to have derived its name Smyrnium from 

 o-juupva, myrrh, in allusion to the scent of its juice, whicli smells 

 like myrrh, as observed by Pliny. It takes its specific name 

 from olus, a pot-herb, and atrum, black, probably from the dark 

 colour of the fruit. The English name Alexanders is a cor- 

 ruption of Olusatrum, or, as some think, derived from Alex- 

 andria in Egypt, whence it was supposed to have been originally 

 brought. 



General Properties and Uses. — Alexanders was formerly 

 cultivated in our gardens as a culinary herb, but it is now al- 

 most supplanted by the celery, which it somewhat resembles 

 in flavour. It was cultivated much in the same manner as celery, 

 and like it, was dug up for use in autumn and winter. The 

 leaves too were boiled in broths and soups. It is an aromatic 

 herb, but too strong and pungent to be agreeable. 



Medical Properties. — The root and seeds of this plant are 

 reputed diuretic and emmenagogue. Dioscorides affirms, that 

 the latter are good for such as are afflicted with dropsy. 



The seeds powdered are said to be highly carminative : taken 

 in the dose of from half a drachm to a drachm in a glass of 

 wine, they dispel wind, relieve strangury, and promote the 

 menses. The expressed juice of the leaves has been highly 

 extolled as a specific in gravel and diseases of the urinary pas- 

 sages, taken in the quantity of from three to six ounces mixed 

 with white wine. 



