BISTORT. 



71 



in a terminal, dense, cylindrical spike ; each flower is sup- 

 ported on a very short stalk, with shining, serrate, membranous 

 bracteae at the base. The perianth (calyx) is of a light rose 

 colour, and divided into five deep persistent segments. The 

 stamens are eight, tapering, longer than the perianth, with pur- 

 ple anthers. The germen is superior, triangular, supporting 

 three filiform styles, each terminated by a small, slightly capi- 

 tate stigma. The fruit is a triangular, pointed nut, containing 

 a single seed, and surrounded by the persistent calyx. Plate 

 6, fig. 3, (a) two flowers of unequal length, detached from the 

 spike, with the membranous bractefe at the base ; (ft) the pistil ; 

 (c) the ripe fruit, accompanied with the persistent calyx. 



Bistort is a native of Switzerland, the south of France, 

 Germany, Holland, Siberia, and Japan, and is found abundantly 

 in moist meadows in various parts of Britain. It flowers m 

 June. 



The name of the genus is taken from iroKvg, many, and yovu, a 

 joint, in allusion to the numerous joints of the stem. The term 

 Bistorta is compounded of bis, twice, and tortus, twisted, expres- 

 sive of the figure of the root. 



Qualities and general Uses.— Most parts of this plant 

 are applied to useful purposes. Cattle in general are fond of it, 

 though horses refuse it. The seeds have been used as food for 

 birds and poultry. The young leaves and shoots were formerly 

 eaten in herb puddings, and boiled as greens in the north of 

 England, where the plant goes by the name of Easter-giant and 

 Patience-dock. The root, however, is the most valuable part 

 of the plant, and few indigenous vegetables possess greater 

 astringency. It has been found to contain a large proportion 

 of tannin and gallic acid ; oxalic acid was also detected in it by 

 Scheele. 



After repeated washings, the root of bistort loses its styptic 

 qualities, and affords a considerable quantity of foecula, resem- 

 bling starch, which in many northern countries, especially 

 Russia, is mixed with wheaten flour and made into bread. 



Medical Properties and Uses. — This plant has fallen into 

 undeserved neglect in modern days. Dr. Cullen observes, 

 " Both by its sensible quaUties, and by the colour it gives with 

 green vitriol, and by the extracts it affords, Bistort seems to be 

 one of the strongest of our vegetable astringents. As such we 



