110 PHAEMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 



rata constitute the jalap of the market. The leaves of I. maritima 

 are used in the form of fomentations applied to the enlarged joints 

 of scrofulous patients. 



450. Ipomoeia hederacea Jacq. Convolvulacece. 



A native of Japan. Cultivated as an ornamental plant in California. 

 Contains a resinous principle, perhaps identical with convolvulin. 

 Has decided laxative properties. 



451. Iris species. Iridacece. 



Many introduced species are found in the State, including I. ger- 

 manica, I, versicolor, I. florentina. Readily cultivated. Requires 

 rich, moist soil. The dried and peeled roots of I. florentina are known 

 in the drug market as orris root; they have a fragrant violet-like 

 odor, much used in tooth powders, sachet powders, perfumes, etc. 

 I. versicolor is much used in cattle powders. Has cathartic and 

 diuretic properties. (II. S. Disp.) 



The following species are native and should be more carefully 

 studied as to properties and constituents: I. longipetala, I. douglasi- 

 ana, I. macrosiphon. 



452. Iris macrosiphon Torr. Ground iris, wild damiana. Iridacece. 

 Found in the coast ranges from San Mateo to Trinity County. 

 Held in great esteem by Spanish and Mexicans as an aphrodisiac 



and emmenagogue. 



453. Isatis tinctoria L. Dyers weed. Criwiferce. 



Thrives in cultivation. Escaped from cultivation. Leaves yield an 

 indigo dye and have been used medicinally in jaundice, scurvy and 

 in other complaints. 



To obtain the dye, the leaves are ground, made into a paste, placed 

 in heaps and allowed to ferment. (U. S. Disp.) 



454. Isopyrum occidentale H. and A. Ranunculacece. 



Rare. Perhaps contains alkaloids like those of I. thalictroides. 

 (Am. Journ. Pharm. 44: 453.) 



455. Jasminum species. Jasmine. Oleacece. 



Extensively cultivated as ornamental plants. The flowers yield the 

 oil of jasmine, which is used only as a perfume. The oil is obtained 

 by placing the flowers with alternating layers of cotton in the sun. 

 The oil is taken up by the cotton and expressed. Distilling destroys 

 the aroma. 



456. Jateorhiza palmata Miers. Calumba. Columbo. Menisfer- 

 macece. 



An introduced plant, native of Africa. Well known medicinally; 

 readily cultivated. (U. S. Disp.) 



