PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 121 



541. Mentha species. Mints. Labiatce. 



The mints are readily cultivated and are common as garden herbs 

 They yield oil and are well known medicinally. Mint culture is profit- 

 able if properly conducted on a large scale. Cultivated in various 

 states, as Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, some of the southern 

 states and elsewhere. (Proc. A. Ph. A. 30: 171, 1882.) 



542. Mentha piperita L. Peppermint. Labitce. 



This and other species and varieties of peppermint can readily be 

 cultivated in the State, especially in the coast regions. ^See Chap. III.) 

 Well known medicinally. Yields oil and menthol, which have a good 

 market demand. (Schimmel & Co.'s Report for Oct., 1897.) (U. S. D. 

 and Materia Medicas.) 



Mentha pulegium L. (European Pennyroyal.) Can readily be cul- 

 tivated. The oil (oil of Poley) contains pulegine and is said to be 

 extensively used to produce abortion, although such action is denied 

 by some authorities. No longer used by physicians. 



M. spicata L. is the spearmint, which is much used as a condiment, 

 etc. Well known medicinally. (U. S. D. and Materia Medicas.) 



543. Mentzelia affinis Green. Loasacece. 



Said to be poisonous to sheep, though death of animals is ascribed 

 to the formation of ' ' clover hair balls ' ' in the intestines and not to any 

 poisonous principle that might be present. Requires further study. 



544. Mentzelia laevicaulis T. and G. Blazing star. Loasa. Loa- 

 sacece. 



A leaf decoction used in colic and as a wash in skin diseases. (Con- 

 trib. U. S. Nat. Herb. 7: No. 3, 369.) 



545. Menyanthes trifoliata L. Buckbean. March trefoil. Gen- 

 iianacece. 



A native of the boggy lands of California, said to have become exter- 

 minated in certain areas. Has enjoyed a wide, popular, medicinal use in 

 intermittent fevers, scrofula, scurvy, rheumatism, jaundice, dropsy, etc. 

 Much used as a cathartic. In large doses it causes vomiting. (U. S. D.) 



546. Mesembryanthemum acinaciforme. Ficoidece. 

 Used medicinally by Indians. Fruit is eaten. 



547. Mesembryanthemum secquilaterale Howarth. Fig marigold. 

 Sea fig. Faculty onion. Ficoidece. 



Common along the dunes and cliffs near the sea. Cultivated as an 

 ornamental and lawn plant, in parks, etc. Flowers are fragrant Fruit 

 is eaten by children and others. The taste recalls salted apples. Used 

 medicinally by Indians and Spaniards. Has demulcent and diuretic 

 properties. 



