130 PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 



618. Parthenium integrifolium L. Prairie dock. Composites. 



An infusion of this plant is used as a substitute for quinine in the 

 treatment of fever and ague. It is used by the Indians as well as set- 

 tlers. (Am. Journ. Pharm., pp. 494-495, 1882.) 



619. Paullinia pinnata L. ' ' Timbo. ' ' Sapindacece. 



This plant is used medicinally in certain portions of the United 

 States. It enjoys a considerable reputation and has received much atten- 

 tion on the part of students of materia medica. (Proc. A. Ph. A. 25: 

 189, 1877.) 



620. Pectis augustifolia Torr. Composite. 



A small composite with intensely fragrant flowers, odor of essence 

 of lemon. This and one other species appears to have a special action 

 on the salivary glands. (U. S. Geog. Surv. Wheeler's Eep. Bot. 3: 

 608, and 6:46.) 



621. Pectis papposa H. and G. Composite. 



Lemon odor like that of the preceding species. May prove of great 

 value as a source of desirable extract for the use of the confectioner 

 (U. S. Geog. Surv. Wheeler's Rep. Bot. 6:46.) 



622. Pelargonium odoratissimum Ait. Rose geranium. Nutmeg 

 geranium. Geraniacece. 



Extensively cultivated as a fragrant ornamental plant. The oil ob- 

 tained from the leaves is much used as an adulterant of attar of rose, 

 and is also used in the manufacture of perfumery. Three species are 

 said to contain the fragrant oil, P. roseum, P. capitatum and the above. 



623. Perezia microcaphala Gray. Composites. 



A root decoction is used in the treatment of asthma, as a throat wash, 

 as a laxative, etc. The plant is found along the coast, from Monterey 

 to San Diego. 



624. Perezia nana Gray. Composite. 



This and other species enjoy a use similar to the above. (Proc. A. 

 Ph. A. 32:149-155, 1884.) 



625. Persea gratissima Gaertner. Alligator pear. Lauracece. 



A native of tropical America which thrives well in the southern por- 

 tions of the State. The pulp of this fruit is highly prized as an ingre- 

 dient of salad dressings. Mexicans used the seed as an anthelmintic, 

 and in the form of a liniment in the treatment of neuralgia. 



626. Persica vulgaris Miller. Peach. Rosacece. 



A well-known fruit tree extensively cultivated throughout the State. 

 The leaves are laxative and sedative, due to the hydrocyanic acid pres- 

 ent. Have been used in the treatment of whooping cough and in blad- 

 der irritation. Flowers are laxative and are used as a vermicide. 



