132 PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 



639. Phoradendron species. Mistletoe. Loranthacece. 



The mistletoes occur abundantly on the junipers. The dried plant, 

 powdered and mixed with a little flour, is sprinkled on the saddle sores 

 of horses. 



640. Phoradendron flavescens Nutt. Mistletoe. Loranthacece. 

 Found upon oaks and the buckeye. The Indians state that the plants 



found upon the buckeye are very useful medicinally. Used in the 

 treatment of toothache, for which purpose the leaves are chewed. 

 (Contrib. U. S. Nat. Herb. 7: (III), 344.) (Bull. Tor. Bot. Club 31: 

 435-443, 1904.) 



641. Physalis alkekengi L. Alkekengi. Winter cherry. Solan- 

 acece. 



A native of Southern Europe, cultivated in the United States. The 

 berries, which are eaten, have laxative and diuretic properties, and are 

 used in the treatment of fever. 



642. Phragmites vulgaris Lam. Graminece. 



Rich in sugar. The stalks are eaten as a substitute for sugar cane 

 stalks. 



643. Phytolacca decandra L. Poke root. Phytolaccacece. 



Well known medicinally. Easily cultivated in the State of Cali- 

 fornia. (See text-books on Materia Medica and U. S. D.) 



644. Phytolacca dioica. Poke root. Phytolaccacece. 

 Well-known medicinal plant. P. acinosa of Japan is well known 



for its diuretic and poisonous properties. Other species are found in 

 the State. 



645. Pimpinella anisum L. Anise. Umbelliferce. 



This plant thrives exceedingly well throughout the State. It could 

 undoubtedly be cultivated profitably. The plant is well known and 

 requires no further description. 



646. Pinus species. Pines. Evergreens. Coniferce. 



The pines are well represented in the State of California. There 

 are many native as well as introduced species. The resinous exudate 

 of the partially burned basal parts of P. lambertiana Dougl., loses its 

 resinous qualities and becomes sweet, resembling manna for which it 

 is sometimes substituted. This resin is said to have cathartic proper- 

 ties. The seeds from the immense cones are eaten by the Indians. In 

 fact, pine seeds constitute a very important article of diet of the Cali- 

 fornia Indians. Pine pitch is used in making and repairing canoes, 

 tents, and in fastening arrow feathers, arrow heads, etc. The dry 

 powdered resin is used as a dusting powder for sores and ulcers. Set- 

 tlers mix the resin with corn meal and apply as a poultice to produce 



