134 PH ARM AC AL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 



pentine, which was used medicinally in the time of Hippocrates. 

 P. vera may be grafted on P. terebinthus. 



656. Pittosporum species. Coffee trees. Pittosporacece. 

 Handsome ornamental trees from Australia. The seeds are enclosed 



in a resinous exudate, which should be studied more carefully. 



657. Pittosporum undulatum Nutt. Pittosporacece. 



The blossoms of this tree yield a volatile oil, having the odor of jas- 

 mine flowers. 



658. Plagiobothrys campestris Greene. Snowdrop. Boraginacece. 



The tender shoots, flowers and seeds of this plant are eaten. A col- 

 oring substance is found in the young leaves resembling that obtained 

 from Alkanna tinctoria. This substance is also found in other species, 

 notably in P. ursinus of California. (Pammel and Norton, Ninth An- 

 nual Report of the Mo. Bot. Gardens, pp. 149-151.) (Contrib. U. S. 

 Nat. Herb. 7:382.) 



659. Plagiobothrys (Eritrichium) nothafulvus Gray. Boragi- 

 nacece. 



Indians use the roots in preparing a red face paint. May prove of 

 commercial value. (U. S. Geog. Surv. Wheeler's Report Bot. 6:47.) 



660. Plantago species. Plantains. Plantaginacece. 

 Introduced, and native species are common. They are reported to 



have diuretic properties. The Indians eat the seeds of P. patagonica 

 nuda Gray. P. patagonica calif ornica is said to be poisonous. (Calif. 

 Geol. Surv. Bot. 2:478.) 



661. Plantago major L. Plantain. Plantaginacece. 



Infusion of leaves used as gargle in diphtheria. Poultices made from 

 leaves for reducing swellings from poisonous insect bites. 



662. Podophyllum peltatum L. May apple. Berberidacece. 



This small woodland plant of the Eastern States and Canada could 

 no doubt be introduced into California. It requires rich, shady soil. 

 Well known medicinally. 



663. Pogogyne parviflora Benth. Labiatce. 



A fragrant herb used much like Yerba Buena. The leaves placed 

 in houses are said to drive away fleas and other pests. Used as a tea, 

 as a counter-irritant in colic, etc. 



664. Polygala species. Polygalacece. 



Most of the species contain a bitter principle and are used medicinally. 

 The native species are woody perennials. P. senega is not found in 

 the State, although it could no doubt be cultivated. (Cal. Geol. Surv. 

 Bot. 1:58-59.) 



