PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 135 



665. Polygala boykinii Xutt. Polygalacece. 



This plant is said to have the properties of the Southern senega. 

 (Proc. A. Ph. A. 30:1882.) 



666. Polygala senega L. Senega. The true senega is becoming 

 somewhat rare, and its culture would undoubtedly prove a success finan- 

 cially. It requires fairly rich moist soil. 



667. Polygonatum multiflorum Ell. Solomon's Seal. Liliacece. 



A European plant found everywhere in and out of cultivation. The 

 irries and flowers are poisonous. Formerly much used in skin dis- 

 ses and as a cosmetic. (U. S. D.) 



668. Polygonum amphibium L. Polygonacece. 



Used in tanning in the Western States ; said to contain 18 per centum 

 >f tannin. Used as a substitute for true sarsaparilla. 



669. Polygonum aviculare L. Yard grass. Goose grass. Poly- 

 lacece. 



A very common weed in fields and yards. A decoction of this plant 

 lixed with oak bark is used as an astringent, by Indians as well as 

 whites. Used in kidney diseases. The fibrous roots are used as a sub- 

 ;itute for quinine. The seeds are said to be emetic and cathartic. 

 (Contrib. U. S. Nat. Herb. 7:3, 345.) 



670. Polygonum hydropiper L. Smartweed. Water pepper. 

 *olygonacece. 



A yellow dye is obtained from this plant, which is used commercially 

 in Europe. Used medicinally in the treatment of chronic ulcer and in 

 :idney diseases. 



671. Polygonum multiflorum. Polygonacece. 



The roots of this plant are eaten raw ; said to become bitter on boiling, 



672. Polygonum nodosum Pers. Polygonacece. 

 This plant resembles P. hydropiper. 



673. Polygonum punctatum Ell. Dotted smart weed. Polygo- 

 icece. 



Properties and uses like those of P. hydropiper. (Proc. A. Ph. A. 

 :147, 1879.) 



674. Polypodium californicum Kaulf. Polypody fern. (Polypo- 



Filices. 



The juice of this plant is used by Indians in the treatment of rheu- 

 matism and to rub on sores. An extract is used in the treatment of 

 >re eyes. (Contrib. U. S. Nat. Herb. 7: 303.) 



