PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 137 



684. Potentilla glandulosa nevadensis Wats. Eosacece. 



A decoction of the stem and leaves is used in the treatment of head- 

 ache and stomach-ache. Its value is undoubtedly due to its astringent 

 properties. (U. S. D.) 



685. Potentilla reptans L. Cinquefoil. Eosacece. 



This European plant and the American P. canadensis L. have been 

 id as astringents in dysentery, catarrhs, etc. 



686. Prinos (Ilex) verticillata Gray. Black alder. Aquifoliacece. 

 A shrubby tree extensively cultivated. Well known medicinally. 



e bark, and occasionally the berries, are used as a tonic and astringent 

 the treatment of dysentery. A decoction is used as an application 

 ulcers. 



687. Prosopis (Algarobia) juliflora C. Leguminosce. 



Indians mix the gum from this plant with mud and apply it to the 

 lead to kill lice and other parasites. A blue stain from the leaves and 

 *uit is used as a face paint. The fruit is eaten. 



The gum, which resembles gum arabic, has commercial value. The 

 jeds are rich in grape sugar (30 per cent) and are used as food for 

 ittle. Indians prepare an alcoholic drink from the seeds. 

 The pods and seeds are made into a meal and eaten by the Indians, 

 id also form an excellent fodder for horses. It is reported that con- 

 fectioners use large quantities of the gum, and that it promises to be 

 of enormous value commercially. P. pubescens is similarly used. 

 (Proc. A. Ph. A. 27:253-255, 1879.) (U. S. Geog. Surv. 3:607.) 

 (U. S. Geog. Surv. Wheeler's Rep. Bot. 6:42.) (Wiesner's Roh- 

 toffa 1.) 



688. Prunus species. Eosacece. 



Useful fruit trees, common everywhere. Seeds, leaves and other parts 

 of these trees contain hydrocyanic acid to which they owe their medic- 

 inal properties. Cases of poisoning following the eating of fruits and 

 seeds (kernels) have been reported. The young wilted foliage of some 

 sherry trees has proven poisonous to cattle. (Cal. Geol. Bot. 1: 166.) 



689. Prunus andersonii Gray. Eosacece. 

 The fruit is eaten by the Coahilla Indians. 



690. Prnuus caroliniana Ait. Laurel cherry. Eosacece. 

 Common in the southern coast States and is cultivated in California. 



Grown as an ornamental plant and as a hedge. The poisonous prin- 

 ciple which it contains requires further study. 



691. Prunus demissa Walp. Western wild cherry. Eosacece. 

 This plant is poisonous. It has tonic and diuretic properties. 



