PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 143 



emetic properties. Several active principles have been isolated. Poi- 

 sonous. (U. S. D.) 



738. Roccela tinctoria A. Orchil. Cudbear. Litmus. Lichenes. 

 This lichen is rare in California ; abundant in Lower California. It 



was at one time a most important article in the dyeing industry. 



739. Romenya coulter! H. California tree poppy. Matillija poppy. 

 Papaveracece. 



Well known native ornamental plants of southern California, with 

 large showy flowers; very extensively cultivated in the State. There 

 are several varieties or species. (R. coulter! Harv., and R. trichocolyx 

 Eastwood.) The Indians of Lower California prized the curative 

 powers of these plants very highly. 



740. Rosa species and varieties. Roses. Rosacece. 



Every one who has resided in California knows in what profusion 

 roses grow throughout the State. The Attar of rose (oil of rose) yield- 

 ing species and varieties would thrive fully as well as others. Attempts 

 should be made to introduce the best attar varieties from Turkey, Bul- 

 garia, France and other countries. No doubt the fragrance of some 

 of the more suitable varieties could be increased by crossing, artificial 

 selection and by special culture methods. The cultivation of the attar 

 yielding roses and manufacture of the oil should be studied at Kizanlik, 

 Bulgaria, and in other attar producing countries, as a preparation to 

 begin similar enterprises in California. The late Dr. A. P. Whittell 

 experimented with roses near Los Gatos some years since, producing 

 a fine quality of attar. It is stated that a good quality of attar of 

 rose has been obtained in California from the "American Beauty" rose, 

 which is very fragrant. The Kizanlik oil of rose is worth six dollars 

 per ounce. It is frequently adulterated. 



The petals of Rosa gallica and varieties and the undeveloped buds of 

 R. centifolia have market value. 



741. Rosa californica. Rosacece. 



A large plant attaining a height of ten feet or more. The tender 

 shoots are made into a tea. The old straight wood is used for arrow 

 shafts by the Indians. The leaves and petals are rich in tannin and 

 possess astringent properties. 



742. Rosmarinus officinalis L. Rosemary. Labiatce. 



A well-known plant cultivated every where. Used as a stimulating 

 tonic. Yields rosemary oil. Well known medicinally. 



The statements made under lavender also apply here. The flowers 

 are worth about ninety-five cents per pound and the oil about $1.50 per 

 pound. The oil is used principally in perfumery, ointments, liniments 

 and lotions. (See Mentha and Lavendula.) 



