PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 147 



pepper assumes a reddish color on ripening, but otherwise there is no 

 similarity. All parts of the plant are rich in a gum, which is used 

 medicinally by the Peruvians. It is said to be used in diseases of the 

 eye and to harden the gums. (H. A. Wessel, The Pepper Tree of Cali- 

 fornia, Cal. Coll. of Pharm. Thesis, 1904.) 



S. terebinthifolius, also a native of South America, is far less com- 

 lon, but is otherwise similar. 



771. Scopola carniolica Jaq. Scopola. Solanacece. 



The plant does not occur in the State. A valuable newer remedy, 

 iving properties nearly identical with those of belladonna. The drug 

 official. The rhizomes and leaves are used. Poisonous. Resembles 

 illadonna in appearance and may be cultivated like that plant. For 

 time it was believed that it would be used as the equal to belladonna, 



)ut thus far it does not seem to meet with favor among physicians nor 

 long pharmaceutical manufactures. (Proc. A. Ph. A. 47: 285-297, 



L899.) (U. S. D.) 



772. Scorzonella (Microseris) maxima Biot. Compass plant. Com- 

 mtce. 



The bitter roots are eaten by the Indians. The gum from the milky 

 juice is used as chewing gum. (Contrib. U. S. Nat. Herb. 7: 391.) 



773. Scrophularia nodosa L. Figwort. Scrofula plant. Scrophu- 

 triacece. 



A European plant naturalized in the United States. The leaves are 

 *ed in scrofula, as a tonic, diuretic, diaphoretic and as a local applica- 

 tion in hemorrhoids. The native species require further study as to 

 lemical constituents and as to medicinal properties. 



774. Scutellaria californica Gray. Skullcap. Labiatce. 



The leaves are very bitter, and the Indians are said to have used them 

 a substitute for quinine. Two other species are quite common in 

 le coast ranges and Sierras (S. tuberosa Benth. and S. augustifolia 

 irsh.) Require further study. 



775. Sechium edule. Choco. Vegetable pear. Cucurbitacece. 



A Central American plant which thrives well in California. The large 

 tarchy roots are eaten; likewise the rather large fruits, which may be 

 >repared like summer squash. The plant is very prolific, a hundred or 

 lore fruits ripening on one plant in one season. 



77i J. Sedum species. Stone crop. Grassulacece. 

 The European species are much used in popular medicines ; valued in 

 ie treatment of ulcers, wounds, warts, dysentery, lung troubles, etc. 

 native species require further study. 



