PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 153 



823. Torreya californica Greene. California nutmeg. Coniferce. 

 The seeds of this handsome tree resembles the nutmegs in form, size 



and markings. They are pungent and astringent, and have been used 

 to adulterate true nutmeg. The green leaves have an odor resembling 

 t of the tomato vine. The white fresh portion of the seeds has a 

 nd taste, recalling that of the meat of the cocoanut. The roasted 

 s are aromatic and taste something like peanuts. Eaten by Indians. 

 Contrib. U. S. Nat. Herb. 7: 305.) (Journ. Am. Chem. Soc. 17: 

 5-941, 1895.) 



824. Torula (Saccharomyces) cerevisae Turpin. Yeast. 



This and related species and varieties constitute the omnipresent yeast 

 rganisms which convert sugar into alcohol and carbolic acid gas and 

 several minor side products. These minute organisms are active in all 

 alcoholic fermentations and are employed in making beer, root beer, 

 bread, etc. The yeast cake of the grocer consists of a pure culture of 

 the organisms, dried and pressed. Yeast fomentations and poultices 

 are much used in swellings, boils, skin diseases, etc. There is an 

 extended literature on the uses of the yeast organisms in commerce, in 

 arts, in the household and in manufacture. (Proc. A. Ph. A. 9: 91, 

 1860.) 



825. Trichostema lanatum Benth. Romero. Woolly blue-curls. 

 Labiatce. 



Found in southern California. Used as a cosmetic and as an applica- 

 tion to old sores and to inflamed tissues. The Spaniards of California 

 look upon this plant as a panacea for many ills. 



826. Trichostema lanceolatum Gray. Vinegar weed. Tar weed. 

 Labiatce. 



Occurs in western California. Very rank odor; poisonous; much 

 used as a fish poison. A leaf infusion is used as an application to cure 

 headaches. Also used as a wash in typhoid fever. (Contrib. U. S. Nat. 

 Herb. 7: 385.) 



827. Trifolium species. Clovers. Leguminosce. 



There are many native and introduced species and varieties. The 

 Indians use the flowers, seeds and leaves of several species as food. 

 Medicinally these plants are reputed to have blood-purifying properties. 

 The flower heads of red clover are used in the preparation of a quack 

 cancer remedy. A more careful investigation of constituent and 

 physiological action would be desirable. (Proc. A. Ph. A. 29 : 222, 1881.) 



828. Trigonella fcenumgrsecum L. Fenugreek. Leguminosce. 



A well-known medicinal plant which thrives well in the State of Cali- 

 fornia. Never given internally; used in emollient applications, plas- 

 ters, poultices, etc. Much used in veterinary practice. 



