156 PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 



Readily propagated from cuttings; requires very rich, moist soil and 

 much care in order to develop a good quality of vanilla. Could not be 

 grown in the open, even in the hottest parts of the state. 



847. Veratrum viride Ait. American hellebore. Melanthacece. 



A native of the United States which is very readily cultivated; 

 requires rich, wet, shady ground. The rhizomes and roots are used in 

 nervous excitement, typhoid fever, convulsions, chorea, mania, etc. The 

 rhizomes are worth about twenty-five cents per pound. This plant 

 is closely similar to if not identical with the European hellebore. 

 (V. album). 



Among the native species are V. speciosum Rydb. (False hellebore) 

 V. fimbriatum Gray. These require further study as to constituents 

 and physiological action. 



848. Verbascum thapsus L. Mullein. Indian tobacco. Scrophu- 

 lariacece. 



A large weed, introduced from Europe. Used as an adulterant of 

 and a substitute for tobacco. The ancient Greeks and Romans used the 

 leaves as tallow wicks in funeral torches. An old-time remedy which 

 is but little used at the present time. Given in colds, catarrhs, etc. 



849. Veronica officinalis L. Speedwell. Scrophulariacece. 



A cultivated European plant. It is considered diaphoretic, diuretic, 

 expectorant and tonic. Used in pectoral and nephritic complaints, 

 diseases of the skin, and as an application to wounds. Other species are 

 similarly used. 



850. Viburnum species, Haw. Capri foliacece. 



V. opulus (cramp bark) and V. prunifolium (black haw) are well- 

 known medicinal trees, which occur under cultivation as ornamental 

 plants. 



851. Viola species. Violets. Pansies. Violacece. 



V. tricolor and other species are common. Has emollient and laxa- 

 tive properties ; used in pectoral, kidixey and cutaneous diseases. Medic- 

 inal value doubtful. 



852. Vitis species and varieties. Grapes. Vitacece. 



Numerous varieties extensively cultivated in the State. There is an 

 extensive literature on grape culture and wine manufacture. 



853. Wistaria chinensis D. C. Wistaria. Leguminosce. 



This handsome ornamental climbing plant is very common through- 

 out the State. It contains a crystalline poisonous glucocide (Wistarin). 

 (Pharm. Journ. Trans. Oct. 1886.) 



