KNAPWEED KNOTGRASS, RUSSIAN KOLA. 155 



KNAPWEED. Centaurca nigra, Linn. 



N.O. Composite. 

 Syn. Star Thistle. 



Parts used Root, seeds. 



Action Diuretic, diaphoretic, tonic. 



Distinctive character Readily recognised by the 

 globular flower heads, about 2 inches long and if inch 

 broad, the outer scales of which have blackish appen- 

 dages at the apex with comb-like teeth. Florets 

 purplish, tubular. Fruit without pappus, but surrounded 

 with bristles (paleae). Taste, bitter, slightly saline. 

 Odour, none. 



KNOTGRASS, RUSSIAN. 



Polygonum e rectum, Linn. 



Part used-Herb. N '' Pb>e*- 



Action Astringent. The infusion has been found 

 highly beneficial in diarrhoea and children's summer 

 complaints. 



Distinctive character Stem slender, cylindrical, 

 striated. Leaves narrowly lanceolate, about inch 

 long and ^-^ inch broad, sheathing stipules (ochrea) 

 lanceolate. Seed (nut) triangular, striated, with raised 

 points. Taste, astringent. Odour, none. 



English Knotgrass is Polygonum aviculare, Linn,, and 

 has similar properties to the Russian variety. 



KOLA. Cola vera, Schum. (and other species). 



N.O. Sterculiacea. 



Syn. Sterculia acuminata, Beauv., Kola Nut, Guru 

 Nut, Cola. 



Action Nerve stimulant, diuretic, cardiac tonic. A 

 good general tonic, depending largely for its influence 



