428 29. CALCITIIAPA STELLATA. [CL. XIX. 



Lohel Hist. 482. ic. 2. 11. J. Bank, Hist 3. 89. Gcr, 

 ernac. 1166. C. Bauh. Pin. 387. Zann. IsL t. 155. 



Carduus muricalus, Clus. Hist. 2. 7. 



? Myacanthus Theophr., Dalech, 1473. 



Spina Stella, Tabcrn. 1080. 



Calcitrapa vulgaris, Parle. Theatr. 969. 



Hippophaestum, Colum. Phytob. t. 24. 



Ccntaurea Calcitrapa, Linn. Hort. Ups. 273. Willd. Sp. 

 PL 3. 2317. Engl. Bot. 125. Stimn. 4. 



llhaponticum Calcitrapa, Scop. Cai'n. n. 1018. 



Calcitrapa stellata. Lam. Fl. Franc^. 2. 34. 



Calcitrapa Hippophaestum, Gdrtn. Friict. 2. 376. t. 163. 



Geographical Distribution. 



This plant is a proof of the principle laid down, p. 399. 

 that, in the same latitude, the temperature diminishes towards 

 the east ; and that hence southern plants grow at a higher 

 latitude in the west than in the east. This plant does not 

 grow in Germany beyond 52° N. Lat. In England, again, 

 it is found as far as Yorkshire, (54°). Eastward from Ger- 

 rnany it seems to have a still more southern limit, since it has 

 not once been found in Galicia, although it grows in Hun- 

 gary and Transylvania. But towards the south it extends 

 as far as Peloponnesus and Sicily. 



Uses. 



Formerly this plant was celebrated for its medicinal powers. 

 The root was used in decoctions as a diuretic, of which use, 

 in particular, Tournefort {Hist, des Plantes aux Env. dc 

 Paris, p. 12, 13.) has adduced proofs. 



