PRIMULACEAE PRIMULA 



677 



Fig. 388. Persian Cyclamen (Cyclamen). Frequently cultivated 

 in greenhouses. (From American Agriculturist.) 



Poisonous properties. This plant is especially common on the Pacific Coast, 

 where it is well known as "Poison weed," and according to Prof. Chesnut, is 

 suspected of having caused the death of a horse at Santa Ana. It contains the 

 glucoside cyclamin C 2 _H 42 O }2 , and a saponin-like substance, also a pepsin-like 

 ferment. According to Hyams, the fluid extract in 4 drachm doses is fatal to 

 dogs. 



Primula, L. 



Perennial scapose herbs, producing a tuft of basal leaves; flowers dimor 

 phous, umbellate, or in bracted racemose whorls; calyx tubular, angled, 5-cleft, 

 persistent; corolla funnelform or salverform ; tube longer than the calyx; 

 stamens 5, included ; capsule many-seeded, splitting at the top into 5 or 10 

 valves. About 150 species, mostly in the northern hemisphere. This species is 

 rather rare in eastern North America, but one species, (P. Parry/), is abundant 

 in higher altitudes of the Rocky Mountains, and is suspected of being poisonous. 



Primula obconica. Hance. Primrose 



Leaves all radical and ovate-cordate ; slender scapes 6-12 inches long ; flow- 

 ers blush-lilac or purple, frequently drooping ; calyx saucer-shaped and shallow ; 

 petals deeply notched, obconical. 



Distribution. Native to China, but frequently cultivated in greenhouses. 



