207 ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS 



staminodes representing the posterior stamens are sometimes 

 present. Style tapering, exserted, exceeding the upper lip of the 

 corolla, stigma "bifid, the upper lobe very short. Achenes sub- 

 globose, smooth. 



Habitat. A native of the Mediterranean district, and common 

 near the coast in warm dry hilly situations in the whole region 

 from Spain to Asia Minor, being abundant in Northern Africa, 

 and also reaching Madeira and the Canary Islands. 



Eosemary is one of the most ancient of our garden plants, and 

 still a favourite. It flowers in April and May, and is generally 

 hardy through our winters. The wild plant is gathered for use 

 in the South of France, North Italy, &c. 



A remarkable variety from Algeria has much larger flowers on 

 longer stalks, and a very glandular calyx. 



Gren. & Godr., M. France, ii, p. 669 ; Willk. & Lange, Prod. Fl. 

 Hisp., ii, p. 419; Benth., in DC. Prod., xii, p. 360; Lindl., 

 Fl. Med., p. 489. 



Official Parts and Names. OLEUM EOSMARINI ; the oil distilled 

 from the flowering tops (B. P.). The oil obtained by distillation 

 from the flowering tops (I. P.). EOSMARINUS ; the leaves 

 (U. S. P.). 



1. EOSMARINUS. The whole plant has a strong, peculiar, 

 agreeable, aromatic odour, more especially the flowering tops ; 

 and a warm, bitterish, aromatic taste. The properties of rose- 

 mary are more or less impaired by drying ; and if long kept 

 the odour is entirely lost. 



The principal constituents of rosemary are a volatile oil, upon 

 which its properties essentially depend, bitter matter, and tannic 

 acid. 



2. OLEUM EOSMARINI. Production and Commerce. Oil of 

 Eosemary is directed in the British Pharmacopoeia to be dis- 

 tilled from the flowering tops, and the same directions are 

 given in the Pharmacopoeia of India, but in the Pharmacopoeia 

 of the United States the leaves only are official as the source of 

 the oil. Practically, nearly all the oil of commerce is distilled 



