ALISMA WATER PLANTAIN. 2(55 



Sepals G, concave. Stamens 6; filaments linear; anthers reniform. 

 Ovary 2- to 3-cellea, oach cell several-ovuled ; stigma minute. Fruit at 

 length dry, gelatinous inside, 1- to few-seeded. 



A perennial herb with thick, creeping rootstocks, from which are sent 

 up 2-edged leaves and scapes. It flowers early in summer. 



Hahilat. — In wet places ; eommoi' both here and in Europe. 



Part Used.—ThQ rhizome. Official name: Calamus— 6vtiM States 

 Pharmacopipia. 



Constituents.— Ciilamiis has a pungent, bitterish and aromatic taste, and 

 a strong fragrant odor. It contains a small percentage of volatile oil, a 

 bitter princijile, and common vegetable constituents. 



Pi'e2)arations.—ExtraGimn calami fiuidum— fluid extract of Calamus. 



United States Pharmaef/pceia. 



Medical Properties and Uses.— Ci\hmuH is an aromatic which excites a 

 sensation of warmth in the stomach, improves the appetite, and a-'ds diges- 

 tion. It is used chiefly as an adjuvant of other more powerful remedies. 



ALISMACE/E. 



Marsh herbs with scape-like flowering stems, and perfect or monoe- 

 cious flowers. Sepals and petals 3, distinct. Stamens G, hypogynous. 

 Ovaries 3 to many, distinct or partly so, and, if united, separating at matu- 

 rity into three 1- or 2-SGeded pods or achenia. 



An order comprising two sul)-order3, only one of which, Alismea; has 

 medicinal sj)ecies. 



ALISMA.— Water Plantain. 



Alisma plantago Linno (var. Americanum Gfray).— Water Plan- 

 tain. 



Description.— FlowevB perfect, numerous, on compound paniculate 

 scapes. Sepals 3, green, persistent. Petals 3, involute in the bud, Avhite, 

 deciduous. Stamens commonly 6. Ovaries many, in a simple circle on a 

 flattened receptacle, forming obliquely-ovate, coriaceous achenia, which are 

 dilated, and 2- to 3-keeled on the back. 



A perennial herb. Leaves ovate, oblong or lanceolate, pointed, mostly 

 rounded or cordate at the base, 3- to 9-nerved, on long petioles. 



Habitat. — In shallow water ; common. 



Parts Used. — The root and leaves. Not official. 



Constituents. — Unknown. 



Preparations. — It has been employed in infusion. 



3Iedical Properties and tses.— Little can be said on this subject. It 

 has been employed with asserted benefit in hydrophobia, and for diuretic 

 effect in nephritic and calculoua affections. 



