CLASS X. ORDER VI. 197 



tares. Stems spreading, becoming erect, smooth, round, swell- 

 ing at the joints. Leaves linear, obtuse, in whorls at the joints. 

 Panicle terminal, forked, the peduncles bent downward as the 

 fruit ripens. Petals little larger than the calyx, white. — June 

 and after. — Annual. 



207. AGROSTEMMA. 

 Agrostemma githago. L. Corn Cockle. 



Hairy; calyx much longer than the corolla; petals 

 entire without a crown. 

 Syn. Lychnis githago. De Cand. 



A. handsome, purple flower, noticeable at sight for its calyx 

 which is twice as long as the petals. The whole plant is hairy, 

 of a pale green color, one or two feet in height. Leaves oppo- 

 site linear-lanceolate. Flowers terminal. Calyx ribbed, with 

 five long linear-lanceolate spreading points. Petals half as long 

 as the calyx, obcordate at the end. Introduced from Europe and 

 found in cultivated grounds. — July. — Annual. 



DECAGYNIA. 



208. PHYTOLACCA. 

 Phytolacca Decandra. L. Poke. 



American Medical Botany, PI. iii. 



Leaves ovate, acute at hoth ends; flowers with ten 

 stamens, and ten styles. 



A common plant, known also by the names of Garget, Cocitm, 

 Jalap, &c. The root is of large size, frequently exceeding a 

 man's leg in thickness ; and is usually divided into iwo or three 

 principal branches. Its substance is fleshy and fibrous, and 

 easily cut or broken. Internally it is distinctly marked with 

 concentric rings of considerable thickness, while its outer surface 

 is covered with a very thin, brownish bark, which seems to be 

 little more than a cuticle. The stalks, which are annual, fre- 

 quently grow to the height of six, and even nine feet. They 

 are round, smooth, and very much branched. When young 

 their usual color is green, but in most plants, after the berries 

 17# 



