520 COMPOSITE. 



abound in cold regions, while Ooiymbiferse are common in hot climates. 

 The number of known genera amounts to 766, comprehending 9800 

 species. They are considered as forming A of the known species of 

 plants, and this seems to have been the proportion at different periods. 

 Examples — Vemonia, Eupatorium, Aster, Bellis, Anthemis, Senecio, 

 Oentaurea, Carduus, Triptilion, Trixis, Cichorium, Hieracium, 

 Sonchus. 



The plants belonging to this vast order have all more or leas 

 bitterness, which is sometimes associated with astringent, acrid, and 

 narcotic qualities. 



Sub-order Cynarocephalce. — The plants of this sub-order are usually 

 tonic and stimulant. The bitterness of the plants of this section is 

 often much lessened by cultivation, so that they become esculent. 

 The root of Arctium Lappa (majus and minus), Burdock, is bitterish, 

 and has been used in the form of infusion as a substitute for sarsa- 

 pariUa. The root, leaves, and fruits (often called seeds), are 

 diaphoretic, diuretic, and alterative. Aplotaxis Lappa, (AucMandia 

 Coitus), found in Cashmere, is said to be the ancient costus, the 

 root of which was celebrated for its virtues. It has an aro- 

 matic, pungent odour, and is used for incense. In northern India 

 it is called Koosht; in Bengal, Puchak. The leaves of Carduus 

 Benedictus, Blessed Thistle, were formerly used in medicine as a 

 stomachic and diaphoretic. The blanched stems and leaf-stalks of 

 Cynara Cardunculus, Cardoon, are eaten, and so are the young' succu- 

 lent receptacles of Cynara Scolymus, the Artichoke. Scolymus hispani- 

 cus is the Spanish oyster-plant. Its tubers are used like potatoes. 

 The dried flowers of Garthamus tinctorrius constitute safilower, which 

 yields a pink dye. The genus Carduus includes the various species 

 of Thistle. What is d^ominated by gardeners the Scotch Thistle 

 is Onopordon Acanthium, a doubtful native of Scotland, but not im- 

 common in England. 



Sub-order Corymbiferm. — The plants of this section have the gene- 

 ral bitterness of the order, and some of them have an aromatic odour, 

 from the presence of volatile oil. The flowers of Anthemis tiohilis, 

 Chamomile, are odoriferous, and yield a volatile oil, which is at first 

 greenish, or bluish, but afterwards yellowish brown. They are used 

 as materials for fomentation, and an infusion of them acts as a dia- 

 phoretic and emetic. An extract is made from them, having bitter 

 tonic qualities. The essential oil is an excellent carminative. Anthe- 

 mis tinctoria supplies a yellow colour used for dyeing. Pyrethrum 

 Parthenium, common Feverfew, is aromatic and stimulant. The root 

 of Anacyclus Pyrethrum {Anthemis Pyrethrum), Pellitory of Spain, 

 is an irritant and sialogogue ; its properties depending on the 

 presence of a volatile oil. Tussilago Farfara, Coltsfoot, has been used 

 as a demulcent. The root of Inula Helenium, Elecampane, has stimu- 



