552 SCEOPHULAEIACE^ — LABIATjE. 



These parasites diSer from Broom-rapes in having green leaves, and 

 they seem to be apparently independent after they have acquired a 

 certain degree of development. The species of Mimulus have a bila- 

 mellate stigma, the two lamellae of which are irritable, and close when 

 irritated. The movements of the stigma are probably in some way 

 connected with self-fertilisation. One of the species, Mimulus Ivieus, 

 has become naturalised in many parts of Britain, as in the neighbour- 

 hood of Ediaburgh, on the shores of the Clyde, the Isle of Skye, 

 Perthshire, etc. Mvmulus moschatus is cultivated on account of its 

 musk-like odour. The most important medicinal plant of the order 

 is Digitalis pm-purea, Foxglove, the leaves and seeds of which are 

 employed in the form of powder, tincture, and infusion. The leaves 

 have a bitter taste, which they retain when carefully dried. In large 

 doses they act as a narcotico-irritant poison, and in small doses they 

 are used as sedative of the circulation, and diuretic. Their continued 

 use causes great slowness of the pulse, and hence their emplo3rment in 

 diseases of the heart and in haemorrhages, such as haemoptysis. In 

 dropsical cases, especially those connected with diseased heart, Digi- 

 talis is extensively used. Its active properties are due to the presence 

 of a crystalline principle called Digitalin. Several other species of 

 Digitalis, such as D. lavigata, grandiflora, lutea, and tomentosa, have 

 similar properties. The leaves of Serophularia nodosa, knotted Fig- 

 wort, have irritant qualities, and have been used as emetic and 

 cathartic remedies. In the form of ointment and fomentation, they 

 have been applied to diseases of the skin and tumours. The woolly 

 leaves of Verbascum Tlmpsus, Great Mullein, are emollient and slightly 

 narcotic. They have been used in some pectoral affections. The 

 species of Melampyrum are called Cow-wheat, in consequence of being 

 relished by cows. Euphrasia officinalis, Eye-bright, or Euphrasy, was 

 formerly used in cases of ophthalmia. Some of the species of Linaria 

 and Calceolaria are used for dyeing. Linaria vulgaris exhibits what 

 Linnseus called Peloria (pp. 369, 374), by the flowers being 5-spurred 

 in place of 1-spurred, and thus becoming symmetrical. Gratiola offici- 

 nalis, Hedge-hyssop, is bitter and acrid, and is said to enter into the 

 composition of the Eau mddicinale, so much vaunted as a remedy for 

 gout. This was formerly called Gratia Dei, on account of its efficiency 

 as a medicine. In over-doses it acts as a poison. According to 

 Haller, it renders by its abundance some of the Swiss meadows useless 

 as pastures. The leaves of Veronica officinalis are bitter and astrin- 

 gent, and are sometimes used as tea. 



Order 130.- — Labiate (Lamiacese of Lindley), the Labiate 

 Family. (Monopet. Hypog.) Calyx tubular inferior, regular or bila- 

 biate, persistent (figs. 780, 782 c). Corolla monopetalous, hypogy- 

 nous, bilabiate ; upper lip entire or bifid, lower 3-lobed (figs. 324, p. 

 207 ; 780, 781). Stamens 4 (fig. 779), didynamous (fig. 781 e). 



