MELANTHACEiE. 



643 



A small genus, principally confined to the Fig. 299. 



northern hemisphere. The species have fibrous 

 or branching roots, and ovate or ovate-oblong, 

 plaited, numerously-ribbed leaves, and greenish, 

 paniculated flowers. 



V. album, Linn. — Rhizome oblong, prsemorse, of a 

 blackish colour externally, and whitish within. Stem 

 tall, striated. Leaves broadly-ovate, plaited, somewhat 

 acute. Panicle terminal. Flowers yellowish or green- 

 ish-white. Segments spreading, serrulate, and some- 

 what undulated. 



Linn., Sp. PI. 1479 ; Jacquin., Fl. Aust. 335 ; 

 Stephenson and Churchill, iii. 136 ; Lindley, Fl. 

 Med. 585. 



Common Name. — White Hellebore. 



The White Hellebore is a native of moun- 

 tainous regions in many parts of Europe, and 

 presents several varieties, which have been con- 

 sidered as distinct species by some botanists. It 



has generally been asserted that this plant was known to the ancients, and 

 used as a remedy by Hippocrates ; but much difference of opinion exists 

 among those who have investigated the subject, some being fully convinced 

 that it is identical with the White Hellebore of Dioscorides, whilst others 

 declare that it is a wholly distinct plant ; thus Dr. Sibthorp {Prod. Fl. Grcec.) 

 is of opinion that the Greek writer referred to Digitalis ferruginea. 



The officinal portion is the root ; this is in cylindrical somewhat conical 

 pieces, with numerous small radicles. They are corrugated, and of a black- 

 ish-brown colour. Their odour is very slight, and their taste is at first 

 sweetish, but afterwards bitter and acrid. This root contains Veratria, in 

 the state of a super-gallate ; Fatty matter, containing a Volatile acid; Extrac- 

 tive, &c; another principle called Jervin has also been detected in it, which 

 is crystailizable. 



Medical Uses. — White Hellebore is an active irritant, and in large doses is 

 very poisonous. When applied locally it operates like the other powerful 

 acrids. When administered internally in small doses it promotes* the secre- 

 tions, but in large ones causes vomiting, purging, pain in the bowels, and 

 much prostration of strength. It has been employed as a hydragogue purga- 

 tive in a variety of diseases, and had some reputation in the treatment of 

 gout. It is now rarely used, on account of the uncertainty of its operation, 

 except as an external application, in the form of an ointment, in cases of ob- 

 stinate cutaneous affections, and especially of itch. A decoction is also popu- 

 larly employed for the destruction of vermin infesting the hair or body. 



2. V. viride, Aiton. — Rhizome thick, fleshy, tunicated above and solid below, with 

 numerous whitish radicles. Stem tall, roundish, striated, pubescent. Leaves sheathing, 

 lower ones large, oval, acuminate, pubescent, strongly ribbed and plaited ; upper leaves 

 generally narrower. Flowers in compound racemes, terminal. Peduncles downy. 

 Bracts boat-shaped, acuminate, tomentose. Perianth of 6 green, oval, acute segments, 

 the alternate ones longest ; all terminating at base in a sort of claw. Stamens 6, with 

 recurved filaments, and roundish 2-lobed anthers. Ovaries 3, cohering, with acute re- 

 curved styles. Fruit consisting of 3 capsules united together, separating at top, and de- 

 hiscing on their inner side. Seeds flat, winged, imbricated. 



Aiton, Hort. Kew. iii. 422 ; Lindley, Fl. Med. 585 ; Bigelow, Med. Bot. 



