6 INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 



Stem usually 6-12 in., sometimes 1-3 ft., succulent, hollow. 

 Radical leaves J-lf in. across, long- stalked, deeply 3-lobed, 

 segments lobed, obtusely toothed, near the top. Stem leaves 

 shortly stalked, 3-parted, segments narrow, lobed and toothed. 

 Flowers J-J in. diam., numerous, petals pale-yellow. Sepals re- 

 flexed. Receptacle oblong, hairy. Achenes glabrous, in oblong 

 heads, ultimately becoming cylindrical and longer. 



Parts used : — The whole plant. 



Uses : — It was formerly used in Europe by professional 

 beggars to produce or maintain blisters or open sores intended 

 to excite sympathy. Roxburgh remarks that it has no native 

 name, and that its properties are apparently unknown. It cer- 

 tainly possesses a very powerful principle, and one would expect 

 to find it taking a place in the practice of herbalism. Water 

 distilled from a decoction retains its acrid character, and, if this 

 be allowed to slowly evaporate, it leaves behind a quantity of 

 highly insoluble crystals of a very inflammable character. 



The fresh plant is poisonous, and produces violent effect 

 if taken internally. The bruised leaves form an application to 

 raise blisters, and may also be used to keep open sores caused 

 by vesication, or by other means (Murray). 



7. Caltlia palustris, Linn, h.f.br.l, i. 21. 



Vera. : — Mamiri, baringu (Tb.\ 



Eng. : — The marsh marigold. 



Habitat: — Marshes of the Western temperate Himalaya, 

 from Kashmir to Nepal, altitude 8-10,000 feet Simla, common 

 on marshy grounds of Chor. 



A glabrous perennial herb. Rootstock thick, creeping. Steins 

 6-18 in. often tufted, erect, robust. Leaves shining, chiefly 

 radical, 2-5 in. across, long-stalked, orbicular or kidney-shaped, 

 deeply serrate; teeth small, close, regular. Stem-leaves alter- 

 nate, smaller, the upper sessile, embracing the stem like 

 an involucre. Flowers regular, i'exv, 1-2 in. diam., terminal. 

 Sepals 5-6, petal-like, bright yellow, oval or oblong-obtuse, 



