50 DIDYNAMIA, GYMNOSPERMIA. 
Americana. J, Q. stem very simple, squame, oval-lanceolate, 
imbricate, closed; spike terminal, glabrous ;~ 
corollas recurved, stamens exserted.—VWilld. 
and Pursh. 
Parasitic. On the authority of Mr. Bartram, I have introduced 
this plant, never having met with it myself. He says it grows 
in the woods near Philadelphia. Perennial. July. 
294, EPIFAGUS. Nutt. Gen. Am. pl. vol. 2. p. 60. 
(Pediculares.) 
Polygamous.—Calix abbreviated, 5-toothed. 
Corolla of the infertile flower ringent, com- 
pressed, 4-cleft, lower lip flat: fertile flow- 
er minute, 4-toothed, deciduous. Capsule 
truncate, oblique, 1-celled, imperfectly 2- 
- valved, opening only on one side.—Wutt. 
Virginianus. 1. E. stem branched, flowers alternate, distant; 
corollas deciduous, 4-toothed.— Willd. 
Epifagus Americanus, Nutt. 
Orobanche Virginiana, L. 
Cancer Root. Beech-drops. 
A parasitic plant, always found under beech-trees. It is 
powerfully astringent, and possesses medicinal virtues. Com- 
mon where the beech-tree is found. Perennial. July, till 
September. 

