266 



DOMESTIC BOTANY. 



In tropical America various species of Aristolockia, as well 

 as other climbing plants, receive the name of " Guaco," 

 being a name for plants used in the cure of snake-bites ; and 

 it is even said that the Indians have the power of taking 

 hold of the most venomous snakes without injury to them- 

 selves, by being what they call " guaconized," which is, 

 having taken guaco. The European species, A. longa and 

 A. sempervirens, are said to have the same virtues, being the 

 plants used by jugglers for charming snakes. 



Snake Root (^Aristolochia serpentaria). A native of the 

 United States, furnishes the drug called " Serpentaria," 

 which was once considered as a remedy in snake-bites, but 

 not now much valued. 



Aristolockia ring ens, a native of Brazil, is also used for the 

 same as the preceding, as well as for other medicinal pur- 

 poses. The root has a very disagreeable smell, like that of 

 rue, and a strong, bitter, aromatic taste. 



Aristolockia Sipko. A hardy creeper, growing to a 

 great length, native of North America. It has large heart- 

 shaped leaves, and flowers bent down like short tobacco- 

 pipes. Several remarkable species are cultivated in hothouses, 

 such as A. grandiflora, A. gigas, A. lahiosa, A. ornitko- 

 cepkala, and others, natives of tropical America. In these the 

 appendage or lip of the flower is large, hanging loose from 

 the tube, generally of a mottled dingy colour, looking like 

 dirty rags. In A. grandijlora it is 1 foot in length, from 

 which hangs a string- like tail 1^ to 2 feet in length; it has 

 the appearance of a cowl or cap, and is said to be worn as 

 such by the Indians. This is, however, far surpassed by 

 A. Goldieana, a native of West Tropical Africa, having flowers 

 above 2 feet in length, and about 1 in breadth. It differs 

 from the American species by having 24 stamens. These 

 species when in flower emit an odour like carrion, so strong 

 as to be almost intolerable in a hothouse, but they are 

 nevertheless valued as creepers and for the oddity of their 

 flowers. 



Asarabacca (Asarum europceum). A native of this country. 



