NAT. ORDER. 
RanunculacecB. 
P^ONIA RUSSI. CRIMSON PEONY. 
Class XIIL PoLYANDRiA. Order I. Monandria. 
Gen. Char. Calyx five cleft, unequal. Petals five to ten. Sta- 
mens indefinate. Disk fleshy. 
Spe. Char. Flowers large, and of a crimson color. 
The root of this beautiful exotic plant is long, creeping, sending 
out numerous fine fibres, and of a cream color externally, and whitish 
within ; the stem is upright, round, stiff, with from two to four 
branches of leaflets, and is terminated with a beautiful large blood, 
or crimson-red blossom ; the stamens are numerous, and of a yellow 
color ; the leaves are long lanceolate, of a dark green on the upper 
surface, almost grey on the under, and placed several upon the same 
foot stalk ; the seeds are rather globose, and shining ; the whole 
plant, especially when in blossom, produces a very disagreeable 
smell. 
Medical Properties and Uses. This species of poppy is sometimes 
gathered in connection with the other varieties for medical purposes, 
but as its properties are so essentially different, and even sometimes 
proving dangerous, it should be avoided. The root is acrid, bitter, 
and fetid, and its qualities are reported to be narcotic and dangerous. 
The seeds possess the same qualities, and are somewhat emetic. 
Vol. iv. —135. 
I 
