SCROPIIULATCIACEJE. 121 
potiolc so as to be lyrate-pinnatifid; the lower ones frequently cordate 
at the base, obtuse. Flowers in rather dense axillary corymbose 
cymes arranged in an elongate lax panicle. Lower bracts leaf-like ; 
upper ones small, linear. Pedicels stout, with a few gland-tipped 
heirs, not more than twice as long as the calyx at the time of 
flowering. Divisions of the calyx orbicular, with broad scarious 
margins. Corolla three times as long as the calyx, not contracted 
at the throat. Abortive stamen orbicular or reniform-orbicular, 
spathulate, entire or faintly emarginate. Capsule globose-conical, 
gradually acuminated. Plant glabrous or puberulent. 
By the sides of ditches, ponds, and streams, and other damp 
places. Very common in the South of England ; more rare in the 
North, where it extends to Northumberland and Lancashire. 
England, Ireland. Perennial. Summer and Autumn. 
Rootstock not much thickened nor nodose, producing one or 
more stems. Stem stout, 18 inches to 5 feet high, with a narrow 
wing at each of the four angles, generally unbranched, with 
axillary fascicles of a few leaves, which sometimes grow out into 
branches. Leaves 2 to 12 inches long, much exceeding their petioles, 
with the principal veins impressed; glabrous, or puberulent with 
very short hairs. Cymes opposite, dichotomous with the 
branches racemose and slightly elongating in fruit. Corolla ^ inch 
long, dark maroon (rarely yellow), with the base of the tube 
greenish ; the upper lip large and bifid, much exceeding the three 
lower lobes, which are nearly equal. Staminode inserted at the 
base of the upper lip, roundish- or reniform-spathulate, generally 
entire, but sometimes truncate or even emarginate at the apex. 
Capsules about the size of peppercorns, tapering to a sharp point, 
on pedicels not more than twice their own length. Plant deep- 
green, the principal veins of the leaves very conspicuous below, 
the ultimate ones slightly apparent. 
Common Water Betony. 
French, ScrophuJaire Aqun/ique. German, Wasser Braunwurz. 
The Scrophularise are commonly known by the name of Brownworts and Figworts. 
The former name is said to arise from the brown colour of the stems and flowers ; but 
Dr Prior thinks more probably from its growing so abundantly about the Brunnen or 
public fountains of German towns and villages. All the figworts are described as 
being foetid and acrid to such an extent as to be refused by cattle ; but cows are some- 
times seen browsing on the tender shoots of the Water Figwort even when better pasture 
is at hand. In old pharmacy the leaves of the Water Betony had a reputation as a 
cosmetic, and it is said that "if the face be washed with the juice thereof, it taketh 
away the rednesse and deformity of ic." 
VOL. YI. l\, 
