In some parts of America it is called Ipecac, from 
its power of acting upon the stomach ; but its emetic 
qualities are far less active than Ipecacuanha. Dr. 
Bigelow conceives, that whatever emetic properties 
it possesses, arises from its bitterness; as most vege- 
table bitters produce such effects, when administered 
in a dose too large for the patient. 
‘ The flowers of the Apocynum have a power of 
catching flies and small insects, which was ascribed 
by Dr. Darwin, to an irritability of the internal 
organs. Mr. Curtis, in the Botanical Magazine, 
has considered this subject at large, and ascribes 
the property to its true cause. In consequence of 
the close convergency of the anthers and their ad- 
hesion to the stigma, a narrow fissure or slit exists, 
which becomes more contracted at the top. The 
insect, in search of the honey at the bottom of the 
flower, inserts its proboscis between the stamens, 
into the cavity within them. In extricating it from 
this situation, the proboscis is sometimes caught in 
the fissure, and in proportion to the efforts made 
by the insect to escape, it becomes more closely 
wedged in the upper part of the slit, so that its de- 
liverance by its own powers, becomes at length im- 
practicable.’ 
The Apocynum androsaemifolium may be in- 
creased by dividing the plants, in March; but as the 
young offsets frequently shoot some distance, under 
ground, without producing much fibre, care should 
be taken to obtain those that are best supplied with 
fibrous roots. It should be planted in a light dry 
soil ; but after transplanting, should be regularly 
watered till it has struck root. 
Hort. Kew.2, v.2, 73. 
