Our present subject, the Spiraea trifoliata, with 
the Spiraea stipulacea, have lately been separated 
from their original family, to constitute a new genus, 
under the title Gillenia, each plant still retaining its 
former trivial name. ^ 
An American botanist, Dr. Bigelow, observes, 
that the separation of Gillenia from Spiraea is one 
of those cases, upon which the botanist may hesitate 
long, without finding reasons strong enough to influ- 
ence his decision. There is, nevertheless, something 
in the regular corolla, taken in conjunction with 
the campanulate calyx, which may afford a reason 
for following the example of Moench, in considering 
it a distinct genus. 
The medicinal virtue of this plant is similar to 
that of ipecacuanha, but less powerful. The root is 
the part used, and its predominant soluble ingre- 
dients appear to be a bitter extractive matter, and 
resin. When boiled in water, it imparts to it a 
beautiful deep red colour, and an intensely bitter 
taste. Water, distilled from the root, has its pecu- 
liar flavour, with little of the bitterness. 
Dr. De la Motta, in an Inaugural Dissertation, 
published at Philadelphia, in 1810, gives a very ex- 
plicit account of the effects of this plant on himself. 
Twenty-five grains of the dried root, divided into 
four doses, taken at intervals of fifteen minutes, he 
found to be very successful as an emetic. 
This Spiraea is said to possess a tonic power, which 
appears very probable from its bitter taste ; and by 
the fact, that small doses of ipecacuanha exert a very 
beneficial stimulus on the stomach, in certain cases 
of debility of that organ. 
Hort. Kew. 2, v. 3, 257. 
