6 
INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 
Stem usually 6-12 in., sometimes 1-3 ft. , succulent, hollow.- 
Radical leaves J-lf in. across, long-stalked, deeply 3-lobed, 
segments lobed, obtusely toothed, near the top. Stem leaves 
shortly stalked, 3-parted, segments narrow, lobed and toothed. 
Flowers in. diatn., numerous, petals pale-yellow. Sepals re- 
fiexed. Receptacle oblong, hairy. Aehenes glabrous, in oblong 
heads, ultimately becoming cylindrical and longer. 
Parts used : — The whole plant. 
Uses: — It was formerly used in Europe by professional 
beggars to produce or maintain blisters or open sores intended 
to excite sympathy. Roxburgh remarks that it has no native 
name, and that its properties are apparently unknown. It cer- 
tainly possesses a very powerful principle, and one would expect 
to find it taking a place in the practice of herbalism. Water 
distilled from a decoction retains its acrid character, and, if this 
be allowed to slowly evaporate, it leaves behind a quantity of 
highly insoluble crystals of a very inflammable character. 
The fresh plant is poisonous, and produces violent effect 
if taken internally. The bruised leaves form an application to 
raise blisters, and may also be used to keep open sores caused 
by vesication, or by other means (Murray). 
7 . Caltha palustris, Linn, h.f.br.i., I. 21 . 
Vern. : — Mamiri, baringQ (PbA 
Eng. : — The marsh marigold. 
Habitat : —Marshes of the Western temperate Himalaya, 
from Kashmir to Nepal, altitude 8-lU,000 feet Simla, common 
on marshy grounds of Chor. 
A glabrous perennial herb. Rootstock thick, creeping. Stems 
0-18 in. often tufted, erect, robust. Leaves shining, chiefly 
radical, 2-5 in. across, long-stalked, orbicular or kidney-shaped, 
deeply serrate; teeth small, close, regular. Stem-leaves alter- 
nate, smaller, the upper sessile, embracing the stem like 
an involucre. Flowers regular, few, 1-2 in. diam., terminal. 
Sepals 5-6, petal-like, bright yellow, oval or oblong-obtuse, 
