126 
PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 
by the ancients ; reported to be aphrodisiac. Roots of N. alba were also 
esteemed as an aphrodisiac by the ancients. Numerous varieties found 
in cultivation. (Am. Jour. Pharm. 96 : 1883.) 
586. Ocium basilicum L. Sweet basil. Labiatce. 
A native of India and Persia, cultivated in gardens. The entire 
plant is highly aromatic. Has the general properties of aromatic 
plants. Seeds used in India in the treatment of gonorrhoea. 
587. CEnanthe californica Wats. Fool’s parsnip. Umbelliferce. 
Reported to be poisonous. Recpiires further study as to poisonous 
constituents. 
588. CEnothera biennis L. Evening primrose. Onagvacece. 
Cultivated. Common throughout the United States. Before the in- 
troduction of the potato the fleshy roots of this plant were eaten. Medic- 
inally used in whooping cough, spasmodic asthma; as an ointment in 
eruptive skin diseases of children and as an application to ulcers. 
589. CEnothera brevipes Gray. Evening primrose. Onagvacece. 
This and other species of evening primrose are eaten by Indians as 
a salad or stewed. Also used medicinally. 
589. Olea europaea L. and varieties. Olive. Oleacece. 
Olives are extensively cultivated in California. There is a volumin- 
ous literature on the oil, fruit, cultivation, commerce, use, etc., of the 
olive. 
591. Opuntia species. Prickly pears. Indian figs. Cactacece. 
The opuntias form a very important vegetation for the Indians of 
southern California. The young succulent shoots, the fruit, seeds and 
buds are eaten, cooked or steamed. The plants contain much stored 
water, which the thirsty traveler often uses. According to Mr. Ver- 
million (verbal report), railroad employees, civil engineers, and others 
employed in the desert regions, use the cut opuntia plants to purify 
drinking water. A number of pieces are placed in a pail of water, 
the dirt and clay particles cling to the abundant mucilage that exudes, 
and are carried to the bottom of the vessel. Other cacti are similarly 
used. Barrows states that there are over fifty species of cacti in the 
United States, a majority of which are found in California. Mr. Bur- 
bank and others have devoted much time and energy toward develop- 
ing edible spineless varieties. (Bailey Cycl. Am. ITort. 1143-1152.) 
592. Opuntia basilaris Englm. Cactacece. 
The fruits are eaten after being specially prepared. This is said 
to be the most valuable of the opuntias. 
593. Opuntia bernardina Englm. Cactacece. 
Native of southern California. Properties and uses like other species. 
