PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 
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665. Poly gala boykinii Nutt. Polygalacece. 
This plant is said to have the properties of the Southern senega. 
(Proc. A. Ph. A. 30: 1882.) 
666. Polygala senega L. Senega. The true senega is becoming 
somewhat rare, and its culture would undoubtedly prove a success finan- 
cially. It requires fairly rich moist soil. 
667. Polygonatum multiflorum Ell. Solomon’s Seal. Liliacece. 
A European plant found everywhere in and out of cultivation. The 
berries and flowers are poisonous. Formerly much used in skin dis- 
eases and as a cosmetic. (U. S. D.) 
668. Polygonum amphibium L. Polygonacece. 
Used in tanning in the Western States; said to contain 18 per centum 
of tannin. Used as a substitute for true sarsaparilla. 
669. Polygonum aviculare L. Yard grass. Goose grass. Poly- 
gonacece. 
A very common weed in fields and yards. A decoction of this plant 
mixed with oak bark is used as an astringent, by Indians as well as 
whites. Used in kidney diseases. The fibrous roots are used as a sub- 
titute for quinine. The seeds are said to be emetic and cathartic. 
(Contrib. U. S. Nat. Herb. 7:3, 315.) 
670. Polygonum hydropiper L. Smartweed. Water pepper. 
Polygonacece. 
A yellow dye is obtained from this plant, which is used commercially 
in Europe. Used medicinally in the treatment of chronic ulcer and in 
kidney diseases. 
671. Polygonum multiflorum. Polygonacece. 
The roots of this plant are eaten raw; said to become bitter on boiling. 
672. Polygonum nodosum Pers. Polygonacece. 
This plant resembles P. hydropiper. 
673. Polygonum punctatum Ell. Dotted smartweed. Polygo- 
nacece. 
Properties and uses like those of P. hydropiper. (Proc. A. Ph. A. 
27:117,1879.) 
671. Polypodium californicum Kaulf. Polypody fern. ( Polypo - 
diacece.) F dices. 
The juice of this plant is used by Indians in the treatment of rheu- 
matism and to rub on sores. An extract is used in the treatment of 
sore eyes. (Contrib. U. S. Nat. Herb. 7 : 303.) 
