PHARMACAL PLANTS AND TPIEIR CULTURE. 
143 
emetic properties. Several active principles have been isolated. Poi- 
sonous. (U. S. D.) 
738. Roccela tinctoria A. Orchil. Cudbear. Litmus. Lichenes. 
This lichen is rare in California ; abundant in Lower California. It 
was at one time a most important article in the dyeing industry. 
739. Romenya coulteri H. California tree poppy. Matilli.ja poppy. 
PapaveracecB. 
Well known native ornamental plants of southern California, with 
large showy flowers; very extensively cultivated in the State. There 
are several varieties or species. (R. coulteri Harv., and R. trichocolyx 
Eastwood.) The Indians of Lower California prized the curative 
powers of these plants very highly. 
740. Rosa species and varieties. Roses. Rosacece. 
Every one who has resided in California knows in what profusion 
roses grow throughout the State. The Attar of rose (oil of rose) yield- 
ing species and varieties would thrive fully as well as others. Attempts 
should be made to introduce the best attar varieties from Turkey, Bul- 
garia, France and other countries. No doubt the fragrance of some 
of the more suitable varieties could be increased by crossing, artificial 
selection and by special culture methods. The cultivation of the attar 
yielding roses and manufacture of the oil should be studied at Kizanlik, 
Bulgaria, and in other attar producing countries, as a preparation to 
begin similar enterprises in California. The late Dr. A. P. Whittell 
experimented with roses near Los Gatos some years since, producing 
a fine quality of attar. It is stated that a good quality of attar of 
rose has been obtained in California from the “American Beauty” rose, 
which is very fragrant. The Kizanlik oil of rose is worth six dollars 
per ounce. It is frequently adulterated. 
The petals of Rosa gallica and varieties and the undeveloped buds of 
R. centifolia have market value. 
741. Rosa californica. Rosacece. 
A large plant attaining a height of ten feet or more. The tender 
shoots are made into a tea. The old straight wood is used for arrow 
shafts by the Indians. The leaves and petals are rich in tannin and 
possess astringent properties. 
742. Rosmarinus officinalis L. Rosemary. Labiatce. 
A well-known plant cultivated every where. Used as a stimulating 
tonic. Yields rosemary oil. Well known medicinally. 
The statements made under lavender also apply here. The flower's 
are worth about ninety-five cents per pound and the oil about $1.50 per 
pound. The oil is used principally in perfumery, ointments, liniments 
and lotions. (See Mentha and Lavendula.) 
