PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 
147 
pepper assumes a reddish color on ripening, but otherwise there is no 
similarity. All parts of the plant are rich in a gum, which is used 
medicinally by the Peruvians. It is said to be used in diseases of the 
eye and to harden the gums. (IP. A. Wessel, The Pepper Tree of Cali- 
fornia, Cal. Coll, of Pharm. Thesis, 1904.) 
S. terebinthifolius, also a native of South America, is far less com- 
mon, but is otherwise similar. 
771. Scopola carniolica Jaq. Scopola. Solanacece. 
The plant does not occur in the State. A valuable newer remedy, 
having properties nearly identical with those of belladonna. The drug 
is official. The rhizomes and leaves are used. Poisonous. Resembles 
belladonna in appearance and may be cultivated like that plant. For 
a time it was believed that it would be used as the equal to belladonna, 
but thus far it does not seem to meet with favor among physicians nor 
among pharmaceutical manufactures. (Proc. A. Ph. A. 47 : 285-297, 
1899.) (U. S. D.) 
772. Scorzonella (Microseris) maxima Biot. Compass plant. Com- 
posites. 
The bitter roots are eaten by the Indians. The gum from the milky 
juice is used as chewing gum. (Contrib. U. S. Nat. Herb. 7 : 391.) 
773. Scrophularia nodosa L. Figwort. Scrofula plant. Scrophn- 
lariacecB. 
A European plant naturalized in the United States. The leaves are 
used in scrofula, as a tonic, diuretic, diaphoretic and as a local applica- 
tion in hemorrhoids. The native species require further study as to 
chemical constituents and as to medicinal properties. 
774. Scutellaria californica Gray. Skullcap. Labiates. 
The leaves are very 1 titter, and the Indians are said to have used them 
as a substitute for quinine. Two other species are quite common in 
the coast ranges and Sierras (S. tuberosa Benth. and S. augustifolia 
Pursh.) Require further study. 
775. Sechium edule. Choco. Vegetable pear. Cucurbit acece. 
A Central American plant which thrives well in California. The large 
starchy roots are eaten ; likewise the rather large fruits, which may be 
prepared like summer squash. The plant is very prolific, a hundred or 
more fruits ripening on one plant in one season. 
776. Sedum species. Stone crop. Grassulacece. 
The European species are much used in popular medicines ; valued in 
the treatment of ulcers, wounds, warts, dysentery, lung troubles, etc. 
The native species require further study. 
