148 
PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 
777. Sempervivum tectorum L. Houseleek. Hen - and - chickens. 
Grassulacece. 
A common European ornamental border plant. The bruised leaves 
aye used as a cooling application to burns and other external inflamma- 
tions. The juice is said to remove warts and corns. Pieces of the 
leaves are used to remove corns. 
778. Senecio species. Groundsel. Composite. 
There are numerous native and introduced species, which are said to 
have medicinal properties. S. aureus L. (Ragwort) is used by the 
Indians as a counter-irritant. The European S. vulgaris L. enjoys an 
extensive popular use, particularly valued in amenorrhea. The bruised 
leaves are applied to sores, ulcers and swellings. The eclectics find it 
very useful medicinally. Several active principles have been isolated. 
The group is well worthy of further careful study. 
779. Senna. (See Cassia.) 
780. Serenasa (Sabal) serrulata Ilook. Saw palmetto. Palmce. 
The fruit is rich in oil, which is obtained by crushing and expression. 
No alkaloid has been found. (Pharm. Archives, pages 101-116, 1899.) 
(See Sabal serrulata.) 
781. Shepherdia (Lepargyraea) argentea Green. Buffalo berry. 
Elceagnacece. 
A native ornamental plant, well suited to a dry soil and climate. The 
fruit is quite rich in acid, and is made into jelly. (Am. Journ. Pharm. 
Dec. 1888.) 
782. Sida hederacea Torr. Malvaceae. 
Said to be demulcent and laxative. Requires further study. Abun- 
dant about Sacramento and elsewhere in the State. 
783. Sida rhombifolia L. Jelly leaf. Queensland hemp. Mal- 
vacece. 
A native of Australia. Rich in mucilage, having demulcent prop- 
erties. S. paniculata L. of Peru is rich in mucilage and is said to be a 
very active vermifuge. The plants are rich in fiber, which is used as 
a substitute for hemp. 
784. Silene species. Catch fly. Campion. Caryophyllacece. 
Five species occur in the State, which require further study as to 
active constituents and properties. 
785. Silene laciniata Cav. Yerba del India. Caryophyllacece. 
Spaniards make this into a tea. Considered very useful in the treat- 
ment of sores, aches, ulcers and sprains. The Eastern species (S. vir- 
ginica) is said to be poisonous, and a useful anthelmintic. 
