Order Cxxii
PLANTAGINEÆ.
Little inconspicuous herbs found in waste places all over the world. The leaves are stellate, and occasionally ternate; the pubescence is jointed; the flowers are brownish, and arrayed in dense spikes. Their leaves are rather bitter and astringent; their seeds mucilaginous and rather acrid; those of Plantago arenária are imported in large quantities from the south of France, for the purpose of forming an infusion in which muslins are washed. P. média is sometimes cultivated by farmers under the name of ribgrass. 278 Plantágo W.
ORDER CXXIII. 1967 Littorélla W.
NYCTAGINEÆ.
With the exception of Mirábilis, in which the colored calyx has a shewy effect, all the order consists of weeds, growing often among the loose sand on the sea coast of the tropics and western hemisphere; none are found in Europe. The Abrónias are curious, neat, and often fragrant. The root of Mirabilis Jalápa was formerly considered the jalap, which is now known to be an error; it is however purgative, although in a less degree. Boerhaavia tuberósa is also a reputed purgative. 19 Boerhaávia W. 81 Calyménia R. P. 322 Mirábilis W. 323 Abrónia Juss. 864 Pisónia W.