Order Lxxxvi
VALERIANEÆ.
Small herbaceous plants, more interesting for the sake of their symmetry and neatness, than on account of any particular attractions they may be considered a connecting link between Rubiace and Dipsaceæ. Many of the Valérians, and all the Patrínias, are pretty plants. The Valerianéllas are useful esculents, all the Patrínias, are pretty plants. The Valerianéllas are useful esculents, known under the name of corn -salads. Their medicinal properties are of a decisive character . The roots of Valeriana officinalis, Phu, and others, are bitter, tonic, aromatic, antispasmodic, and vermifugal; they are occasionally used as febrifuges. The odour of Valerian is not generally agreeable, but the Orientals collect with care, on the mountains of Austria, the roots of Valeriána céltica, with which they perfume their of Austria, the roots of Valeriána céltica, with which they perfume their baths; and the natives of India, at this day, employ the Valeriána jatamánsi, the spikenard of old times, as a perfume, and against hysterics and epilepsy . 20 Centranthus Mich. 72 Fédia Dec. 78 Valeriána W. 79 Patrínia W.