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of branches, being succeeded with long pods. The roots are
used for medicine. The juice obtained by boiling the stems and
leaves is used to destroy insects injurious to vegetables. Fibre is
taken from the bark of the stems.
415. Psoralea corylifolia, L., Jap. Oranda-hiyu ; an
annual leguminous plant brought from China about the year 1717.
It is sown in spring, and grows 3-4 fts. high. In late summer,
small balls of light purple flowers are produced on short stalks
from the axils of leaves. The ripen black seeds are used for
medicine.
416. Geum japonicum, Th., Jap. Daikon-so / a
perennial wild herb of the order Rosacea3, growing 2-3 fts. high.
In summer it bears 5 petaled deep yellow flowers at the head of
the stems, being succeeded with prickly balls, which are about
half inch in diameter and contain much seeds. The roots are
dried for medicine. The young plants are eaten as a vegetable.
417. Poterium officinale, L., Jap. Waremoko ; a perennial
wild herb of the order Rosaceas attaining to a height of 3-4
fts. In autumn, it bears groups of small purplish red flowers at
the top of the young branches. The reare other varieties, which
flowers are pink, crimson or white. The roots of the common
variety are used as medicine by drying.
418. Bupleurum falcatum, L., Jap. Katnakura-saiko ;
a perennial wild herb of
the order IJrnbellifera3, growing
2-3 fts.
high. In autumn it bears small yellowish flowers in clusters at
the head of the branches from the axils[ of leaves. The roots are
gathered in winter and used as medicine.
419. Foeniculum vulgare, Gcertn. ,
Jap. Kureno-o-mo,
Uikyo ; a biennial herb of the order Umbelliferas cultivated in
fields.
In summer the stem attains to a height of 6-7 fts, dividing
into many branches, which bring forth small yellowish flowers in
clusters at the head. When the seeds ripen the plants die. The