Botanical Description.—A plant about 2° high, very well known to the natives. Leaves sessile, lanceolate, finely serrate and covered with short hairs. Flowers terminal, white, verticillate, with the characteristics of the mint family.
Plantaginaceæ.
Plantain Family.
Plantago erosa, Wall. (P. crenata and media, Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.—Llantén, Sp.-Fil.; Lantín, Tag.; Plantain, Eng.
Uses.—The leaves of this popular plant are the commonest remedy in the Philippines for abscess of the gums. They are bruised and applied with a little lard over the swollen cheek. It is emollient and, in decoction, is used as a substitute for flaxseed.
Botanical Description.—This plant is so universally known that there is no fear of confusing it with others. It flourishes as a common weed in the U. S. as well as the Philippines.
Nyctaginaceæ.
Four-O’Clock Family.
Mirabilis Jalapa, L. (M. longiflora, Blanco.)