[2208] The black chamæleon is identified by Fée with the Brotera corymbosa of Willdenow: the white variety, mentioned in B. xxii. c. 21, with the Acarna gummifera of Willdenow, the Helxine above mentioned. Desfontaines identifies it with the Carlina acaulis.
[2210] The Greek for “blood” or “slaughter.”
[2211] “Carduus.”
[2212] “Thorn mastich,” or “resin.”
[2213] This is not the Cactus of modern botany, a plant mentioned in the sequel under the name of “Opuntia,” but probably the Cinara carduncellus. See B. xx. c. [99].
[2214] Theophrastus says, that when peeled they have a somewhat bitter flavour, and are kept pickled in brine.
[2215] This name is now given by naturalists to the calyx of Compositæ, which exists in the rudimentary condition of a membranous coronet, or of downy hairs, like silk.
[2216] “Cortex.”
[2217] The Trapa natans of Linnæus, or water chesnut, a prickly marsh plant of Europe and Asia. Hence our word “caltrop.”