CHAP. 52.—ASPALATHOS, OR ERYSISCEPTRUM.
In the same country,[1] too, grows aspalathos,[2] a white,
thorny shrub, the size of a moderate tree, and with flowers
like the rose, the root of which is in great request for unguents. It is said that every shrub over which the rainbow
is extended is possessed of the sweet odour that belongs to
the aspalathos, but that if the aspalathos is one of them, its
scent is something quite indescribable. Some persons call this
plant erysisceptrum,[3] and others, again, sceptrum. The proof
of its genuineness is its red or fiery colour; it is also compact
to the touch, and has the smell of castoreum:[4] it is sold at
the rate of five denarii per pound.
1. But in B. xxiv. c. 68, he says that this plant grows in the island of
Rhodes.
2. According to Fée, this is the same as the Lignum Rhodianum, or
wood of Rhodes, of commerce, sometimes also called, but incorrectly, wood
of roses. It is, probably, the same as the Convolvulus scoparius of Lin-
næus
3. Or "red sceptre," probably so called from the flowers clustering along
the whole length of the branches.
4. A liquid matter extracted from the beaver.