35. Chap. 35. (20.)-The Trees Of Asia And Greece; The Epipactis, The Erica, The Cnidian Grain Or Thymelæa, Pyrosachne, Cnestron, Or Cneoron.

CHAP. 35. (20.)—THE TREES OF ASIA AND GREECE; THE EPIPACTIS, THE ERICA, THE CNIDIAN GRAIN OR THYMELÆA, PYROSACHNE, CNESTRON, OR CNEORON.

In Asia and Greece are produced the following shrubs, the epipactis,[1] by some known as "elleborine," the leaves of which are of small size, and when taken in drink, are an antidote against poison; just in the same way that those of the erica[2] are a specific against the sting of the serpent.

(21.) Here is also found another shrub, upon which grows the grain of Cnidos,[3] by some known as "linum;" the name of the shrub itself being thymelæa,[4] while others, again, call it "chamelæa,[5] others pyrosachne, others cnestron, and others cneorum; it bears a strong resemblance to the wild olive, but has a narrow leaf, which has a gummy taste in the mouth. The shrub is of about the size of the myrtle; its seed is of the same colour and appearance, but is solely used for medicinal purposes.

1. See B. xxvii. c. 52. Sprengel thinks that this is the Neottia spiralis of Schwartz; but Fée is of opinion that it has not hitherto been identified.

2. Probably the Erica arborea of Linnæus, or "heath" in its several varieties.

3. Granum Cnidium. The shrub is the Daphne Cnidium of Linnæus.

4. The "thyme-olive."

5. The "ground olive," or "small olive." Dioscorides makes a distinction between these two last; and Sprengel has followed it, naming the last Daphne Cnidium, and the first Daphne Cneorum.