ASPERULA, WOODROOF; a genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the hexandria class of plants, of which there are two species, the cynanchica and the odorata. Both of them grow wild in Britain, so
Asphaltites. are seldom admitted into gardens. The first is found on chalky hills. The latter is a low umbelliferous plant, growing wild in woods and copse, and flowering in May. It has an exceeding pleasant smell, which is improved by moderate exsiccation; the taste is subaline, and somewhat austere. It imparts its flavour to vinous liquors. Asperula is supposed to attenuate viscous humours, and strengthen the tone of the bowels; it is recommended in obstructions of the liver and biliary ducts, and by some in epilepsies and palsies; modern practice has nevertheless rejected it. The smell of it is said to drive away ticks and other insects. The roots of the first are used in Sweden to dye red.