ANAGALLIS, PIMPERNEL: A genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the pentandria class of plants; and, in the natural method, ranking under the 20th order, Rosaceæ. The characters are: The calyx is a quinquepartite perianthium, which is persistent: The corolla consists of one rotated petal: The stamina consist of five erect filaments shorter than the corolla; the antheræ are simple: The pistillum has a globular germ; the stylus slightly declinated, the stigma headed: The pericarpium is a globular capsule, unilocular and circumcised: The seeds are numerous and angled; the receptaculum globular and very large. Of this there are four
Species. 1. The arvensis, or common pimpernel, with a red flower. 2. The famina, with a blue flower. 3. The monelli, or narrow-leaved pimpernel. 4. The latifolia, or Spanish pimpernel.—The first sort is very common in corn-fields, and other cultivated places in Britain. The second is sometimes found wild in the fields, but is not so common as the first. The third is a beautiful small perennial plant, and produces numbers of fine blue flowers. The fourth is a native of Spain, and likewise produces blue flowers.
These plants are very easily propagated by seeds; and if suffered to remain till their seeds scatter, they become troublesome weeds.—The arvensis is not unfrequently taken as food; it makes no unpleasant salad, and in some parts of this kingdom is a common pot-herb. All the species are eat by cows and goats, but refused by sheep; small birds are greatly delighted with the seeds.—Great medicinal virtues were formerly expected from the first two species; but they are now justly disregarded.