LEOPARD'S BANE, in botany, a genus of the polygamia superflua order, belonging to the syngenesia clas of plants.

Species. There are seven species of arnica, all of which are natives of Ethiopia, except the two following: 1. The montana, with oval leaves, grows naturally on the Alps, and also upon many of the high mountains in Germany, and other cold parts of Europe. The roots of this species, when planted in a proper soil and situation, spread very far under the surface, and put out many entire oval leaves, from between which the flowers arise, which grow about a foot and an half high. The top is terminated by a single yellow flower, composed of many florets, like those of the dandelion. These are succeeded by oblong seeds, which are covered with down. 2. The scorpioides, with sawed leaves growing alternately, is a native of Bohemia and Siberia. The roots of this sort are much jointed, and divide into many irregular fleshy offshoots, which are variously contorted; from whence some superstitious persons have imagined, that they would expel the poison of scorpions, and cure the wounds made by the sting of that animal.

Culture. The first species delights in a moist shady situation; it may be propagated by parting the roots in autumn when the stalks begin to decay; or by the seeds sown in autumn soon after they are ripe, for those sown in the spring often fail. The second sort is to be propagated in the same manner. Both are very hardy, and require no other care than to be kept free from weeds.

Medicinal Uses. The leaves and roots of the first species were formerly esteemed a specific in resolving coagulated blood, for which purpose they are still prescribed in Germany where they grow; but their violent operation has made them fall into disuse in this country.