woodroof: A genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the hexandria class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 47th order, *Stellatae*. The corolla is infundibuliform; and the capsule contains two globular seeds. There are two species, the cynanchica and the odorata. Both of them grow wild in Britain, so are seldom admitted into gardens. The first is found on chalky hills. The latter is a low umbelliferous plant, growing wild in woods and copses, and flowering in May. It has an exceeding pleasant smell, which is improved by moderate excitation; the taste is sublimate, and somewhat astringent. It imparts its flavour to vinous liquors. Asperula is supposed to attenuate viscid humours, and strengthen the tone of the bowels; it is recommended in obstructions of the liver and biliary ducts, and by some in epilepsy 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.