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PULMONARIA

Volume 15 · 118 words · 1797 Edition

Lungwort: A genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the pentandria clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 4th order, Asperiflorae. The corolla is funnel-shaped, with its throat pervious; the calyx is prismatic and pentagonal. There are several species; of which the most remarkable is the officinalis, common spotted lungwort, or Jerusalem cowslip. This is a native of woods and shady places in Italy and Germany, but has been cultivated in Britain for medicinal use. The leaves are of a green colour, spotted with white; and of a mucilaginous taste, without any smell. They are recommended in phthisis, ulcers of the lungs, &c., but their virtues in these diseases are not warranted by experience.