108. Orobanchaceae.—Broom-rape family.
Botanical name:
525. EPIPHEGUS.—BEECH-DROP. CANCER-ROOT. The herb of Epiphe'gus virginia'na Barton, growing in all parts of North America as a parasite on the roots of the beech tree. It is a fleshy plant with a scaly, tuberous root, and smooth, yellowish or purplish stem, about 400 mm. (16 in.) tall, covered with small scales instead of leaves; taste bitter, astringent, and nauseous. It receives its name, cancer-root, from the popular belief that the powder was beneficial in the treatment of cancerous ulcers. It is often given as an astringent. Dose: 30 to 60 gr. (2 to 4 Gm.).
