POTENTILLA, a genus of plants of the order Rosacero. I'. atrosauguinea, of Europe, is a her baceous plant, handsome when in flower, and easily raised from seed, or by dividing the roots. P. denticulosa, Royle, is common in the plains of Northern India in the cold season, at elevationa of 4000 to 5000 feet in the Himalayan; two other species are found in the Neilgherriea. P. discolor, Jacq., appears to be frequent in Kanawar, Spiti, and Ladakh, from 11,500 to 15,000 feet. The under surface of the leaves is covered with a fine dust, which, when the plant is shaken, causes violent sneezing.
Potentilla lnglisii, Moyle; var. P. fruticosa, L.
Spang, Jha, Merino, CHEN. Pinjung, I'enrna, Lamm'.
This is not uncommon in the higher parts of the Chenab basin, where its fragrant leaves, etc., are used as a substitute for tea. It also grows in Spiti and Ladakh, occurring in the latter up to over 10,000 feet. It is browsed by sheep.
Potentilla Nepalensis, Hook., Rattanjot, This is not uncommon in the Panjab Himalaya at 6000 or 7000 feet. Its reddish root is exported to the plains as one of the roots called rattanjot, but the roots of Vinca rosea, L., and Oncerna echioides, L., receive the same name. They are employed in dyeing wool, and are officinal, being considered depurative, and they are used exter nally in the Yunnani system, the ashes being applied with oil to burns.
Potentilla Salesovii, Shoar of the Pan jab, grows in Lahul, Spiti, and Ladakh at 11,000 to 12,000 feet. It is browsed by sheep.
Potentilla tormentilla, I1crr.s;exxor pacer, Theoph. A native of Europe, and offi cinal ; the root is very rich in tannic acid.—Drs. Stewart; Moyle; Riddell ; O'Sh.