ACORUS CALAMUS. The common sweet-flag. This plant belongs to the genus Acorus, of the natural orders Aroidecg or Aracem (Arum), or, according to. some botanists, of the natural order Orontiaccw, which is regarded as a connecting-link between Aroidem and Juncem. The plants of this genus have a leaf-like scape, which bears upon its side a dense, cylindrical, greenish spike of flowers, with sex-partite herbaceous perianth, and six stamina in each flower.
The Acorus Calamus is probably the Calamus Aromaticus of the ancients, to which plant they ascribed very important medicinal virtues. It was originally brought from Asia in the fifteenth century, and was formerly much prized as a garden plant. It has since, however, become natu ralized in Britain, in Germany, and in other parts of Europe. Iu Norfolk it grows abundantly ; the marshes, rivers, and ditches of this county furnish the chief supply for the London market.
The root, which is exceedingly aromatic, and has a sharp, sweetish taste, is the only part of the plant required for use. It is cut into strips 4 or 5 in. long, in which form it may be obtained from the druggists. It is occasionally used in medicine as a tonic, especially in cases of weak digestion, when its effect is strong, but transient. It is regarded by the Turks as a remedy against con tagion. Continental confectioners make an agreeable sweetmeat by cutting the root into slices and preparing it with sugar.
Under the name of " Calamus root" it is employed by English perfumers as an ingredient in various hair-powders (see Perfumery). Its most important application in Britain is in the pre paration of gin (see Gin), to which it imparts a peculiar flavour.
The essential oil (oleum acori calamd) is used for scenting snuff, and to give an agreeable odour to aromatic vinegar.