Tilia. Linden tree. Tilia europaea.
Tilia. Linden Tree.—The dried flowers of Tilia europaea L., and of other species of Tilia (Fam. Tiliaceae), are official in the German Pharmacopoeia under the head of Flores Tiliae. The flowers are yellowish or greenish-white having 5 sepals and 5 petals. The 5 original stamens, by chorisis have each developed a cluster and at the base occurs in addition, a spatulate petal-like body opposite each of the petals. The pistil has a 5-locular ovary which is surmounted by a single style and a 5-toothed stigma. The flowers contain a colorless, fragrant, volatile oil. The bark has been said to contain a neutral body, tiliadin, and a glucoside, tilicin. (See A. J. P., 1890; P. J., 66, 105.) The infusion is used as a household remedy to relieve hysteria and indigestion.
