215. Rosa canina.—Hips. Dog rose.
Botanical name:
215. ROSA CANINA.—Hips. DOG ROSE. The fruit of Ro'sa cani'na Linné, common in Europe. Ovoid, or pitcher-shaped, about 18 mm. (3/4 in.) long, with a smooth, shining, red surface. It consists of the ripened fleshy calyx, surmounted by the five calyx teeth; its cavity is hairy inside, and contains numerous hard, hairy akenes, but these akenes and hairs are removed before the hips are used. Taste acidulous, slightly astringent, due to the malic and citric acids and slight quantity of tannin contained; odorless. Refrigerant, mild astringent, and diuretic. Confection of hips is a familiar preparation abroad.
