Stellera

a genus of perennial herbs of the family Thymelaea-ceae. The numerous unbranched stems are densely covered with alternate, entire leaves. The flowers, which are regular and bisexual, are borne by capitate inflorescences. The perianth is corolli-form and has a five-lobed funnelform blade. The fruit is nutlike.

There are two or three species, distributed predominantly in East Asia. A number of species formerly assigned to Stellera are now classified in other genera. The USSR has a single species, 5. chamaejasme, which grows in the southern part of Eastern Siberia and in the Far East. The plant occurs in steppes, on arid slopes, and along forest edges; in some places it forms a thick cover. The leaves and roots contain resins and poisonous organic acids. An infusion of the leaves and a liquid extract are used as laxatives to treat chronic constipation. They are also used as anthelmintics and in the treatment of febrile diseases.