primula

[Fem. of Lat. primulus =the first, dim in. of primus the first, from the early period of the year at which the primrose flowers.] Botany : The typical genus of Primulacese (q. v.). Calyx tubular or campanulate, herbaceous; corolla salver-shaped, limb spreading. The leaves of P. auricula are used in the Alps as a remedy for coughs. P. reticulata , a Him a lay an species, is said to be poisonous to cattle. It is used externally as an anodyne.