spikenard (spĪkˈnärd) [key], name for several plants. The
biblical spikenard, or nard, was a costly aromatic ointment,
preserved in alabaster boxes, whose chief ingredient is believed
to have been derived from Nardostachys grandiflora (or N.
jatamansi ), a plant of the family Valerianaceae (valerian
family). Such was the precious box of ointment that Mary
Magdalen broke over Jesus' feet. The American spikenard, or
Indian root, is Aralia racemosa, of the family Araliaceae
(ginseng family). The fragrant rhizome of both of these plants
is still sometimes used medicinally. The false Solomon's seal,
of the family Liliaceae (lily family), is sometimes called wild
spikenard. Spikenards are all classified in the division
Magnoliophyta but differ in the classes, orders, and families to
which they belong. More on spikenard from Fact Monster: See more
Encyclopedia articles on: Plants