392 



DICOTYLEDONES. 



by the syncarpous gynoeceum, if it is in reality formed by 3 carpels and not by 1 

 only. Hernamliu, which has epigynous monoecious flowers, deviates most. 

 (.'axsijtha is a Cuscuta-\\ke, herbaceous, slightly green parasite with twining, 

 almost leafless stems. The flower however agrees with the diagram in Fig. 387. 

 Some Lauraceffi have curved veins or palminerved and lobed leaves (often 

 together with entire ones) c.ij. Sassafras. 



There are 1000 species ; especially iu the forests of tropical S. America and 

 Asia, of which they form the principal part. Only Lauras nobilis is found in 

 Europe, and there is little doubt that its proper home is in Western Asia. 



FIG. 339. Myristica : fruit. 



FIG. 390. Seed svith aril entire 

 and in longitudinal section. 



They are rare in Africa. On account of the volatile oil found in all parts of the 

 plant, they are used as spice*, e.g. the false Cinnamon-tree (Dicypellium airyo- 

 plii/Uatitni, in the Brazils). The OFFICINAL ones are the Cinnamon-tree (Ciniia- 

 momum zeylaiiicum from Ceylon, E. India, Eastern Asia), which is also culti- 

 vated ; the Camphor-tree (Ciuuamointtm camphora, Eastern Asia). The Laurel- 

 tree (Lauras nohilis, Mediterranean), the berries and leaves of which give 

 laurel oil, is medicinal. Scented wood for furniture, etc., is obtained from 

 Sassafni* ojlicinalis (from N. Am.). The wood from its roots is officinal. 

 Piclmrim "beans" are the large cotyledons of A'cctaudra pichunj, whilst the 



