476 WOODY PLANTS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



two small leaves on them. Each flower stands on a white, 

 thread-like stalk. The calyx ends in 5 rounded segments, bent 

 inwards. The petals are oblique, covered cups, on a thread- 

 like claw, alternating with the segments of the calyx. 



The fruit is a dry, 3-sided berry, with very obtuse angles, 

 lying in the enlarged lower portion of the calyx, and opening 

 from the centre. Seeds 3, inversely egg-shaped, shining and 

 smooth, slightly flattened on one side. 



The leaves have been used as a substitute for tea. The bark 

 of the roots, which is of a deep red color, has astringent quali- 

 ties, and has been successfully used, in infusion, tincture, or 

 powder, to produce the effect of astringent medicines. In Can- 

 ada, it is used to dye wool of a Nankin or cinnamon color. 



FAMILY XXXII. THE STAFF-TREE FAMILY. CELAS- 

 TRA^CEM. R. Brown. 



This is a small family, comprising low trees or shrubs, some- 

 times climbers, with alternate or opposite leaves, and flowers 

 which are usually perfect, but sometimes sterile and fertile 

 on different plants, arranged in racemes or cymes. They are 

 natives of the warmer parts of both continents, chiefly without 

 the tropics, abounding especially at the Cape of Good Hope. 

 Several species of the Spindle Tree, Euonymus, are valued in 

 ornamental gardening, as are the Bladder-nut and Wax-work 

 of our own woods. The properties of the family are not well 

 known. The fruits and seeds of some species produce purgative 

 and emetic effects; and others are used for dyeing red, yellow 

 and green. They are distinguished by having 4 or 5, usually 

 persistent sepals, united at base ; 4 or 5 petals, alternate with 

 the sepals, and inserted by a broad base under the edge of 

 a fleshy disk which covers the bottom of the calyx ; 4 or 5 

 stamens, alternate with the petals, inserted on the edge of the 

 disk; a free ovary, immersed in the disk with 1 to 5, 1- or 

 many-ovuled cells, and as many cohering styles and stigmas. 



