XXVI. THE ROSE FAMILY. 425 



FAMILY XXVI. THE ROSE FAMILY. ROSA'CEJE. Jussieu. 



This family includes herbaceous plants or shrubs with sim- 

 ple or compound, alternate, serrate leaves, having 2 stipules at 

 the base of each. It embraces the true Roses, from whence its 

 name, the Brambles, Cinquefoils, Strawberries, Spirseas, and 

 numerous other plants of a similar character. 



The flowers are regular and showy, white, red, or yellow, 

 and usually disposed in cymes or corymbs. The calyx has 4, 

 or, more frequently, 5 divisions ; the corolla has as many pe- 

 tals, — rarely none, — alternate with the divisions of the calyx, 

 and inserted on the edge of the disk which lines the calyx-tube ; 

 the stamens are distinct, numerous, usually some multiple of the 

 petals, and inserted just below them ; fruit various. 



They are chiefly confined to the temperate or cold climates of 

 the northern hemisphere, very few being found in any other 

 part of the world. No rosaceous plant is poisonous, and many 

 species, particularly the Blackberry, Raspberry and Strawberry, 

 furnish wholesome and delicious fruit. They are remarkable 

 for possessing an astringent principle, which gives to some 

 of the species a value to the tanner, and renders many others 

 useful in medicine for their tonic effect, and as remedies in fever. 

 The roots of more than one species of blackberry are well known 

 as valuable popular medicine in diseases affecting the digest- 

 ive organs. The leaves of the sweet briar and of a species of 

 bramble have been substituted for tea, or used to adulterate tea. 

 Under cultivation, and indeed in a wild state, plants of this 

 family are remarkable for the varieties of form they assume, so 

 that the species run into and are confounded with each other. 

 Many of them, especially the roses, are particularly liable to 

 the attacks of insects. 



As an ornamental plant, the rose has been longer and more 

 deservedly celebrated and valued than any other; and for the 

 beauty and fragrance of its flowers it has still no rival. 



The family is divided into several tribes. 

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