THE EDITOR'S MEDICAL BOTANY. 



31 



SEVENTH CLASS, HKPTANDRIA. 



Horse Chestnut (^Esculus Hippo- 

 castanum). 



This tree, which belongs to the 

 Jussieuan order, Aceridece, is a na 

 tive of Asia, cultivated in Britain, 

 and flowering in April and May. 

 The flowers, which are reddish 

 white, grow in large spikes. The 

 calyx has one inflated leaf; the 

 corolla five spreading downy petals 

 arising from the calyx : the seed 

 organ is three-celled ; the seeds are 

 large, smooth, and round. The bark 

 is the part used. 



a Flower, showing the seven sta- 

 mens and single pistil. 

 b The fruit. 



EIGHTH CLASS, OCTANDRIA. 



Balsam of Gilead Tree (Amyris 

 Gileadensis). 



This tree, which belongs to the 

 Jussieuan order, Terebinthaceee, is a 

 native of Abyssinia. The flowers, 

 which are white, grow three on a 

 stalk, and two of these are commonly 

 infertile. The calyx is four- toothed 

 and persistent ; the corolla has four 

 cancave spreading petals; the seed- 

 organ is egg-oblong ; the fruit opens 

 with four valves, containing a small 

 nut. The part used is a balsam, 

 procured by incision. 



a Flower. 



b The same, showing the eight ^ 

 stamens, and single pistil. 



