152 ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE BOTANY OF [ Connaracece. 
45. OXALIDEZ. 
Mr. Brown, in shewing the relation of Averrhoa with Cnestis, belonging to the order 
which he then established of Connaracee (Tuckey’s Congo. p. 432), proposed also the 
name Ovalidee for the Sensitive of Batsch, an order composed of Averrhoa and Ovalis ; 
the former agreeing with the latter in every important point of structure of its flower, and 
in most respects in that of its seed. To these has been added Biophytum, formed of the 
species composing the natural division of the genus Ovalis, having abruptly pinnate leaves 
and annual stems. Of these four genera, three are found in India; and though the 
order is composed in De Candolle’s Prodromus of 159 species, only four are found in 
India. Averrhoa Carambola, and Bilimbi, are common in the gardens of Northern, as 
. they are in those of Southern India. Ovalis corniculata belonging to a genus found in 
most parts of the world, is itself a species of very extensive distribution, being found in 
Europe, North America, and Mexico, as well as in Japan, and in some of the African 
islands. It is likewise found in every part of the plains of India, in the cold weather, 
as well as in both Peninsulas, in the valleys at the foot of the Himalayas, and in 
the mountains at 7,000 feet of elevation. The Hill specimens do not in any way differ 
from those found in the plains; though in the latter, the variety with small and crowded 
numerous leaves approaching O. pusilla, is also found. Biophytum sensitivum is found 
as far as 30° N. lat. at the mouth of the Kheree Pass, also on the sandstone range near 
Allahabad. By Dr. Hamilton it was found near Rajmahl and Monghir. It has also 
been found in Silhet, Rangoon, and the Indian Peninsula. 
Biophyium sensitivum agrees also with Averrhoa Carambola, but especially with 
A. Bilimbi ‘in the foliola when irritated being reflected or dependent, which is likewise 
“¢ their position, in the state of collapsion or sleep, in all the species of both genera.” 
(Brown, 1. c.) The analogy of structure is confirmed by the possession of similar 
properties. Thus, Averrhoa Carambola, and Bilimbi, both have acid fruits, which are © 
used as seasoning ; and, being accounted refrigerant, also in making sherbets. Of the 
former there is also a sweet variety; but the latter is so acid as to be only used as a 
substitute for lemons, or for taking out stains. The different species of Ovalis are well 
known to contain oxalic acid, combined with potass. O. acetosella, called in England 
wood-sorrel, well known for its acid leaves and as a substitute for Ruwmevr acetosella, 
is represented in India by O. corniculata, which is there called chooka tiputtee, or three- 
leaved sorrel, and prescribed as a cooling medicine. The roots of Ovalis tuberosa are eaten 
in Chili, when cooked. Those of O. crenata, a plant of Columbia, bearing tubers like 
small potatoes, is one of those called Arracacha, and has been introduced into England as 
a substitute for that invaluable root; it might be so into India, and be useful wherever 
the soil and climate are better suited to it than to the potatoe. 
46. CONNARACEZ. 
This family, consisting of Connarus, Lam., Cnestis, Juss., and Rourea, of Aublet, or 
Robergia, of Schreber, was separated from Terebinthacee by Mr. Brown; and as the 
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