106 



FAMILIES OF FLOWERING PLANTS 



celled in this respect by numerous Asiatic species, most of which differ 

 from our forms in flowering before the leaves appear in early spring. 

 Probably the handsomest of our native Magnolias is. 31. foetida, which 

 is evergreen-leaved, and which in the extreme South attains very lofty 

 proportions. In this region grows also IlUcium Floridaniim., a shrub 

 with dark green leaves and reddish-purple flowers, suggestive of u 



Fjcr. 90. Flowering branch of nioonseed (Menispermum Canadense) one-third natural size. Original. 



diminutive Magnolia, Like all the plants belonging to this famil}', it 

 possesses bitter and aromatic properties. 



Family Calycanthaceae, Calycanthus Family. Contains the two 

 genera Butneria, formerly kno"s\m as Calyccoithus, and Chimonantlius. 

 They are shrubs having very fragrant flowers, which in the former 

 genus exhale the odor of strawberries, whence the name " strawberry 

 shrub." The sepals and petals are very numerous and imbricated ; the 

 stamens innumerable ; the pistils also innumerable, and enclosed in the 

 hollow, calyx-like receptacle; from this peculiar character is derived 



