FAMILIES OF FLOWEEING PLANTS 195 



genera and 200 species. They are trees or slirubs with opposite leaves, 

 and flowers frequently exhibiting an odd system of irregularity in that 

 the stamens may be wanting, the petals, or the pistil. Calyx 4^5-lobed, 

 the upper portion falling off. Petals borne on the calyx, alternating 

 with its lobes. Stamens as many or twice as many. Ovary 1-celled. 

 Fruit dry or fleshy, 1-celled and 1-seeded. 



The plants are widely distributed in the tropics, and, as a whole, 

 possess astringent properties. Some, such as the Indian almond tree 

 {Terminalkt Catappa), are cultivated for ornament; others yield good 

 timber. Several of the genera resemble the true mangroves in develop- 

 ing aerial roots ; a few are lianas. 



