APETALEX. 281 
perigynous, from 6 to 9, of which the 3 inner are abortive ; 
inner filaments having generally glands at the base ; anthers 
adnate, 2 or 4-celled, dehiscing by a longitudinal lid or valve _ 
which opens from the base to the apex; ovary superior, 1- 
celled, 1 or 2 seeded; ovule pendulous; style and stigma 
simple; pericarp, a berry, or drupe, of which the base is en- 
veloped by the persistent calyx; seed without albumen ; co- 
tyledons thick ; embryo inverted. 
Exampies.—Common Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis) Cinna- 
mon-tree, Laurus (Cinnamomum, or Cinnamomum zeylani- 
eum). Found chiefly within the tropics. 
Economrcat Propertres.—The use of the bark of Lau- 
rus cinnamomum as a spice is well known. 
Mepicivat Prorerties.—All the parts of these plants 
contain an aromatic volatile oil, which renders them warm — 
and carminative. The Laurus Cinnamomum is astringent, 
tonic, and cordial ; its volatile oil is powerfully stimulant. 
Laurus Malabathrum, (Cinnamomum javanicum), Cinnamo- 
mum Loureirii, Cinnamomum aromaticum, Nectandra Cinnamo- 
moides (Laurus C.), Oreodaphne Cupularis, (Laurus C.) and 
Several other species yield a kind of Cinnamon. The bark 
and flower-buds of Laurus cassia, (Cinnamomum seylanicum,” 
var. Cassia), have’ similar properties. Cinnamomum Culila- 
wan, (Laurus C.), and several other species, as C. rubrum, 
©. Sintoc, yield Culilawan bark, which is highly esteemed as 
Carminative and stomachic. Camphor is obtained from the 
Wood of Laurus Camphora*, (Camphora officinarum ), it is 
Narcotic and diuretic. Laurel leaves, from the Laurus no- 
tilis, are narcotic and carminative ; they contain hydrocyanic — 
Tacter. The wood and bark of Sassafras (Laurus Sassa- 
Sras, or Sassafras officinale), are diaphoretic and diuretic. = 
Benzoin odoriferum, ( Laurus Benzvin),is highly aromatic and 
Sag Ie monty obtained fom the Drobalanope cmphors Se tarm, 
acid. The berries with ‘their fixed oil are of a similar cha- ee 
