340 HYPOPETALEX: 
petals 3 to 5, also cohering at the base, and occasionally 
unequal; stamens of the same number as, or double the 
number of, the petals, and monadelphous at the base, and 
sometimes, in their whole length, forming a tube round the 
pistil; ovary surrounded at the base by an annular disk, 
with 3 to 5 cells, 1 or 2 ovules at the internal angle in each 
cell, 1 style, and a faintly 3 to 5-lobed stigma ; pericarp 
rarely fleshy, of 3 to 5 cells, each 1- or 2-seeded, and dehis- 
cing by valves, bearing the dissepiment in the middle of 
their internal surface; or 1-celled by abortion. 
Exampies.—The Mahogany-tree (Swietenia Mahagoni), 
Bead-tree (Melia Azedarach). From the pulpy fruit of 
Melia Azedarachta, according to Richard, a thick oil is ob- 
tained, used for lamps in India. 
Mepictnat Prorerties.—The Meliacee are in general 
aromatic and stimulant. False Winter’s Bark, sometimes 
substituted for that of Wintera aromatica, is the produce of 
Canella alba, and is reckoned a good carminative, and in 
America is valued as an antiscorbutic. The bark of 
Swietenia febrifuga (Soymida febrifuga) is bitter and febri- 
fuge, and somewhat astringent, and has a considerable re- 
semblance to Kino. The bark of Swietenia Mahagoni is 
very astringent, and slightly aromatic. The root of Melia 
Azedarach is bitter and nauseous, and is recommended by 
Drs. Barton and Valentin as anthelmintic. 
Officinal Plants. 
Canella alba. 
Swietenia febrifuga. 
re: Swietenia Mahagoni. 
