PERIPETALER. 353 
ORDER CIL. 
RIBESIE#. 
Grossulariee, De Cand.—Grossulacee, Lindley. 
_ Cuaracters.—Shrubs generally armed with spines, with 
lobed alternate leaves ; inflorescence a spike or axillary 
raceme ; calyx monosepalous, 4 or 5 partite, adhering at its 
base to the ovary; corolla of 5 small petals, alternate with 
the: divisions of the calyx, and inserted on it; stamens 5; 
ovary inferior, or semi-inferior, 1-celled, with many ovules, 
mserted on 2 parietal placentw, and with a simple or bifid ~ 
style; pericarp a globular, 1-celled, many-seeded, berry, 
surmounted by the persistent calyx, the seeds suspended in 
_ Exampre.—Gooseberry (Ribes Grossularia). — 
-Economicat. Properties.—This well known family is 
characterised by the agreeable union of sweetness and acidity 
found in the berries. They in general contain malic acid. 
The Red Currant (Ribes rubrum) is said to contain also cit- 
rie acid. There is another species, the Tree Currant (Ribes 
spicatum), which Mr. Loudon recommends for cultivation. 
The Cactee, or Indian Figs, were fomerly included in the 
Ribesiew, but are now made a separate order, under the 
name of Cactee or Nopalee ; they are known by the stamens 
being indefinite, the calyx and corolla imperceptible, or very 
minute, and their succulent character. The fruits of ‘many 
the Cactee are pulpy and refreshing. The milky juice 
f some of the plants of this family is very dangerous, asin 
Cactus grandifiorus, C. flagelliformis, and C. divaricatus, — 
‘in small doses used medicinally in Saint Domingo. The — 
ct called Cochineal, or Coccus cacti, is found upon some 
