208 calyciflor;e. 



in number, (very rarely O ), alternating with the seg- 

 ments of the calyx, generally with the limb concave, 

 Stamens corresponding in number and opposite to 

 the petals. Disk fleshy. Ovary adhering either 

 wholly, or partially, at the base as far as the middle 

 to the calyx, 'i-4-celled ; cells 1-ovuled : style 1 : 

 stigmata 2-4. Fruit fleshy and indehiscent, or dry 

 and separating in 3 divisions. Seeds erect ; embryo 

 almost as long as the seed. 



Trees or shrubs, in general thorny : leaves simple, alternate, 

 very seldom opposite, with minute stipules : flowers small, gen- 

 erally of a greenish colour. This order has a very great affi- 

 nity to the Celastrine^. It is distinguished by the sepals 

 being valvate and not imbricated, by tlie stamens being opposite 

 to the petals and not alternate, and by the ovary being more or 

 less adherent. 



Species belonging to this order are to be found in nearly 

 every part of the world, with the exception of the Arctic zone* 

 They however delight principally in the warmer latitudes. 

 The berries of various species of Rha3Inus are violent purga- 

 tives. Those of R. CATHARTicus, Purging Buckthorn, were 

 much recommended by Dr Hamilton, and, though a drastic 

 purgative, are frequently prescribed, in combination with other 

 medicines, in cases of obstinate constipation or other disorders 

 of the bowels in children. The berries of all of this genus 

 yield, under the hands of the chemist, several beautiful dyes, 

 such as green and yellow, of great value in manufactures. The 

 fruit of the genus Ziziphus is, «as in the jujube and the lote, 

 very wholesome and pleasant. An infusion of the twigs of 

 Ceanothus americanus, New Jersey Tea, which is sometimes 

 to be met with in our gardens, has been employed, on account 

 of its astringency, to stop the discharge in gonorrhoea; and the 

 root of the same plant is said to be possessed of antisyphilitic 

 properties. 



1. GOUANIA. 



Calyx turbinate, with the tube adnate for some 

 distance to the ovary, and the limb 5-fid, persistent. 

 Petals 5, hooded, alternate with the lobes of the 

 calyx. Stamens nidulant under the petals. Style 

 3-partite. Fruit dry, 3-gonal or 3-alate, 3-Iocular. 

 Seeds solitary in each locule ; albumen fleshy j coty- 

 ledons leafy. — De Cand. 



Scandent shrubs ; leaves alternate, stipulaceous ; branchlets 

 terminating some in a tendril, others in a racemose peduncle. 



