34 



Ternstromiacese in their monadelphous stamens; with Chlenacece in the pre- 

 sence of an involucrum below the flower, and monadelphous stamens ; with 

 Linese in their mucilaginous properties, definite seeds, many-celled fruit, and 

 unguiculate petals ; and through the medium of this last order with Caryo- 

 phyllese. 



Geography. These plants are found in great abundance in the tropics, 

 plentifully in the hotter parts of temperate regions, but gradually diminish- 

 ing to the north. Thus in Sicily they form J^ of the flowering plants 

 {Presl), in France -^^ (Humboldt), in Sweden ^^ {Wahl.), in Lapland 

 unknown, in the temperate parts of North America -j^, in the equinoctial 

 parts of the same continent -^j ; or, taking into account only the vegeta- 

 tion of the valleys, they, according to Humboldt, form ^l of the flowering 

 plants in the tropics, ^^^ in the temperate zone, and are not found in the 

 frigid zone. But these calculations no doubt include at least Bombaceae 

 and Sterculiaceee. 



Properties. The uniform character is to abound in mucilage, and to 

 be totally destitute of all unwholesome qualities. The use to wliich Mallows 

 and Marsh-mallows are applied in Europe is v/ell known. Similar properties 

 are possessed by extra-European species. Sida cordifolia mixed with rice is 

 used to alleviate the bloody flux. Emollient fomentations are prepared from 

 Sida mauritiana by the Hindoo doctors. Ainslie, 1. 205. The flowers of 

 Ben^ao de Deos, Abutilon esculentum, are used in Brazil as a boiled vege- 

 table. PL Usuelles, 51. A decoction of Sphseralcea Cisplatina is adminis- 

 tered in the same country in inflammations of the bowels, and is generally 

 employed for the same purposes as the Marsh-mallow in Europe. lb. 52. 

 Pavonia diuretica is prescribed in Brazil as a diuretic ; it is supposed to 

 act rather as an emollient. Ibid. 53. The wood is always very light, 

 and of little value. Rocket-sticks are obtained from the light straight stems 

 of Sida micrantha. Ibid. 49. The chewed leaves of another species, 

 S. carpinifolia, are applied in Brazil to the punctures of wasps. lb. 50. The 

 bark is often so tenacious as to be manufactured into cordage. Malva 

 crispawas found by Cavanilles to be fit fortius purpose; and several species 

 of Hibiscus are employed in like manner in tropical countries. From the 

 fibres of the bark of Hibiscus arboreus the whips are manufactured with which 

 the negro slaves are lashed in the West India Islands. The plant is called 

 Mohoe or Mohaut. Hamilt. Prodr. 49. The petals of some are astringent ; 

 this property exists in Malva Alcea (Dec.) and in Hibiscus Rosa sinensis, 

 of which the Chinese make use to blacken their eyebrows and the leather of 

 their shoes. lb. The leaves of Althea rosea are said to yield a blue colouring 

 matter not inferior to indigo. Ed. P. J. 14. 376. A decoction of the root 

 and stem of Urena lobata is employed in Brazil as a remedy in windy cholic; 

 the flowers are used as an expectorant in dry and inveterate coughs. The 

 bark furnishes good cordage. PL Us. 56. A few species, such as Hibiscus 

 Sabdariff'a and surattensis, &c,, are slightly acid. The unripe fruit of the 

 Ochro, or Hibiscus esculentus, is a favourite ingredient in soups, which are 

 thickened by the mucilaginous quality of this plant. The musky seeds of 

 Hibiscus Abelmoschus are considered cordial and stomachic, and by the 

 Arabians are mixed with coflee. Ainslie, 2. 73. The root of Sida lanceolata 

 is intensely bitter, and is considered a valuable stomachic. Ainslie, 2. 179. 

 It has been supposed that the root of Althaea officinalis contains a pecu- 

 liar alkaline principle called Althein ; but it has since been stated, by M. 

 Plisson that it does not exist; what was taken for it having been Asparagin. 

 Brewster, 8. 369. The Cotton of commerce is the hairy covering of the 

 seeds of several species of Gossypium. 



Examples. Malva, Lavatcra, Hibiscus. 



