143 



stamens, is an equal proof of the abortion of a fifth petal. And this view of 

 the structure is confirmed by the sepals. Thus on the outside of each pair of 

 petals, at their base, is fouhd a leaflet, the situation of which is opposite a 

 stamen ; and opposite the space left by the abortion of the fifth petal is a large 

 broad leaflet, made up by the union of 2 sepals. The position of the fifth 

 sepal, which is that which is spurred, is between 2 petals and opposite a 

 stamen. 



Geography. Natives of damp places among; bushes in the East 

 Indies ; 1 is found in Madagascar, 1 in Europe, 2 in North America, and 1 

 in Russia in Asia. 



Properties. Chiefly remarkable for the elastic force with which the 

 valves of the fruit separate at maturity, expelling the seeds. For a supposed 

 explanation of this phenomenon, see Dutrochet Nouvelles Recherches sur 

 lExosmose et Endosmose. According to DecandoUe, they are diuretic. 



Example. Balsamina Impatiens. 



CXXVII. VOCHYACE^. 



VocHYsiACEiE, Mart. Nov. Gen. 1. 123. (1824).— Vochysie^, A. St. Hil. Mem. Mus. 

 6. 265. (1820) ; Dec. Prodr. 3. 25. (1828.) 



Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite perigynous sta- 

 mens, concrete carpella, and irregular flowers with a spurred calyx. 



Anomalies.. Ovarium either superior or inferior. The leaves of 

 Salvertia have no stipulse. 



Essential Chakacter Sepals 4-5, combined at the base, imbricated in asstiva- 



tion, the upper one calcarate. Petals 1, 2, 3, or 5, alternate with the segments of the 

 calyx, and inserted into their base, unequal. Stamens 1-5, usually opposite the petals, 

 rarely alternate with them, arising from the bottom of the calyx, for the most part sterile, I 

 of them having an ovate fertile 4-celled anther. Ovarium superior, or partially inferior, 

 3-celled ; ovules in each cell solitary or twin, attached to the base of the axis ; style and 

 stigma 1. Capsule 3-cornered, 3-celled, 3-valved, the valves bursting along their middle. 

 Seed without albumen," erect; embryo straight, inverted; cotyledons large, foliaceous, con- 

 volute, plaited ; radicle short, superior Trees. Braiwhes opposite, when young 4-cor- 



nered. Leaves opposite, sometimes towards the extremities of the branches alternate, 

 entire, with 2 stipulaj at the base. Floivers usually in terminal panicles or racemes. 



Affinities. " An order at present but ill understood, in habit and 

 flower somewhat allied to Guttiferae or Marcgraaviacese, but distinct from 

 both in the stamens being inserted into the calyx ; perhaps more directly 

 connected with Combretaceee, on account of the convolute cotyledons and 

 inverted seeds ; and even perhaps allied to some Onagrariae, on account of 

 the abortive solitary stamen." Dec. Prodr. 3. 25. Is not the order nearer 

 Violacese? an affinity strongly pointed out by the irregular flowers, 3-locular 

 ovarium, and stipulae, but impeded by the perigynous insertion of the sta- 

 mens. 



Geography. Natives of equinoctial America, where they inhabit 

 ancient forests, by the banks of streams, sometimes rising up mountains to 

 a considerable elevation. They are often trees with large spreading heads. 



Properties. Unknown. 



Examples. Vochya, Amphilochia, Erisma. 



