1S(\- 



the hilum ; cotyledons flat, foliaceous. — Trees or shrubs. Leaves alternate, without stipulsp, 

 usually toothed, turning yellow in dr\'ing. Flotcers axillar)', either solitary or clustered, 

 with scale-like bracteie. The hairs often stellate. 



Affinities. The plants comprehended under this name require a 

 careful examination and settlement. They have been at one time combined 

 with Ebenaceae, or divided into the two orders of Styraceae and Symplo- 

 caceae, from both which Halesiaceac have been again separated by Don and 

 Link. From Ericea2 they differ in habit, in the definite number of their 

 seeds, and their inferior ovarium ; from Ebenaceae in the latter character, in 

 the perigynous insertion of the stamens, in the peculiar circumstance of part 

 of the ovules being erect and part inverted, and in the style being simple. 

 Von Martius considers Styraceae as gamopetalous rather than monopetalous ;, 

 but what is the real difference in the meaning of these. two words? Mr, Don 

 says that Halesiaceae are a group widely different from Styraceae. Jameson s 

 Joiirn. 1828. Dec. The genus Symplocos is rather different in habit from 

 .Styrax and Halesia, turning yellow in drying. Jussieu refers Styrax to 

 Meiiaceae, with which family the order has no doubt much affinity. Decan- 

 dolle considers them nearly akin to Ternstromiaceae. Esaai Medic. 203. 



Geography. Found in North and South America within and without 

 the tropics, and in tropical Asia and China. 



Properties. Some of the genus Symplocos are used in dyeing yellow; 

 others, as Alstonia theiformis, are employed as tea, on account of a slight 

 astringency in their leaves. Storax and Benzoin, two fragrant 'gum-resins, 

 composed of resin, benzoic acid, and a peculiar aromatic principle, are the 

 produce of two species of Styrax. 



Examples. Styrax, Halesia, Symplocos. 



CLXVIII. BELVISIACEiE. 



Belvisie^, R. Brown in Linn. Trans. 13. 222. (1820.) 



Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with an inferior ovarium, a 

 plaited many-lobed corolla, alternate leaves, and indefinite ovula. 

 Anomalies. Unknown. 



EssentiaI Character Calyx of 1 piece, persistent, with a divided limb. Corolla ? 



monopetalous, plaited (many-lol)ed or undivided, simple or double), deciduous. Stamens 

 either definite or indefinite, arising from the base of the corolla. Ovarium inferior ; style 

 1 ; .stigma l()l)ed or angular. Fruit berried, many-seeded. — Shrti/js. Leaves alternate, 

 entire, without stipula". Floxvers axillary or lateral, solitary. Ji. Br. 



Affinities. Little is known of this obscure family, except that it is 

 not referable to any order at present established. In fixing it near Styracese, 

 it can only be said to resemble that order as much as any other. 



GEOGRAniY. African shrubs or trees. 



Properties. Unknown. 



Example. Belvisia. 



CLXIX. SAPOTE.E. The Sapi'odilla Tribe: 



Sapot.t., Juss. Gen. 151. (17«!»)- — Sapote^e, II. Brown Prodr. 528. (1810.) 



Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with a superior several-celled 

 ovarium, regular flowers, definite erect ovules, an' imbricated rorolla, with 



