218 



relation to the axis of inflorescence, is now known to be a certain mark of 

 distinction between Gentianese and Scrophularinese.) " Some may possibly 

 adduce the irregularity of the corolla of Scrophularinese, and the origin of 

 the placentae from the mere inflexion of the valves of the capsule in Gen- 

 tianeee ; but it must be remembered, that there are certain genera of Scro- 

 phularinese, such as Limnophila, Xuaresia, Ourisia, and Veronica, the corolla 

 of which is regular or nearly so; and that certain Gentianese, for instance 

 Exacura and Schiibleria, have central placentae, which, although deriving 

 their origin from the inflexion of the valves of the capsule, yet become loose 

 and more or less distinct. Others may refer to the aestivation as another 

 source of differences, it being in Gentianese, on account of the lateral and 

 somewhat contorted twisting of the nearly equal segments, contorted-convo- 

 lictive, and in Scrophularinese, on account of the involution of the unequal 

 segments towards the centre of the flower, merely imhricated ; but these 

 differences, on account of the different forms of the corolla in these extensive 

 orders, are scarcely distinguishable, and are more available in theory than in 

 practice. Besides, in Spigelia the aestivation is different from either, being 

 valvate, with the margins of the segments often protruding into acute angles, 

 and is more like that of Rubiacese (Cinchonaceae). It must not be omitted, 

 that while the seeds of Gentianeae are uniformly indefinite, those of Spigelia 

 are definite, or nearly so. Upon all these considerations, and to avoid con- 

 fusing the distinctive characters of the orders, 1 have formed that of Spigelia- 

 ceae, the distinction of which will depend upon the symmetry of the stamens, 

 corolline and calycine segments, the division of the valves of the capsule, and 

 the presence of stipulae. In this last point they approach Rubiaceae (Cin- 

 chonaceae), as also in a tendency in their leaves to become whorled, their 

 intruded style, and valvate aestivation ; but differ in their superior ovarium, 

 and the want of the glandular disk which covers the apex of the ovarium of 

 Rubiaceae (Cinchonaceae) ; so establishing, along with other things, an affi- 

 nity between that order and Compositae and Umbelliferse," &c. &c. 



Geography. All American, chiefly natives of the southern hemisphere 

 within the tropics. 



Properties. Spigelia marilandica root is used in North America as a 

 vermifuge : if administered in large doses, it acts powerfully as a cathartic. 

 Its use is, however, attended occasionally with violent narcotic effects, such 

 as dimness of sight, giddiness, dilated pupil, spasmodic motions in the 

 muscles of the eyes, and even convulsions. Barton, 2. 80. 



Example. Spigelia. 



CXCIX. CONVOLVULACE.^. The Bindweed Tribe. 



CoNVOi.vuLi, Juss. Gen. 133.(1789) Coxvoi.vui.ACEyE, li. Brown Prodr. 481. 



flSlO); hindl. Sipiops. 167- (1829) CuscuTiNjf:, « § f)/ Convolvulaceae, LiwAr 



Haiidb. 1.594. (l"829.) 



Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with a superior 2-4-celled 

 ovarium, regular flowers, definite erect ovules, a plaited corolla, and shrivelled 

 cotyledons. 



Anomalies. Cuscuta is leafless and has no cotyledons. 



Essential Chmiacter. — Cah/.r persistent, in 5 divisions. Corolla monopetalous, 

 liypof^nous, regular, deciduous ; the limb .5-lolied, gener;dly plaited. Stamens 5, inserted 

 into the base of" the corolla, and alternate with its segments. Ovarium sim])le, with 2 or 4 

 cells, seldom with 1 ; sometimes in 2 or 4 divisions ; few-seeded ; the ovules definite anil 

 i'rect, when more than 1 collateral ; stylf 1, usually divided at the top, sometimes down to 



