26 



Diagnosis. Polypytalous aromatic dicotyledons, with hypogynous stamens, 

 anthers bursting by longitudinal slits, distinct simple carpella, and stipulate 

 leaves with transparent clots. 



Anomalies. The flowers of Tasmannia are dioecious or polygamous, and 

 the carpella solitary. 



Essential Character. — Flowers monoclinous or declinous. Sepals 2-6, sometimes not 

 distinguishable from the petals, either deciduous or persistent. Petals 2-30, in several rows 

 when more than 5. Stamens short, indefinite, hypogynous, distinct. Anthers adnate. Ova- 

 ria definite, arranged in a single whorl, 1 -celled, with several suspended ovules, which are at- 

 tached to the suture. Stigmata simple, sessile. Fruit either dry or succulent, consisting of 

 a single row of carpella, which are cither dehiscent or indehiscent, and distinct. Seeds solitary 

 or several, with or without arillus. Embryo very small, straight, in the base of fleshy albu- 

 men — Shrubs or small trees. Leaves alternate, dotted, coriaceous, persistent, with convolute 

 deciduous stipulre. Flowers solitary, often brown or chocolate colour, and sweet-scented. 



Affinities. Closely related to Magnoliacese, from which they differ chiefly 

 in their dotted leaves and aromatic qualities. They are also closely allied to 

 Calycanthese, from which their hypogynous stamens, alternate stipulate leaves 

 and albuminous seeds, sufficiently distinguish them. They also partake of 

 the affinities of Magnoliacess, with Anonacese, &c. According to St. Hilaire, 

 the supposed stipulee of Wintereee are only imperfectly developed leaves which 

 enfold the buds. PI. Usuelles, no. 26 — 28. But what are stipules except 

 starved leaves ? The same author remarks, that Bonpland considered the em- 

 bryo as destitute of albumen, which was, however, a mistake, it being undoubt- 

 edly as it is here described. For several good remarks upon Drimys, see the 

 PI. Usuelles as quoted. 



Geography. A very small order, with an extensive range. Of the 10 

 species enumerated by Decandolle, 2 are found in New Holland, 2 in the hot- 

 ter parts of America, 2 in the southern and 2 in the northern territories of the 

 same continent, 1 in China and Japan, and 1 in New Zealand. 



Ppoperties. All that writers have stated about the aromatic stimulant 

 properties of Magnoliacese should be applied to this order, formerly confounded 

 with them. The seeds of Illicium anisatum are considered in India to be 

 powerfully stomachic and carminative. A very fragrant volatile oil is also ob- 

 tained from them. Ainslie, 2. 20. The Chinese burn them in their temples, 

 and Europeans employ them to aromatize certain liquors, such as the Anisette 

 de Bordeaux. Dryrnis Winteri yields the Winter's Bark, which is known for 

 its resemblance to that of cinnamon. A. R. A bark called Melambo 

 Bark, possessing similar properties, is described by M. Cadet in the Journal de 

 Phannacie, 1815, p. 20. The bark of Drimys granatensis, called Casca 

 (TJlnla in Brazil, is much used against colic. It is conic, aromatic, and stimu- 

 lant, and resembles, in nearly all respects, the Drimys Winteri, or Winter's 

 Bark. Planles Usuelles, 26 — 28. 



Examples. Illicium, Wintera. 



XVIII. CALYCANTHESE. The Carolina Allspice Tribe. 



Calycantheje, Lindl. in But. Reg.fol. 404 (1819); Dec. Prodi: 3. 1. (1828.)— Calycan- 

 thinje, Link. Enum. 2. u(i. (1822.) 



Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite perigynous stamens, 

 numerous imbricated sepals, ovaria enclosed in a fleshy tube, convolute albu- 

 men, anthers turned outwards, opposite exstipulate leaves, and stems with 5 

 axes of growth. 



Anomalies. 



