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the axis, a calyx with valvate aestivation, 1 -celled anthers bursting longitudi- 

 nally, no disk, crumpled cotyledons, and alternate stipulate leaves with stellate 

 pubescence. 



Anomalies. In Malope the carpella are numerous, and distinct, not 

 arranged in a single row, as in the rest of the order. 



Essential Character. — Sepals 5, very seldom 3 or 4, more or lesa united at the base, 

 with a valvate aestivation, often bearing external bracteae forming' an involucrum. Petals of 

 the same number as the sepals, hypogynous, with a twisted aestivation, either distinct or 

 adhering to the tube of the stamens. Stameiis usually indefinite, sometimes of the same 

 number as the petals, hypogynous; filaments monadelphous ; anthers 1-celled, reniform, 

 bursting transversely. Ovarium formed by the union of several carpella round a common 

 axis, either distinct or coherant ; styles the same number as the carpella, cither united or dis- 

 tinct; Stigmata vrriable. fruit either capsular or baccate, its carpella being either mono- 

 spermous or polyspermous, sometimes united in one, sometimes separate or separable ; dehis- 

 cence either loculicidal or septicidal. Seeds sometimes hairy ; albumen none, or in small 

 quantity ; embryo curved, with twisted and doubled cotyledons. — Herbaceous plants, trees, or 

 shrubs. Leaves alternate, more or less divided, stipulate. Hairs stellate. Peduncles usually 

 axillary. 



Affinities. The relation of Malvaceae with Sterculiacere, Tiliace*, Bom- 

 bacese, and Eloeocarpeae, is clearly indicated by their general accordance in 

 structure, and especially by the valvate aestivation of their calyx. With other 

 orders they also agree in numerous points ; as, with Ranunculaceee in the 

 indefinite stamens and distinct aggregated carpella of Malope ; with Tern- 

 stromiaceae in their monadelphous stamens ; with Chlenaceae in the presence 

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

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

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

 phylleee. 



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

 plentifully in the hotter parts of temperate regions, but gradually diminishing 

 to the north. Thus in Sicily they form - 8 V of the flowering plants (Presl), in 

 France T £ T (Humboldt), in Sweden ^ (Wtihl), in Lapland unknown, in the 

 temperate parts of North America T ^, in the equinoctial parts of the same 

 continent T ' 7 ; or, taking into account only the vegetation of the valleys, they, 

 according to Humboldt, form ^V of the flowering plants in the tropics, j{ 7 in 

 the temperate zone, and are not found in the frigid zone. But these calcula- 

 tions no doubt include at least Bombaceea and Sterculiacese. 



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

 totally destitute of all unwholesome qualities. The use to which Mallows 

 and Marsh-mallows are applied in Europe is well 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 

 Benqao de Deos, Abutilon esculentum, are used in Brazil as a boiled vege- 

 table. PI. Usuelles, 51. A decoction of Sphaaralcea 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 crispa was found by 

 Cavanilles to be fit for this 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 



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