40 



XXIX. TILIACE.E. The Linden Tribe. 



Tiliaceje, Juss. Gen. 290. (17S9) in part. ; Kunth. Malv. Diss. p. 14. (1822) ; Dec. Prodr. 

 1. 502. (1824); Lindl. Coll. p. 54.(1829.) 



Diognosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous distinct stamens, 

 concrete carpella, an ovarium with several cells, and the placentae in the axis, a 

 calyx with valvate aestivation, anthers bursting longitudinally, and hypogynous 

 glands between the petals and ovarium. 



Anomalies. Petals sometimes absent. Diplophractum is remarkable for 

 having an extremely anomalous fruit, with several spurious cells, and with the 

 placentae apparently in the circumference instead of the axis. Apeiba has 

 sometimes as many as 24 cells in the fruit. Mr. Brown notices the existence 

 of an African genus of this order (Christiana, Dec.,) remarkable in having a 

 calyx of 3 lobes, while its corolla consists of 5 petals ; the fruit composed of 5 

 single-seeded capsules, connected only at the base. Cong. 428. 



Essential Character.— Sepals 4 or 5, with a valvular aestivation, usually with no involu- 

 crum. Petal* 4 or 5, entire, usually with a little pit at their base; very seldom wanting; 

 most commonly the size of the sepals. Stamens generally indefinite, hypogynous, distinct ; 

 anthers 2-celled, dehiscing longitudinally; in Sparmannia the outer stamens are barren. 

 Disk formed of glands, equal in number to the petals, at the base of which they are placed, 

 adhering to the stalk of the ovarium. Ovarium single, composed of from 4 to 10 carpella; 

 style one ; stigmata as many as the carpella. Fruit dry, of several cells. Seeds numerous ; 

 embryo erect in the axis of fleshy albumen, with flat foliaceous cotyledons. — Trees or shrubs, 

 very seldom herbaceous plants. Leaves simple, stipulate, toothed, alternate. Flowers axillary. 



Affinities. These resemble Sterculiaceee, Malvaceae, and the orders allied 

 to them, in most respects, and especially in the valvate aestivation of their 

 calyx. They are known by their glandular disk and distinct stamens, with 2- 

 celled anthers. 



Geography. The principal part of the order is found within the tropics 

 all over the world, forming mean weed-like plants, or shrubs, or trees, with 

 handsome, usually white or pink, flowers. A small number is peculiar to the 

 northern parts of either hemisphere, where they form timber-trees. 



Properties. They have all a mucilaginous, wholesome juice. The 

 leaves of Corchorus olitorius are used in Egypt as a pot-herb. The berries of 

 some of them are succulent and eatable. The species are more remarkable for 

 the toughness of the fibres of their inner bark, which are used for various eco- 

 nomical purposes. Fishing lines and nets are made in India of Corchorus cap- 

 sularis ; and the Russian mats of commerce are manufactured from the Tilia. 

 The bark of Luhea paniculata is used in Brazil for tanning leather. The 

 wood of Luhea divaricata, which is white and light, but very close grained, 

 makes good musket-stocks, and wooden soles for shoes. The Brazilians call 

 all such Acjoita cavallos, because the sticks they use for driving their cattle are 

 generally obtained from them. PI. Us. 66. 



Examples. Tilia, Sparmannia, Corchorus. 



XXX. ELyEOCARPEiE. 



Eleocarpej:, Juss. Ann. Mus. 11. 223. (1808); Dec. Prodr. 1. 519. (1824.) 



Diagnosis, Polypetalous dicotyledons, with numerous hypogynous distinct 

 stamens, concrete carpella, a many-celled ovarium with the placentae in the 

 axis, a calyx with valvate aestivation, anthers bursting by pores, and lacerated 

 imbricated petals. 



