64 



them. Myrtus communis, the most northern species of the order, is native of 

 the south of Europe. 



Properties. The pellucid dotting of the leaves and other parts indicates 

 the presence of a fragrant aromatic or pungent volatile oil, which gives the 

 principal quality to the products of the order. To this are due the grateful 

 perfume of the Guava fruit, the powerful aroma of the flower-buds of Caryo- 

 phyllus aromaticus, called by the English Cloves, and the balsamic odour of 

 the eastern fruits called the Jamrosade and the Rose Apple. Along with this 

 is frequently mixed an astringent principle, which sometimes predominates, to 

 the suppression of any other property. The following are some of the less 

 known instances of the existence of these and other qualities. The fruit of 

 various Eugenias are found by travellers in the forests of Brazil to bear very 

 agreeable fruit. Pr. Max. Trav. 75. A fruit of Brazil, called Jaboticabeiras, 

 brought from the forests to the towns of St. Paul and Tejuco, belongs to this 

 order ; it is said to be delicious. PI. Usuelles, 29. The young flower-buds 

 of Calyptranthes aromatica have the flavour and quality of Cloves, for which 

 they might be advantageously substituted, according to M. Auguste St. 

 Hilaire. Ibid. no. 14. The volatile oil of Cajeputi is distilled from the leaves 

 of Melaleuca leucadendron, and is well known as a powerful sudorific, and 

 useful external application in chronic rheumatism. Ainslie, 1. 260. It is 

 considered carminative, cephalic, and emmenagogue, and is, no doubt, a highly 

 diffusible stimulant, antispasmodic, and diaphoretic. It has also the power of 

 dissolving caoutchouc. Ibid. The root of Eugenia racemosa (Stravadium) 

 has a slightly bitter, but not unpleasant taste. It is considered by the Hindoo 

 doctors valuable on account of its aperient, deobstruent, and cooling properties; 

 the bark is supposed to possess properties similar to Cinchona. Ibid. 2. 65. 

 A kind of gum Kino is yielded by Eucalyptus resinifera, which is occasionally 

 sold in the medicine bazars of India. Ibid. 1. 185. Other species of Euca- 

 lyptus yield a large quantity of tannin, which has been even extracted from 

 the trees in New Holland, and sent to the English market. The efficacy of 

 the bark of the root of the Pomegranate as a remedy for tape-worm is well 

 established in India. Ibid. 2. 175. The leaves of Glaphyria nitida, called 

 by the Malays The Tree of Long Life, (Kayo Umur Panjang,) "probably 

 from its maintaining itself at elevations where the other denizens of the forest 

 have ceased to exist," afford at Bencoolen a substitute for tea ; and it is known 

 to the natives by the name of the Tea Plant. Linn. Trans. 14. 129. 



The following are the sections of this order : 



1. Cham^laucie-s:. 



Dec. Diet. Class, v. 11. (1826) ; Prodr. 3. 208. (1829.) 

 Lobes of the calyx 5. Petals the same number. Stamens in a single row, 

 distinct or somewhat polyadelphous, sometimes partly sterile. Fruit dry, 

 1-celled ; ovula numerous, erect, attached to the centre, or a central placenta. — 

 Heath like New Holland shrubs. Bracteola 2, under the flower, distinct, or 

 combined, or even operculiform. 



Examples. Chamaelaucium, Calytrix. 



2. Leptosperme.s:. 



Leptospermese, Dec. Diet. Class. 11. (1826) ; Prodr. 3. 209. (1829.) 

 Lobes of the calyx 4 or 6. Petals the same number. Stamens distinct, 

 or polyadelphous. Fruit dry, many-celled. — Shrubs or trees, natives of New 

 Holland and the neighbouring countries. Leaves opposite or alternate. 

 Inflorescence various ; the flowers sometimes almost immersed in the stem. 

 Examples. Lcptospermum, Melaleuca, Eucalyptus. 



