166 



also by Giselria, which has 5 distinct ovaria. But I do not think that the exist- 

 ence of these gradations of structure in the ovarium neutralizes the remarka- 

 ble differences that still exist between these two orders in the embryo and sti- 

 pule. 



Geography. Natives of either America, within or without the tropics, 

 Africa and India. None have been found wild in Europe ; but Phytolacca de- 

 candra is naturalized in some of the southern parts. 



Properties. A tincture of the ripe berries of Phytolacca decandra seems 

 to have acquired a well-founded reputation as a remedy for chronic and syphyli- 

 tic rheumatism; and for allaying syphiloid pains. By some it is said to be more 

 valuable than Guaiacum. Its pulverized root is an emetic. Barton, 2. 220. 

 And a spirit distilled from the berries is stated to have killed a dog in a few 

 minutes, by its violent emetic effects. According to Decandolle, this plant is 

 also a powerful purgative. The leaves are extremely acrid, but the young 

 shoots, which lose this quality by boiling in water, are eaten in the United 

 States as Asparagus. 



Examples. Phytolacca, Rivina. 



CLV. PETLVERIACE^E. 



Petivebie*, Agardh Classes, (1825).— Petivehiaceje, Link Handb. 1. 392. (1829.)] 



Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with definite erect ovula, an inferior 

 many-leaved calyx, distinct perigynous stamens, an exalbuminous embryo with 

 spiral cotyledons, and the radicle next the hilum. 



Anomalies. 



Esssential Character. — Calyx of several distinct leaves. Stamens perigynous, either 

 indefinite, or, if equal to the segments of the calyx, alternate with them. Ovarium superior, 

 1-celled; styles 3 or more; stigma lateral; ovulum erect; Fruit 1-celled, indehiscent, dry. 

 (Seed erect, without albumen; embryo straight; cotyledons convolute; radicle inferior. — JJn- 

 der-shrubs, or herbaceous plants, with an alliaceous odour. Leaves alternate, entire, with dis- 

 tinct stipule, often with minute pellucid dots. Flowers racemose. 



Affinities. Obviously akin both to Phytolaccere and Polygonea^, with the 

 former of which Mr. Brown combines them. They are, however, distinguished 

 from Phytolaccese by the presence of stipulee, and by their straight embryo des- 

 titute of albumen, and spiral cotyledons. From Polygonea^ they are known 

 by the same characters, and also by the radicle being turned towards the hilum, 

 and the stipuleenot having the form of Ochrere. 



Geography. West Indian or tropical American plants ; for the Seguiera 

 asiatica of Loureiro probably does not belong to the order. 



Properties. Nothing is known of their qualities, except that Petiveria 

 alliacea yields a strong smell of garlic. 



Examples. Petiveria, Seguiera. 



