216 



orders, I have formed that of Spigeliaceas, the distinction of which will depend 

 upon the symmetry of the stamens, corolline and calycine segments, the di- 

 vision of the valves of the capsule, and the presence of stipulee. In this last 

 point they apjDroach Rubiaceae (Cinchonaceee), as also in a tendency in their 

 leaves to become whorled, their intruded style, and valvate aestivation ; but dif- 

 fer in their superior ovarium, and the want of the glandular disk which covers 

 the apex of the ovarium of Rubiacere (Cinchonaceae) ; so establishing, along 

 with other things, an affinity between that order and Compositse and Umbelli- 

 ferffi," &c. &c. 



Geography. All American, chiefly natives of the southern hemisphere 

 within the tropics. 



Properties. Spigelia marilandica root is used in North America as a ver- 

 mifuge : if administered in large doses, it acts powerfully as a cathartic. Its 

 use is, however, attended occasionally with violent narcotic effects, such as 

 dimness of sight, giddiness, dilated pupil, spasmodic motions in the muscles of 

 the eyes, aud even convulsions. Barton, 2. 80.. 



Example. Spigelia. 



CXCIX. CONVOLVULACE^. The Bindweed Tribe. 



Convolvuli, Juss. Gen. 133. (1789).— Convolvulaceje, R. Brown Prodr. 481. (1810) ; JLindl. 

 Synops. 167. (1829)— Cuscctinje, a § of Convolvulaceac, Link Handb. 1. 594. (1829.) 



Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons with a superior 2-4-celled ovarium, 

 regular flowers, definite erect ovules, a plaited corolla, and shrivelled cotyle- 

 dons. 



Anomalies. Cuscuta is leafless and has no cotyledons. 



Essential Character. — Calyx persistent, in 5 divisions. Corolla monopetalous, hypo- 

 gynous, regular, deciduous ; the limb 5-lobed, generally plaited. Stamens 5, inserted into 

 the base of the corolla, and alternate with its segments. Ovarium simple, with 2 or 4 cells, 

 seldom with 1 ; sometimes in 2 or 4 divisions ; few-seeded ; the ovules definite and erect, when 

 more than 1 collateral ; style 1, usually divided at the top, sometimes down to the base ; stigmas 

 obtuse or acute. Disk annular, hypogynous. Capsule with from 1 to 4 cells; the valves 

 fitting, at their edges, to the angles of a loose dissepiment, bearing the seeds at its base; 

 sometimes valveless, or dehiscing transversely. Seeds with a small quantity of mucilaginous 

 albumen ; embryo curved; cotyledons shrivelled; radicle inferior. — Herbaceous plants or shrubs, 

 usually twining- and milky, smooth, or with a simple pubescence. Leaves alternate, undivided, 

 or lobed, seldom pinnatifid, with no stipulro. Inflorescence axillary or terminal ; peduncles 

 1- or many-flowered, the partial ones generally with 2 bracteae. 



Affinities. The plaited corolla and climbing habit are the prima facie. 

 marks of this order, which approaches Cordiaceee in its shrivelled cotyledons, 

 and through that tribe Boragineaj, with which Falkia agrees in the deeply- 

 lobed ovarium. Nolana, to be found in Solanea:, would seem to establish a 

 relationship between Convolvulaceaj and that order also. Polemoniaceae are 

 known by their loculicidal dehiscence, which in Convolvulaccre is always 

 opposite the dissepiments. Hydroleoj are characterized by their indefinite 

 seeds, and taper embryo lying in the midst of fleshy albumen. 



Geography. Very abundant in all parts of the tropics, but rare in cold 

 climates, where a few only are found: they twine round other shrubs, or 

 creep among the weeds of the sea-shore. 



Properties. Their roots abound in an acrid milky juice, which is strongly 

 purgative; this quality depends upon a peculiar resin, which is the active 

 principle of the Jalap, the Scammony, and the others whose roots possess 



