136 OLEINEtE. [part I. 



TRIBE TI.— OLEINE^. 



This tribe contains numerous genera, among 

 which the most common are the Privet {Ligus- 

 trum)^ Phillyrea, the Olive (Oka), the Fringe- 

 tree {Chionanthus), the Lilac {Syringa), the Ash 

 (Fraximis), and the Flowering or Manna Ash 

 {Ornus). All these genera agree in their general 

 character with Jasminum, except as regards 

 their seeds, which abound in albumen. 



In the common Privet {Ligustrum vulgare), 

 the flowers, which are produced in terminal 

 compound racemes, have a very short calyx 

 (see a in Jig. 65), w^ith a funnel- 

 shaped corolla, having a w^iJe tube 

 in proportion to the limb (5), which 

 is very short and divided into four 

 segments. The anthers of the 

 stamens and the stigma are seen in 

 the throat of the corolla. The 

 berry is drupe-like, and generally fig. 65.-flow] 

 contains two one-seeded nuts. The of the privet. 

 leaves are simple and opposite. There are many 

 species of Privet, but the handsomest is L. 

 lucidum, the leaves of which are broad and 

 shining, and the panicles of flowers spreading. 

 This tree yields a kind of waxy matter from its 

 leaves and branches when boiled, which is said 

 to be used by the Chinese for candles. 



