Myrtales.] 



RHIZOPHOKACE/E. 



72; 



Natives of the shores of the tropics, where they root in th.c mud, and form a close 

 thicket down to the verge of the ocean. Such thickets are so dense that they entirely 

 intercept the rays of the sun, and, preventing the exhalation of putrid miasniatji, 

 become the most unhealthy places in a tropical climate. The species generally send 

 down roots from the branches, and thus like the Banyan tree, rajjidly s[>read over 

 considerable spaces. Such roots assume an arched form with the convexity upwards, 

 and gradually raise the main trunk (in Rhizophora) high above its original level. 



The bark is usually astringent ; that of Bruguicra gynmorhiza is used in India for 

 dyemg black. The wood of several is described as being hard and durable. The 

 fruit of Rhizophora Mangle is said to be sweet and edible, and the juice when fenneuted 

 forms a light wine. — Wight. 



GENERA. 

 Rhizophora, Lam. \ Bniguiera, Lam. i Baraldeia, Thouars. I'etaloma, DC. 



Acrope, Endl. I Faletuveria, Thouars. BaiirauUia, Steud. I Catalium, Hamilt. 



Ceriops,^rM. \CaTa\lia, Roxb. Diatonia, Lowe. \ Dcmidqfia, DenusU 



Kandelia, Wight et Am. 



Numbers. Gen. 5. Sp. 20. 



Loganiaceee. 

 Position. — Melastomaceae. — RnizoPHORACEiE. — Myi'taceae. 



CunoniacecB. 



