174 



MONADELPHIA POLYANDRIA. 



A small tree, rarely exceeding 15—18 feet in height, and frequently 

 not growing beyond the size of common shrubs. Stem erect, branches 

 expandin"-, smooth, generally trichotomous. Leaves alternate, crowded 

 near the summit of the branches, lanceohite, somewhat acuminate, serru- 

 late, smooth and lucid on the upper surface, a Uttle glaucous and pubes- 

 cent underneath. Petioles about half an inch long. Flowers sessile, m 

 axillary clusters, 6 — 14 in each cluster, 4 or more obtuse scales clothe the 

 base of each calyx. Calyx 1-leaved, campanulate, rather perigynous 

 than superior. Petals 5, oval, yellow, 5 times as long as the cal^x. ti- 

 laments numerous, united into 5 phalanxes, 5—7 in each phalanx, longer 

 than the corolla. Germ clothed at base with the calyx, 5 at the summit. 

 Style as long as the stamens. Stigma capitate. 



Tliis tree appears to ripen its fruit very sparingly in the low country, 

 Us leaves afford a yellow dye, are very sweet, and as they are nearly pe- 

 rennial they are eaten with avidity by cattle and horses during the winter 



season. 



Grows in all rich soils not liable to inundation. 



Flowers in March. 



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