NEILGHERRY PLANTS. 41 
XXV.—RHAMNEZ. 
This is a family of considerable extent as regards the number of species and is very 
widely distributed over the world. De Candolle, in 1825, defined 230 species ; and, if the 
increase has been in the same ratio as Céelastrineae, we may with safety assume that it now 
includes 400 known species. Though most abundant in the lower latitudes of the temperate 
zones, it yet extends to near there extreme limits in both hemispheres but has not been 
found beyond. Within the tropics they are also numerous. ‘This being, however, upon the 
whole,a more decidedly extra-tropical than Tropical family, it seems rather curious that 
so few species are found on the higher ranges of the Neilgherries. Ican only at this time 
recollect three decidedly mountain species, two of Rhamnus and one of Scuttia the latter still 
undescribed and which I should have introduced here had I sooner become acquainted 
with it. This family was formerly combined with C¢lastrineae but is readily distin- 
guished by the form and position of the petals. Here they are small, scale-like, 
and placed immediately behind the stamens, not alternate with them as in Celastrineae. This 
is a character of greater value than might at first sight be supposed as it indicates that one 
series or row of stamens has been suppressed. Ina regularly formed flower each series of 
parts is alternate with the one behind ; hence, the petals are alternate with the sepals, the first 
row stamens with the petals, but opposite the sepals, the second row alternate with the sepals 
but opposite the petals. If the stamens are equal in number with the petals, and opposite to 
them ; it indicates that the first row, which would have been alternate, is suppressed. This 
then, is the principal distinguishing mark between Rhamneae and Celastrineae, which are in 
other respects nearly related. 
The affinities of these two orders are not by any means clear to me. That they 
are very nearly related to each other is certain : that they are nearly related to Terebinthaceae 
seems also certain. Lindley has, moreover, long insisted on the neaz relationship existing 
between them and Euphorbiaceae. That this order is related especially to Rhamneae is 
unquestionable, whether so closely as to entitle Euphorbiaceae to be placed between 
Rhamneae and Celastrineae is, to my mind, questionable ; though, to be sure, it is small mat- 
ter which is first or last so long as really nearly related orders are brought together and formed 
into family groups in the manner attempted by Lindley in his alliances, and by Endlicher 
in his clapis. 
In its economical relations this is, perhaps, a more important order than e sive 
ing, though its properties are of very mixed and anomalous pene = arth 
Rhamnes catharticus are a violently cathartic and under the name of ie thorn aos 
merly employed a good deal in medicine. The juice of them Se 4 slate oa 
occasionally so employed. ‘The same juice mixed with a little alum an : oe ats 
proper consistence affords the colour called sap green. As a scoot to epee Boe 
the Jujube tree Zizyphus Jujuba, is edible, so also are a * sem 8 he pick 
dulcis a Chinese plant of this family, while the leaves — pes Such anoma- 
plant of the order, are used by the poorer classes there as a substitute ior tea. 
lies in so natural a family are of rare occurrence. 
