THE GERANIUM FAMILY. 109 



many species of 8i!da, which are found in both tropical 

 and sub-tropical regions of both worlds, have excellent 

 fibres. Thus the Chinese use that of 8. tilicefo'lia., it 

 being as good as hemp. 



Several specimens of Ahu'tilon are cultivated as 

 handsome shrubs; and several hybrids have been 

 raised. There are two or more species in the eastern 

 parts of Natal. 



General DcscriiHioii of the Malloiv Family. 



Herhs, shruhs, or trees — None poisonous. 



Leaves — Stipulate, simple, often with stellate hairs. 



Floivcrs — Calyx, 5 cleft, valvate in bud, mostly 

 with an epicalyx or involucre, the base secreting 

 honey ; petals, 5, twisted in bud, and adherent to 

 the stamens ; stamens, 00 , united into a tube by the 

 fihiments ; 3 to 00 carpels, syncarpous, within the 

 stamens ; seeds with a curved embryo and plaited 

 cotyledons. 



DIVISION II.— DISCIFLORiE. 

 Geraniaceae. 



The Geranium Family. 



This order contains 750 species of 16 genera in 7 

 tribes. 



The flowers are sometimes quite regular, i.e. every 



