1 86 



MELIACE^. 



[chap. 



Observe the yellowish or red resin which exudes from 

 the bark. Similar resinous products are characteristic of 

 several species of the Family ; some of which, growing in 

 the dry regions of Western Asia, the Red Sea, and Eastern 

 Africa, afford Myrrh, Olibanum, and so-called Balm of 

 Gilead. 



We much want authentic information as to the source of 

 some of these fragrant resins, and travellers in the countries 

 where they grow would do well to secure specimens of 

 resins, and of the trees yielding them in flower and fruit, 

 in order that they may be determined by some competent 

 botanist. 



28. Natural Order, Meliacem. — Melia Family. 

 Trees or shrubs with alternate, compound leaves. Flowers 

 small, panicled. Stamens monadelphous (except in Cedrela 

 and Chloroxylon). 



Type— Persian Lilac or Bead-tree (Melia Azedarach). 

 A middle-sized (introduced) tree, with twice-pinnate leaves, 

 and large, much-branched panicles of purplish-white flowers. 



The Nim, Neem, or Margosa-tree {Azadirachta indicd) 

 differs from the type in having a three-celled ovary and a 

 one-seeded drupe. 



