RHAMNACEAi. 



205 



A climbing shrub, with alternate, simple, serrate leaves, 

 and terminal panicles of numerous small yellow flowers. 



The Indian species of Hippocraiea and Salacia represent 

 a subordinate type, differing in having triandrous flowers 

 and exalbuminous seeds. 



Observe the yellow pulpy covering {arillus) of the seed, 

 exposed, when the capsules split loculicidally, Avhile still 

 hanging on the plant. The arillus is a cellular investment 

 grov/ing more or less over the seed as it matures, either 

 from the funicle (the pedicel by which the ovule is attached 

 to the placenta) or from the micropyle. 



38. Natural Order, Rhmnnacece. — The Buckthorn Family. 

 Trees or shrubs, with alternate simple leaves and minute 

 flowers. Stamens opposite to the petals and equal in number. 



Type — The Jujube {Zizyphus Jujiibd). 

 A thorny shrub or small tree, with alternate, three-nerved, 

 sub-distichous leaves, shining above, white or rusty-downy 

 beneath ; axillary, umbellate fascicles of small, greenish 

 flowers ; and yellow, drupaceous, edible fruits. 



Although the ovary at the time of flowering is inferior, or 

 half-inferior, being immersed in the fleshy disk, the fruit is 

 wholly free and superior 



