206 



MELA STOMA CEA'.. 



[chap. 



Observe the stamens opposite to the minute petals, a 

 character by wliich this Family may be distinguished from 

 the preceding. 



The fruit of the Type is well known as the jujube. That 

 of Z. Lotu9 is said to have been eaten by an ancient people 

 of North Africa, who were hence called, according to some 

 authorities. Lotophagi. The berries of some species of 

 Buckthorn {Rha??mus) afford a yellow dye, and, treated 

 with alum, the pigment called " sap-green." 



39. Natural Order, Melastomacece. — The Melastoma Family. 

 Herbs or shrubs, with opposite, entire, three- (or more-) 

 nerved leaves. Petals twisted in bud. Stamens ten or 

 fewer, perigynous. 



Type — Melastoma malahathricum. 

 An erect, shrubby plant, or small tree, with opposite, 



{•lU 133. MeLastum.t malahalli-rtcum {xfA'AcrAV 



I 



