20S 



MYRTACEAi. 



[chap 



The Family derives its name from the gemis Melasfoma, 

 the name of which signifies "black-moiitli," from the ripe 

 berries, which are edible, dyeing the mouth black. The 

 fruit of our Type species affords a purple dye. 



40. Natural Order, Myrfacece. — The Myrtle Family. 

 Trees or shrubs, usually with opposite, entire leaves 

 marked with translucent dots. Stamens indefinite. Ovary 

 adherent, with axile placentas. 



Type — The Jambolan {Syzygiiun Jamholanum). 



Fig. 135. Jambolan [Syzyginvi yamboinuinii] : showing a bud ; the same in vertical 

 section ; an expanded flower after the lall of the calyptrate corolla ; and two 

 detached stamens. 



A tree with opposite, entire, shining, exstipulate leaves, 

 and trichotomous panicles of small white flowers from the 

 axils of fallen leaves. 



