292 



PIPERACE^. 



[chap. 



Observe the three staminoclia, alternating with the inner- 

 most stamens : the dehiscence of the anthers by four cells, 

 each opening by a recurved valve, as 

 in the Barberries : three of the nine 

 perfect stamens, with lateral glands 

 attached to their filaments, have the 

 valves of their anthers opening in- 

 wards. 



The genus Cassytha is a singular 

 Sub-type, bearing the same relation 

 to the rest of the Family that Ctiscuta 

 bears to the Convolvulus Family. 

 The species are leafless t^vining para- 

 sites. The flowers differ but slightly 

 from those of the true Laurels. 



In some Indian genera {Litsaea, 

 Tetranihcra^ &c.) the flowers are di- 

 oecious, and in clusters or umbels. 

 The Laurel Family is chiefly con- 

 fined to tropical countries; several 

 species, however, extend as far north- 

 ward as Japan in Eastern Asia, and 

 one, the Victor's Laurel {Launis 

 iiobilis)^ reaches the South of Europe. 

 Many species are aromatic ; none 

 more so than our Type, the bark of 

 the plant upon which it preys, ^^j^-^^ -^ ^j^^ Cinuamon of commerce. 



Allied species of Cinnamonuim afford Cassia. Camphor is 

 obtained by distillation from the wood of a Chinese 

 species of Cinuainomiiin {C. Caniphora). 



92. Natural Order, Piperacecc. — The Pepper Family. 

 Jointed herbs or shrubs with alternate or opposite simple 



Fig. 181. An Indian species 

 of Cassytha, somewhat re- 

 duced ; with a fragment of 



