25 



ORDER XXXn. STERCULIACEiE. 

 The members of this Order, like the last, contain an abundance 

 of mucilage, and in some species the bark is fibrous. The most 

 important members of the family are Thenbroma cacao, whose seeds 

 yield chocolate and cocoa, and Gola acuniinata, the seeds of which 

 irees have, within the last few years, come nmch into notice. Xone of 

 our species have any economic value so far as at present known. 

 Number of species more than 500. 



(Ex. Cola.) 



Flowers bisexual. Staminodia present. 1 



Flowers bisexual. No staminodia. 2 



Flowers unisexual or polygamous A tree. Cola. 



1 Bracts deciduous. Fertile stamens 2-3 opposite each 



petal. DOMBEYA. 



1 Bracts persistent. Fertile stamens 5. Melhania. 



2 Ovary 1 celled, unequal sided. Style lateral. Waltheria. 



2 Ovary 5 celled, many seeded. Style central- 3 



