lis 



mixed with lime and crusbed Areca nut ; but its frequent use blackens 

 the teeth, and is harmfid to the gums. The " Ava " or " Kava " is 

 P. mcfhysticiim, and its roots are used in the Pacific Islands for pre- 

 paring an intoxicating liquor. Some of the American species are used 

 medicinally but are of little value. 

 Nimiber of species about 1000. 



Flowers dioecious, in dense cylindrical spikes. Jointed 



shrubs. Piper. 



Flowers bisexual. Prostrate herbs. Peperomia. 



List of Species. 

 1 Piper, Linn. 2 Peperomia, Ruiz. & Pav. 



capense, Linn. f. BC. caffra, E.M. BC. 



sp. C-D. 



ORDER CXLU. MONIMIACE^. 



The only South African member of this family was formerly 

 known as Xylosma monospora, and classed with Bixineoe, but has 

 lately been removed to this Order, and the name altered to Xymalos, 

 which is an anagram of the name by which it was figured and 

 described in Thesaurus Capensis, Plate 181. It is a small tree of 

 none, or little economic value. 



Number of species about 150. 



Leaves entire Fruit a 2-8 seeded indehiscent berry. Xymalos. 



1 Xymalos, Baill. 

 monospora, B. B-E. 



ORDER CXLin. LAURINE^. 



Several species belonging to this Order are well known and useful 

 trees. The common Laurel (Lanrus nohilis) is a native of Europe- 

 Its leaves are used for flavouring and other purposes. Cinnamon is 

 the bark of the young shoots of Cinnamomnm ojjicinale, and Cassia 

 bark that of C. cassia. Camphor is obtained by distillation from the 

 wood of G. camphora. The Avocado Pear is the fruit of Persea 

 GfratissiiiLa. An oil is obtained from the fruits, and the seeds yield a 

 black dye. Many species of the Order yield valuable timber. Of our 

 own native species the only valuable tree is Ocotea bullata, the 

 timber of which is known as '' Stinkwood." Some of the species of 

 Gryptncarya are large trees, while Cassytha is a leafless parasite. 



Number of species about 900. 



(Ex. Stinkwood.) 

 Anthers 2-ceUed. Fruit enclosed in perianth tube. 



Trees or shrubs. Cryptocakya. 



Anthers 2-celled. Fruit enclosed in perianth tube. 



Leafless parasites. Cassyi'ha. 



Anthers 4-celled. Fruit sitting in cup-like base of 



perianth. Ocx)TBA. 



