NAT. ORDER. APOCYNE.E. 



73 



All the plants in this order are very natural. The structure of 

 the anthers and stigmas easily distinguish them from Asckjnadece, to 

 which they are more nearly allied than to any other. The order 

 Slrichnacccc is distinguished from this in the peltate seeds. The 

 order is also closely allied to the 7?(timfe«, but is easily distinguished 

 from it, in the want of interpetiolar stipulas, and in the superior 

 ovarium, «S;c. 



We here turn from the description of plants endued with mild and 

 agreeable properties, and fragrant flowers, and often bearing food for 

 man, to others, (though of themselves apparently harmless) which 

 are classed among the most dangerous poisons, whose juices, though 

 milky are not a wholesome and delicious beverage, but on the 

 contrary, acrid, caustic, and bitter. They are readily known by the 

 twisted direction of the corolla, which has been compared to the rays 

 of St. Catherine's wheel. Apocynum in Greek, means dog's-bane, 

 and the specific name implies the similitude of the leaves to ^??i/ro- 

 semum. There are many other species of this genus in this country, 

 but periiaps none so elegant and pretty. All have small white 

 flowers, while in the present one the flowers are larger and flesh or 

 rose-colored. The Apocynum cannabinum has been used by the 

 Americans to make a kind of hemp ; the fibrous tough bark of all 

 the species are calculated to afford it by maceration. All have a 

 bitter, milky juice, and yet the flowers smell of honey and produce 

 that sweet substance. 



Bees and other insects collect this honey, but small flies are often 

 caught by inserting their proboscis between the fissures of the 

 anthers, where it is not easy to extricate it ; they are often seen dead 

 in that confined situation, after unavailing struggles, from whence one 

 of the names of this plant. Catch-fly. No animals eat it. This 

 species is a common plant, and is found from Canada to Georgia, 

 and even Missouri. It grows in woods, hills, dry or sandy soils, 

 along fences, and particularly over old uncultivated fields ; but is 

 rarely found in limestone soils and rich land. It blossoms in summer 

 from June till July. 



