BERBERIDACE”X, 459 
the petals in number, and opposite to them (fig. 876) ; anthers 
2-celled, each opening by a valve from the bottom to the top 
(figs. 540 and 585), except in Podophyllum where they dehisce 
longitudinally. Curpels solitary, 1-celled (figs. 877 and 878) ; 
style somewhat lateral (fig. 877); stigma orbicular ( Jig. 878) ; 
cvwes anatropous, attached to a marginal placenta (figs. 877 
and 878). Frwit baccate, or dry and capsular. Seeds (fig. 879) 
usually with a minute embryo; albwmen between fleshy and 
horny. ) 
Rie. 877. 
Fig. 876. Diagram of the flower 
of the Barberry (Be7beris). 
Fig. 877. Vertical section of the 
lower of Lpimedium. Fig. 
878. Vertical section of the 
ovary of Berberis. Fig. 879. 
Vertical section of the seed of 
Berberis, with the embryo in the 
axis surrounded by albumen. 
Diagnosis.—Leaves alternate, very often spiny. Sepals 3, 
4, or 6, deciduous. Petals hypogynous, and opposite to the 
sepals when equal to them in number. Stamens definite, 
hypogynous, opposite to the petals; anthers 2-celled, each 
opening by a recurved valve, except in Podophyllum where they 
dehisce longitudinally. Carpel solitary ; placenta marginal ; 
ovules anatropous. Seeds with albumen. 
Distribution and Numbers. —They are found in the temperate 
parts of Europe, America, and Asia, and are very common 
in the mountainous parts of the North of India. Illustrative 
Genera :—Berberis, Linn. ; Epimedium, Linn. ; Leontice, Linn. 
The order includes about 100 species. 
Properties and Uses.—These plants are generally acid, 
astringent, and bitter; but some are purgative. Their acid 
properties are due to the presence of oxalic acid. 
Berberis vulgaris, the common Barberry.—The fruits of this and other 
species are acid and astringent, and form a refreshing preserve. Its bark 
