554 MYKTACEA. 
habitual corstipation. The seeds of 7. bellerica are eaten by the natives of 
some parts of the East Indies, but they possess intoxicating properties, and 
have produced symptoms of narcotic poisoning. ‘The seeds of 7. Catappa 
yield about fifty per cent. of an oil which is said to resemble almond oil in 
its properties, The seeds are edible, resembling almonds in shape, and are 
hence called Country Almonds in India. The seeds of TZ’. citrina are pur- 
gative.—T. Benzoin has a milky juice, which upon drying forms a fragrant 
and resinous substance resembling benzoin in its properties. (See Styraxr 
Benzoin.) 
Order 3. Myrrace®, the Myrtle Order.—C haracter.—Trees 
or shrubs. Leaves opposite or alternate, entire, exstipulate (fig. 
959), usually dotted, and having a vein running just within their 
margins. Calyx superior (fig. 465), 
Fig. 959. 4- or 5-cleft, valvate, sometimes 
separating in the form of a cap. 
Petals 4—5 (fig. 959), imbricate, 
rarely absent. Stamens usually 8 
—10, or numerous (figs. 463 and 
959), or rarely 4—5; filaments 
distinct or polyadelphous. Ovary 
inferior (fig. 463), 1—6-celled ; 
style and stegma simple ( figs. 463 
and 959); placentas axile (fig. 
463), or very rarely parietal. 
Frwit dry or succulent, dehiscent 
or indehiscent. Seeds without 
albumen, usually numerous. 
Division of the Order and Illus- 
trative Genera.—The order may 
be divided into two tribes as 
follows :— 
Fig. 959. Flowering branch of the Tribe: A: Leptospermee. — Fruit 
ae Myrtle (ilyrtus com- + capsular. Illustrative Genera: 
é —Melaleuca, Leptospermum. 
Tribe 2. Myrtex.—Fruit baccate. Illustrative Genera :— 
Punica, Linn. ; Myrtus, Tourn. x 
Distribution and Numbers.— Natives of the tropics and of the 
warmer parts of the temperate zones. Myrtus communis, the 
common Myrtle, is the most northern species of the order. 
This plant, although now naturalised in the South of Europe, was 
originally a native of Persia. There are about 1,320 species 
belonging to this order. 
Properties and Uses.—These plants are generally remarkable 
for aromatic and pungent properties, which are due to the 
presence of volatile oils. Many of these oils have been used in 
medicine as stimulants, aromatics, carminatives, diaphoretics, or 
autispasmodics ; and also in perfumery. The dried flower-buds 
and unripe fruits of some species are in common use as spices. 
