556 MYRTACEA. 
de Giroflee—The Rose-apples of the East, which are much esteemed as 
dessert fruits, are the produce of various species of Hugenia; the most im- 
portant are #. malaccensis and E. Jambos. In Brazil, the fruit of #. cauli- 
flora, the Jabuticaba, is also much esteemed. The leaves of E. Ugni are 
used in Chili as a substitute for Paraguay Tea, The plant has been intro- 
duced into this country on account of its fruit, but not with any great success. 
Glaphyria nitida is called by the Malays the Tree of Long Life. It is 
also known as the Tea plant, from its leaves being used as tea at Bencoolen. 
Leptospermum.—The leaves of L. scoparium and L. Thea are employed 
in Australia as a substitute for China tea, __ 
Melaleuca minor (M. Cajuputi).—The leaves when allowed to stand so 
as to undergo a species of fermentation, and then distilled with water, 
yield a volatile oil of a very limpid nature and light green colour, called 
Cajuput Oil, which is official in the British Pharmacopeeia. This was formerly 
much employed as a remedy in cholera, but without any evident success. 
It has been used internally as a diffusible stimulant, antispasmodic, and 
diaphoretic ; and externally, when mixed with olive oil, or dissolved in rec- 
tified spirit, as a stimulant embrocation in rheumatism, neuralgia, &c. This 
oil has the property of dissolving caoutchouc. In Australia, the leaves of 
M. scoparia and M. genistifolia are used as substitutes for China tea. 
Metrosideros.—M. scandens, the Aka of New Zealand, and other species, 
afford valuable timber. The clubs and weapons of the South Sea Islanders 
are made from species of this genus. 
Myrtus communis, the Common Myrtle.—The dried flower-buds and the 
unripe fruits were used as spices by the ancients, and are still so employed 
in Tuscany. By distillation with water, the flowers form a very agree- 
able perfume, known in France as Hau d’ Ange. The leaves of M. Chekan, 
under the name of Chekan, have long been used in Chili as an aromatic 
astringent, and have recently been found in commerce. 
Pimenta.—Pimenta officinalis (Eugenia Pimenta) is the Common All- 
spice.—The dried unripe full-grown fruits are our official Pimento. It is also 
known as Jamaica Pepper, or more commonly as Al/spice (from its flavour 
combining that of Cinnamon, Cloves, and Nutmegs). It is used as a spice, 
and in medicine in similar cases to cloves. Its properties are chiefly due 
to the presence of a volatile oil, which is also official in the British Pharma- 
copeeia.— Pimenta acris, Eugenia acris, or Myrcia acris, is commonly known 
under the names of Wild Clove, and Bay-berry. It is the source of the 
official Spirit of Myrcia or Bay Rum of the United States Pharmacopeeia. 
Bay-rum is employed as a perfume, in faintness and various nervous affec- 
tions, &c., and also in the preparation of hair-washes. 
Psidium.—V arious species or varieties of this genus yield excellent dessert 
fruits, which are commonly known under the name of Guavas. Of this fruit 
the natives of the West Indies make several kinds of preserves, as Guava 
jelly, stewed Guava, Quake-pear, and Marmalade. The more important 
are P, pyriferum and P. pomiferum. ‘The bark of these plants also pos- 
sesses astringent properties. Both plants are found frequently in tropical 
countries. 
Punica Granatum, the Pomegranate, is the rimmon of the Bible, and 
the rooman of the Arabs. This plant is by some botanists regarded as the 
type of a distinct order, which is named Granatex, while by Bentham and 
Hooker it is placed in Lythracewx. We, however, retain it as an anomalous 
genus of the Myrtacez, as its affinities are commonly regarded as most 
nearly allied to the plants of this order, The leaves, the flowers, and the 
fruit wére all used by the ancients for their astringent properties, and the 
juice of the fruit in the preparation of cooling drinks, on account of its 
acidulous taste. The flowers and fruit are still employed in the East. The 
tlowers are the Balaustion of the ancients, whence their common name 
ba!austina flowers. The rind of the fruit, and the bark of the root, are the 
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