LYTHRACEA. 509 
tion lying in spaces between the ovary and sides of the calyx. 
Ovary more or less adherent, many-celled ; placentation axile. 
Fruit either dry, distinct from the calyx, and dehiscent; or 
succulent, united to the calyx, and indehiscent. Seeds very 
numerous, minute, exalbuminous. 
Distribution and Numbers.—They are principally natives of 
tropical regions, but a few are also extra-tropical, being found 
in North America, China, Australia, and also in the northern 
provinces of India. JTllustrative Genera :—Melastoma, Juss. ; 
Medinilla, Gaud. There are about 2,000 species. 
Properties aud Uses.—The prevailing character of these plants 
is a slight degree of astringency. Many produce edible fruits, 
and some are used for dyeing black and other colours. The 
name Melastoma is derived from the fruits of the species dyeing 
the mouth black. Generally speaking, the plants of this order 
possess but little interest in a medicinal or economic point of 
Fie. 960. 
Fic. 961. 
Fig. 960. Vertical section of the flower of the Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum 
Sulicaria).—Fig. 961. Calyx of the same. 
view, but none are unwholesome. A number of species are culti- 
vated in this country on account of the beauty of their flowers. 
Melastoma.—The leaves of M. theezans are used as a substitute for tea, 
which has been especially commended by Bonpland. 
Memecylon.—The leaves of Memecylon tinctorium are used in some parts 
of India for dyeing yellow, &c. 
Order 9. LyTHRACE, the Leosestrife Order.—Character. 
— Herbs or rarely shrubs, frequently 4-sided. Leaves opposite or 
rarely alternate, entire, and exstipulate. Flowers regular or 
irregular. Calyx (fig. 961) persistent, ribbed, tubular below, the 
lobes with a valvate zest:vation, sometimes with intermediate teeth 
(fig. 961). Petals inserted between the lobes of the calyx and 
alternate with them (jig. 960), occasionally wanting, deciduous 
Stamens perigynous, inserted below the petals (jig. 960), to 
