SAMYDACEA. 561 
estivation, and inserted into the throat of the calyx (fig. 962) ; 
rarely absent. Stamens (figs. 787 and 962) definite, 2, 4, or 8, 
or rarely by abortion 1, inserted with the petals 
into the throat of the calyx; filaments distinct ; 
pollen trigonal (figs. 573 and 576). Ovary in- 
ferior (fig. 962), 2—4-celled; placentas axile; 
style 1, filiform ; stigma lobed or capitate. Fruit 
capsular, or succulent and indehiscent, 2—4-celled. 
Seeds numerous, without albumen; embryo 
straight. 
Diagnwosis.—Herbs or shrubs, with simple ex- 
stipulate dotless leaves. Calyx superior, 2—4- 
lobed, valvate in estivation. Petals usually 
equal in number to the lobes of the calyx, with 
a twisted estivation, or rarely absent. Stamens 
few, inserted into the throat of the calyx with 
the petals. Ovary inferior, 2—4-celled; style 
simple ; stigma lobed or capitate. Fruit dehiscent 
or indehiscent. Seeds numerous, without albu- 
men. 
Distribution and Numbers.—Chiefly natives 
of the temperate parts of North America and 
Europe; many are also found in India, but the ' 
are rare in Africa, except at the Cape. Illustra- 717-962. ook 
tive Genera :—CAhnothera, Linn. ; Circeea, Tourn. flower of a 
There are about 300 species. Seas mare 
Properties and Uses. — Generally the plants ue ire 
are harmless and possess mucilaginous properties. 
The roots of Gnothera biennis and other species of the same 
genus are edible. The fruits of many Fwchsias are somewhat 
acid and good to eat. Some species of Jussixa are astringent. 
Fie. 962. 
Cohort 3. Passiflorales.—Gyncecium syncarpous; ovary usually 
1-celled, or sometimes spuriously 3-celled; placentation 
parietal; ovules numerous. Seeds albuminous or exalbu- 
minous. Leaves simple. 
Order 1. Samypaces#, the Samyda Order.—Character.— 
Trees or shrubs. Leaves alternate, simple, evergreen, stipu- 
late, usually with round or linear transparent glands. Calyx 
inferior, 4—5-partite. Petals absent. Stamens perigynous, 2, 
3, or 4 times as many as the divisions of the calyx; filaments 
united, some of them frequently sterile ; authers 2-celled. Ovary 
superior, 1-celled; style 1, filiform ; placentas parietal, bearing 
numerous ovules. Fruit capsular, leathery, 1-celled. Seeds 
numerous, arillate, with oily or fleshy albumen; embryo large. 
Distribution and Nwmbers.—Exclusively tropical, and princi- 
pally American. Illustrative Genera :—Samyda, Linn.; Casearia, 
Jacq. There are above 100 species. 
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