ERICACEZ, 603 
Stamens distinct, epigynous, twice as many as the lobes of the 
corolla; anthers (fig. 533) appendiculate, with porous dehis- 
cence. Ovary 4—10-celled ; style and stigma simple. Fruit 
succulent. Seeds with fleshy albumen. 
Distribution and Nwmbers.—Chiefly natives of the temperate 
regions of the globe. Illustrative Genera:—Vaccinium, Thi- 
baudia. There are about 200 species. 
Properties and Uses.—They are chiefly remarkable for 
their astringent leaves and bark, and for their edible sub-acid 
fruits. 
Oxycoceus palustris ( Vaccinium Oxycoecus).—The fruit of this plant is 
the Cranberry of Great Britain. It is used in making tarts and for other 
purposes. —0O. macrocarpus yields the American Cranberry, of which large 
quantities are imported into this country. 
Vaccinium.—The fruits of several species are edible, thus :— V. Myrtillus 
yields the Bilberry ; V. uliginosum, the Bog or Black W hortleberry ; and 
'V. Vitis-Idea, the Red Whortleberry or Cowberry. (See also Oxycoccus.) 
The fruit of V. uliginosum is reputed to be narcotic, and is said to be 
employed for making beer, &c., heady. When exposed to fermentation, it 
produces a kind of wine. 
Order 2. Ericace&, the Heath Order.—Character.— 
Shrubs or small trees. Leaves entire, evergreen, opposite, whorled 
or alternate, exstipulate. Culyx : 
4—5-cleft, inferior (fig. 483, c), aes Ae Fic. 994. 
persistent. Corolla hypogynous, a 
monopetalous (jigs. 478 and 993), 
4—5-cleft, or rarely distinct ; xsti- 
vation imbricate. Stamens hypo- 
gynous (figs.993 and 994), asmany, 
or twice as many, as the divisions 
of the corolla; anthers 2 celled 
(fig. 534), opening by pores or 
slits (fig. 532, 7), appendiculate 
(fig. 582, a). Ovary 4—5-celled, 
with numerous ovules, surrounded 
by a disk or scales; placentas 
axile ; style 1 (figs. 993 and 994) ; 
stigma simple or lobed. Fruit 
capsular or rarely baccate. Seeds gah vk 5 oath oA baa OR ee 
numerous, small, anatropous ; 7ig,,099., Vertioal section of the 
embryo minute in the axis of —Fig. 994. Essential organs of 
fleshy albumen. ee ; The stamens are seen to 
Diagnosis.—Shrubs or small °° 7P08"°"™ 
trees. Leaves entire, evergreen, exstipulate. Calyx and 
corolla 4—5-merous. Calyx inferior. Corolla hypogynous, 
monopetalous, or rarely polypetalous. Stamens hypogynous ; 
anthers 2-celled, appendiculate, dehiscing by pores or slits. 
Ovary 4-—5-celled ; style 1; placentas axile. Fruit capsular, or 
very rarely baccate. Seeds small, anatropous, numerous, with 
fleshy albumen. 
