608 MYRSINACE. 
apetalous flowers hypogynous and alternating with the divisions 
of the calyx. Ovary superior (jigs. 458 and 998), or rarely 
partly inferior, 1-celled (fig. 998); placenta free central 
(figs. 635, pl, and 998, pl); style 1 (figs. 458 and 998); stigma 
capitate (figs. 582 and 458). Fruit a capsule, dehiscing 
transversely and forming a pyxis (fig. 709), or in a valvular 
manner. Seeds numerous, with fleshy or horny albumen ( jig. 
999, p); embryo placed transversely to the hilum (fig. 999, e). 
Diagnosis.—Herbs with simple, exstipulate, cauline or radical 
leaves, and regular perfect flowers.. Stamens equal in number 
to the lobes of the corolla or separate petals and opposite to 
them. Ovary superior, 1-celled, with a free central placenta ; 
style 1; stigma capitate. Fruit capsular, with transverse or 
longitudinal dehiscence. Seeds numerous, with albumen, and 
the embryo parallel to the hilum. 
Distribution and Nwmbers.—These plants principally inhabit 
cold and temperate regions in the northern parts of the globe. 
They are rare in the tropics, where they are only found on the 
sea-shore or in mountainous districts. Illustrative Genera :— 
Primula, Linn. ; Anagallis, Touwrn.; Glaux, Tourn. ; Samolus, 
Tourn. There are about 250 species. 
Properties and Uses.—Of no particular importance except 
for the beauty of their flowers. The flowers of the Cowslip 
(Primula veris) ave sedative and diaphoretic, and are sometimes 
employed in the manufacture of a soporific wine. The roots of 
Cyclamens are acrid, especially those of Cyclamen hederefolium, 
which have been used as a drastic purgative and emmenagogue. 
The Cyclamens are commonly known under the name of Sow- 
breads, from their being eaten by wild boars in Sicily. 
Order 3. MyrsinacE&, the Myrsine Order.—C haracter.— 
Trees or shrubby plants. Leaves coriaceous, smooth, exstipu- 
late. Flowers small, perfect or unisexual. Calyx and corolla 
4—5-partite. Stamens usually corresponding in number to the 
divisions of the corolla and opposite to them, but sometimes 
there are also 5 sterile petaloid alternate ones ; anthers dehiscing 
longitudinally. Ovary superior or nearly so, 1-celled; with a 
free central placenta, in which the ovules are imbedded. Fruit 
fleshy. Seeds 1, 2, or many; wlbwmen abundant, horny. 
Distribution and Numbers.—Chiefly natives of the islands of 
the southern hemisphere. Illustrative Genera:—Myrsine, Linn. ; 
Theophrasta, Linn. There are above 300 species. 
Properties and Uses.—Of little importance. The fruits and 
seeds of some species are pungent ; and the seeds of others are 
said to be purgative. The fruit of Myrsine africana is used by 
the Abyssinians mixed with barley as food for their asses and 
mules. The seeds of Theophrasta Jussixi are used in St. 
Domingo in the manufacture of a kind of bread. 
Algicera—This genus, of which there are five species, is considered by 
