Fig. 846. Diagram of the flower of 



Eijimedium. Fig. 84". Vertical 



section of the fiovrer of Epimedium. 



. Fig. 848. Vertical section of the 



ovary of Berheris Fig. 849. Ver- 

 tical section of the seed of Berberi.o, 

 with tlie embryo in the axis sur- 

 rounded by albuineu. 



Flowers regular and symmetrical. Sepals 3, 4, or 6, deciduous. 

 Petals hypogynous, and opposite to the sepals. Stamens defi- 

 nite, hypogynous, opposite to the petals; anthers 2-celled, each 

 opening by a recurved vah-e. Carpel solitary; placenta sutural; 

 ovules anatropal. Seeds with albumen. 



Distribution, ^c. — They are found in the temperate parts of 

 Europe, America, and Asia. They are very common in the 

 mountainous parts of the north of India. Examples : — Berberis, 

 Epimedium, Leontice. There are 12 genera, and 100 species. 



Properties and Uses. — The plants of the order are acid, 

 astringent, and bitter. Their acid properties are due to the 

 presence of oxalic acid. The only plant of particular interest is 

 the 



Berberis vulgaris. The common Barberry. — The fruits of this and other 

 species are acid and astringent, and form a refreshing preserve. Its bark and 

 stem are very astringent, and are sometimes used by dyers in the preparation 

 of a yellow dye. This plant, as well as other species, some of which from 

 their distinctly pinnate leaves, have been supposed improperly to constitute a 

 new genus, called Mahonin. are shrubs which are frequently cultivated in our 

 gardens. The Lycium of Dioscorides has been ascertained by Dr. Royle to 

 have been obtained from one or more species of Betberis. The Bai berry 

 contains a yellow cr3-stalline matter, named Berberine. 



Natural Order 9. Cabombace^. — The Water-Shield Order. — 

 General Character. — Aquatic plants, with floating peltate 



