502 SYSTEMATIC BOTANY. 



southern part of the temperate zone ; the genera Diosma, 

 Barosma, &c., abound at the Cape of Good Hope ; other genera 

 are found in Australia ; and others in equinoctial America. 

 There are 52 genera, and about 400 species. 



Properties and Uses. — The plants of this order are generally- 

 characterised by a poMxrful penetrating odour, and bitter 

 taste. In medicine they are employed as antispasmodics, tonics, 

 febrifuges, diuretics, &c. The more important plants are as 

 follows : — 



Galipea officinalis and Cusparia Both these species appear to supply the 



Cusparia or Angustura Bark of the shops. This is imported directly or in- 

 directly from South America. It is used in medicine as a stimulant tonic, 

 and febrifuge, in small doses ; while in large doses, it is somewhat emetic and 

 purgative. This bark has fallen into disrepute on the Continent, in consequence 

 of the substitution for it of a very poisonous bark obtained from the Strychnos 

 Nux-voviica. At one time the substitution was so common, that the importa- 

 tion of Angustura Bark into Austria w as prohibited, and the whole of it then 

 found was ordered to be destroyed. At the present time such a substitution 

 is rarely to be met with, although it occurred in Dublin some few years since. 



Mclambo Bark, which has somewhat similar properties to Angustura, is 

 supposed to be also derived from a species of Cusparia. 



Ticorea lebrtjuga, and Esenbeckia fcbrifuga are both natives of South Ame- 

 rica, and have febrifugal barks, which are used in some districts as substitutes 

 for Peruvian Bark. 



Correa alba, and other species.— The leaves are sometimes employed as a 

 substitute for tea in Australia. 



Barosma.— The leaves of several species of this genus, such as B. crenata, 

 crenulata, serratifolia, &c., are used in medicine for their aromatic stimulant, 

 antispasmodic, and diuretic properties. They seem also to have a specific in- 

 fluence over the urniary organs. They are commonly known under the name 

 of Buchu Leaves. The plants yielding them are natives of the Cape of Good 

 Hope. They owe their properties to a peculiar bitter principle called Diosmin 

 or Barosmin, and a powerfully scented volatile oil. Buchu leaves are officinal 

 in the British Pharmacopoeias, but the exact species from which they are de- 

 rived is by means well ascertained. 



Dictamnus Frnxinelln. False Dittany.— The root of this plant was formerly 

 much used in medicine, and reputed to possess aromatic tonic, diuretic, anti- 

 spasmodic, and emmenagogue properties, but it is now rarely or ever employed. 

 It contains such a large amount of volatile oil as to render, it is said, the 

 atmosphere around it inflammable in hot weather; we have, however, never 

 succeeded in producing such an effect. 



Ruta graveolens. Common Hue. — This plant, which is a native of Europe, 

 has a very powerful, disagreeable, peculiar odour, which it owes to the pre- 

 sence of a volatile oil. It' taste is bitter and nauseous. It is used in medicine 

 as an antispasmodic, anthelmintic, emmenagogue, stimulant, and carminative. 

 This plant is said to be the Peganon of the New Testament. {Luke xi. 42.). 

 Rula muntana possesses very acrid properties; so much so, indeed, as to 

 blister the hands of those who gather it. 



Natural Order 60. XANTHOXYLACE.a:. — The Prickly Ash 

 Order. — Diagnosis. — The plants of this order are trees or 

 shrubs, resembUng, in almost all their characters, the Kutacea, 

 with which they were formerly united. The only good cha- 

 racter, indeed, by which tlicXanthoxylacese may be distinguished 

 from the liutacca;, is in tlicir having constantly polygamous 

 flowers. The fruit of Xantlioxylaceaj is also sometimes baccate 

 and indeliisccnt, instead of being universally capsular; and the 

 seeds are always albuminous, in place of being sometimes 

 albuminous and at other times exalbuminous, as is the case in 

 the Butacese. 



