CALYCIFLOR^. 521 



petals, and of the same niunber ; or twice as many, or even more 

 numerous; perigynous and coherent at the base if there is no 

 disk, but if this is present then distinct and inserted upon it. 

 Disk hypogynoiis, or wanting. Ovary usually single, 1-celled, 

 generally superior, or very rarely inferior; styles 1, 3 or 4, or 

 none ; stigmas the same number as the styles ; ovules sohtary, 

 attached to a long funiculus which arises from the base of the 

 cell. Fruit indehiscent, drupaceous or nut-like. Seed •without 

 albumen. 



Distribution Sfc. — The plants of this order are chiefly found 

 in the tropical regions of the globe, although a few are found in 

 the south of Europe, and in other extra-tropical warm districts. 

 Examples : — Pistacia, Rhus, Melanorrhoea, Mangifera, Anacar- 

 dium, Semecarpus, Spondias. There are 49 genera, and about 

 100 species. 



Properties and Uses.—Thej abound in a resinous or some- 

 what gummy, or an acrid, or milky juice, which is occasionally 

 very poisonous, and sometimes becomes black in drying. The 

 fruits and seeds of some species, however, are held in high 

 estimation, and are largely eaten in certain parts of the world. 

 Many plants of this order furnish varnishes. The more important 

 plants are as follows: — 



Pistacia Lentiscus, is the source of the concrete resin called mastic or 

 mastich. This is chiefly employed dissolved in spirit of wine, or oil of tur- 

 pentine, as a varnish and cement. It is principally obtained from the island of 

 Chio, where this plant is much cultivated. P. Terebinthus is the source of the 

 liquid oleo resinous matter, called Chwn Turpentine. This becomes solid by 

 keeping from the loss of its volatile oil. It has the general properties of the 

 ordinary Turpentines, derived from some of the Coniferje. This also, as its 

 name indicates, is chiefly obtained from the island of Scio or Chio. Pistacia 

 vera produces the fruit known as Pistachio or IMstacia-nut, the kernels of 

 •nhich are of a green colour, and have a very agreeable flavour. They are 

 highly esteemed by the Turks and Greeks, and are occasionally imported into 

 this country. P. Khinjuk and P. Cabulica, natives of Scinde, yield concrete 

 resins resembling masnc. 



Rhus. The Sumach Several species of this genus have more or less 



poisonous properties. They have generally a milky juice, which becomes 

 black on exposure to the air ; and the emanations irom some of them ex- 

 cite violent erysipelatous inflammation upon certain individuals who are 

 brought within their influence. R. Toxicodendron is the Poison-oak of North 

 America. The leaves contain a peculiar acrid pnnciple, upon which their 

 medicinal properties appear to be due. They have been thought to be useful 

 in old paralytic cases, and in chronic rheumatism. This plant is by some 

 authors considered as merely a variety of R. radicans, which has similar 

 properties to it. R. venenata is the Poison-ash or Poison-elder, and like the 

 two former, has very poisonous properties. The above plants in a fresh state, 

 ought to be very carefully handled, as their juices frequently cause violent 

 erysipelatous inflammation. The bark of R. Coriaria is a powerful astringent, 

 and IS used in tanning ; other species have similar propertves. The Iruit of 

 R. Coriaria is acidulous, and is eaten by the Turks. The leaves of R. Cotinus, 

 when dried and powdered, constitute the material called Shumac or Sumach, 

 which has been employed in tanning and dyeing for ages. The woou is also 

 known in commerce as Young Fustic or Zante Fustic. It is used for dyeing, 

 and produces a rich vellow colour. This must not be confounded with Old 

 Fustic, which is obtained from an entirely different ploUt (see Madura 

 tinctoria). R. Metoptum, a native of Jamaica, furnishes the Hog-tum of 

 that island, which is 5aidto have astringent, diuretic, and purgative properties 

 when given internally, and to act as a vulnerary when applied externally 



