53S 



SYSTEMATIC BOTANY. 



wings, exalbuminous ; placentation axile {fig- 925) ; embryo 

 straight, with flat leafy cotyledons, and the radicle towards the 

 hilum. 



Fig. 925. 



Fig. 926. 



Fig. 925. Vertical section of the flower of Purple Loosestrife {Lythrum Sali- 

 carki). Fig. 926. Calyx of the same. 



Diagnosis. — Herbs or shrubs, with entire, exstipulate, and 

 usually opposite leaves. Calyx tubular, ribbed, persistent, bear- 

 ing the deciduous petals and stamens; the latter being inserted 

 below the petals. Anthers 2-celled, adnate, bursting longitu- 

 dinally. Ovary superior, with axile placentation ; style 1 . Fruit 

 membranous, dehiscent, surrounded by the non-adherent calyx. 

 Seeds numerous, exalbuminous. 



Distribution, (Sfc— The greater number are tropical plants, but 

 some are also found in temperate regions, as, for instance, in 

 Europe and North America. One species only, Lythrum Sali- 

 caria, has been hitherto found in New Holland. Examples : — 

 Peplis, Lythrum, Cuphea, Lawsonia, Physocalymma, Lager- 

 stromia. There are 35 known genera, and about 300 species. 



Properties and Uses. — The plants of the order are chiefly 

 remarkable for the possession of an astringent principle, and for 

 their use in dyeing. 



Lythrum Salicaria, Purple Loosestrife, is a common British plant, and is said 

 to l)e useful as an astringent in diarrhoea, &c. Other species probably possess 

 similar properties. 



Cuphea. — Many species of this genus are cultivated for the beauty of their 

 flowers. They are remarkable for the curious manner in which the placenta 

 bursts throuRh its coverings, and by so doing forms an external process upon 

 wl)ich the 8ci'ds arc borne. 



Grislca to)n>nlosa In India, the flowers are employed in dyeing, mixed 



with spf'cics of Morinda ( CiTtchonace:e). (See Moriiida.) 



Latrsonia inermis is the plant from which the Henna or Alkanna of Egypt 

 &c., is derived. It is used by the women in the East to dye the nails, palms 

 of the hand, and soles of the feet, of an orange-brown colour. It is likewise 

 employed for dyciuK skins and morocco leiither reddish-yellow. 



Laiicrstriimia Jicginu has narcotic seeds, and its leaves and bark are reputed 

 to be purgative and hydrugogue. 



