CALTCIFLORiE. 549 



or more species of Cucurbita. Some samples of this oil brought to this 

 country by Dr. Daniell, have been examined by Mr. Wilson the Manager of 

 Price's Patent Candle Company, who states that it is well adapted for burning, 

 for the lubrication of machinery and other analogous appliances. 



Trichosanthes anguinea is the Snake Gourd — The fruits of this and other 

 species are eaten in India mixed witii curries. 



Sechium edule. — The green fruit is commonly eaten in hot countries. It is 

 called Chocho or Chacha. 



Natural Order 100. LoASACEiE. — The Chili-Nettle Order. — 

 Herbaceous plants, with stiff hairs, which are sometimes 

 stinging. Leaves without stipules. Calyx superior, 4 or 5- 

 parted, persistent. Petals 5 or 10, in 2 whorls, often hooded. 

 Stamens numerous, in several whorls, either distinct, or united 

 in bundles. Ovary inferior, 1 -celled, with several parietal pla- 

 centas, or 1 axile placenta ; style 1 ; ovules pendulous, anatropal. 

 Fruit capsular, or succulent. Seeds having an embryo lying in 

 the axis of fleshy albumen. 



Distribution, Sfc — They are all natives of North and South 

 America. Examples: — Mentzeha, Bartonia, Loasa. There are 

 18 genera, and about 70 species. 



Properties and Uses. — Some of the species are remarkable for 

 their stinging hairs; hence their common name of Chili-Nettles. 

 Several species are cultivated on account of the beauty of their 

 flowers. A Mexican species, Mentzelia hispida, is reputed to 

 possess a purgative root. 



Natural Order 101. Homaliace^. — The Homalium Order. — 

 Trees or shrubs with alternate leaves. Calyx superior, funnel- 

 shaped, with from 5 — 15 divisions. Petals equal in number 

 to the divisions of the calyx, with which they are alternate. 

 Stamens opposite to the petals and inserted on them, either 

 distinct, or in bundles of 3 or 6. Ovary inferior, 1-celled; 

 placentas parietal ; ovules numerous, pendulous ; styles 3 — 5. 

 Fruit a capsule, or berry. Seeds small ; embryo in the axis of 

 a little fleshy albumen. 



Distribution, ^c. — They are natives of the tropical parts of 

 India, Africa, and America. Examples : — Homalium, Tri- 

 meria, Nisa. There are 8 genera, and 30 species. 



Properties and Uses. — Some species of Homalium are as- 

 tringent, but nothing is known of the properties of the other 

 genera. 



Natural Order 102. Cactace^. — The Cactus or Indian 

 Eig Order. — Succulent plants, which are usually spiny, and 

 leafless. Stems globular, columnar, flattened, or 3 or more 

 angled, and altogether presenting a peculiar appearance. 

 Flowers sessile. Sepals and petals usually numerous, {fig. 934), 

 and scarcely distinguishable from each other; or rarely 4 ; 

 epigynous. Stamens numerous, with long filaments, and versatile 

 anthers {figs. 933 and 934). Ovary inferior {fig. 933), fleshy, 

 1 -celled, with parietal placentas {fig. 616); style 1; stigmas 

 N N 3 



