COROLLIFLOR^. 593 



2-valved, with septicidal dehiscence ; or a berrv. Seeds numerous 

 (Jiff. 664), small; embryo minute, in the axis of fleshy albumen. 



Diagnosis. — Usually smooth herbs. Leaves without stipules. 

 Flowers nearly always regular. Calyx and corolla persistent, 

 with an equal number of lobes. Stamens alternate to the 

 lobes of the corolla, and equal in number to them. Ovary 

 1 -celled, with 2 parietal placentas placed anterior and posterior, 

 sometimes meeting in the centre and forming a 2 -celled ovary; 

 style 1 ; stigmas 2. Seeds numerous, Avith a minute embryo, in 

 the axis of fleshy albumen. 



Division of the Order, 8fc. — The order has been divided into 

 two sections or sub-orders, the characters of which are taken 

 from the aestivation of the corolla : — 



Sub-order 1. Gentianece. — Corolla imbricate-twisted. Exam- 

 ples: — Gentiana, Agathotes, Erythroea, Chlora. 



Sub-order 2. Menyanthece. — Corolla plaited, or induplicate. Ex- 

 amples : — Menyanthes, Villarsia. 



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

 world, inhabiting both the coldest and hottest regions. There 

 are 64 genera, and about 450 species. 



Properties and Uses. — A bitter principle almost universally 

 pervades the plants of this order; hence many, of them are 

 tonic, stomachic, and febrifugal, 



Gentiana lulea.— This plant is a native of the mountains of central and 

 southern Europe. Its root is our officinal Gentian, so well known for its bitter 

 tonic properties. The roots of other species of Gentian are frequently mixed 

 ■with it, as those of G- purpurea, punctata, and pajinonica, the admixture is, 

 however, of little consequence, as these possess similar properties. From 

 Gentian root, the Swiss and Tyrolese prepare a spirit which is much prized 

 by them as a stomachic. Other Gentians have similar properties. 



Ophelia {Agathotes) Chirata, the Chiretta or Chirayta.— The dried plant 

 and root possess great bitterness. Chiretta is used by the natives of India as 

 Gentian is employed in Europe. It is also in use as a tonic &c. in this country, 

 41-0. 



Frasera carolinensis or Walteri The root is officinal in the Pharmacopoeia 



of the United States. It is known as American Columba. It has tnuch less 

 bitterness than Gentian root; and though similar in properties, it is less 

 powerful. It has been sold for Columba in France, and hence termed Jahe 

 Columba, 



Erylhrcea Centaurium, Common Centaury, is an indigenous plant possess- 

 ing smiilar properties to Gentian. 



Sabbatia a7igularis, American Centaury — The herb and root are em- 

 ployed in the United States for their tonic and febrifugal properties. 



Menyanthes trifoliala. Buck-bean. 15og-bean, or Marsh Trefoil.* — The 

 leaves and rhizome are tonic and astringent, and in large doses cathartic and 

 emetic. The plant has been employed in .some parts of Germany as a substi- 

 tute for hops. 



Natural Order 149. AscLEPiADACE.a:. — The Asclepias or 

 Milkweed Order {figs. 966 — 968.) Shrubs or herbs, commonly 

 lactescent and frequently of a twining habit. Leaves entire, ex- 

 stipulate. Flowers regular {figs. 960 and 967). Calyx and corolla 

 5-partite {fiigs. 966 and 967) ; cestivaiion of the latter imbricated, 

 or rarely valvate; the calyx persistent (fig. 551, a), the corolla 

 QQ 



