THALAMIFLORJE. 4i7 



and balsamic properties. Some are regarded as stimulant and 

 emmenagogue. The most important plant of the order is 



Cistvs creticus. — The fragrant resinous substance called Ladanum is ob- 

 tained from this plant in the Levant, and also from C. ladani/erus, C. 

 Ledon, &c. Ladanimi has been used as a stimulant, expectorant, and em- 

 menagogue. It is also much esteemed by the Turks as a perfume, and for 

 fumigation. 



Natural Order 19. Bixace.^ or Flacotjetiace^, — The 

 Annatto or Arnatto Order. — Character. — Shrubs or small 

 trees. Leaves alternate, exstipulate, usually entire and leathery, 

 and very often dotted. Sepals 4 — 7, somewhat united at the 

 base. Petals hj-pogynous, distinct, equal in number to the se- 

 pals and alternate with them, sometimes absent. Stamens hypo- 

 gynous, of the same number as the petals, or some multiple 

 of them. Ovary 1 or more-celled, sessile or slightly stalked ; 

 placentas 2 or more, parietal, sometimes branched so as to form 

 a network over the inner sxu'face of the ovary and fruit. Fruit 

 1 -celled, dehiscent or indehiscent, having a thin pulp in its centre. 

 Seeds numerous, usually enveloped in a covering formed by the 

 withered pulp ; alhu7nenfLQs\ij-o\\y] em^r^/o straight, axial ; radicle 

 turned to the hilum. 



Diagnosis. — Shrubs or small trees, with alternate exstipulate 

 leaves. Flowers polypetalous or apetalous ; petals hypogynous. 

 Stamens hypogynous, equal in number to the petals, or some 

 multiple of them. Fruit dehiscent or indehiscent ; placentas 

 parietal. Seeds numerous, albuminous ; embryo axial, straight ; 

 radicle towards the hilum. 



Distribution, ^-c. — The plants of this order are almost confined 

 to the hottest parts of the East and "West Indies, and Africa. 

 Examples of the Genera .-—Bixa., Flacourtia. There are 96 

 species. 



Properties and Uses. — Many plants of the order are feebly 

 bitter and astringent, and have been used as stomachics. The 

 bark of Aphloia is said to be emetic. The fruits of Oncoha and 

 of some of the Flacourtias are edible and wholesome. The 

 most important plants of the order are — 



Bixa OreUana. — The seeds of this plant are covered by a reddish piilp, 

 from which Arnatto or Annatto is made. This is used as a red dye, and for 

 colouring cheese and chocolate. The seeds are said to be cordial, astringent 

 and febrifugal. 



Cochlosperpium Gossi/pium.— According to Eoyle, the trunk of this plant 

 yields the gum Kuteera, which in the north-western provinces of India is 

 used as a substitute for Tragacanth. 



Natural Order 20. Violace^.— The Violet Order (Jigs. 

 873 and 874). — Character. — Herbs or shrubs. Leaves simple, 

 stipulate (Jig. 353), with an involute vernation, alternate, 

 or sometimes opposite. Sepals 5 (Jig. 778), persistent, im- 

 bricate, usually prolonged at the base. Petals 5 (Jig. 778), 



