THALAMIFLOEJB. 471 



rarely distinct, or monad elplioxis, sometimes having fleshy glands 

 alternating with the bundles of stamens; Jilaments filiform ; an- 

 thers 2-celled, with longitudinal dehiscence. Ovary 1 -celled, 

 formed of from 3 — 5 carpels, which are partially inflected so as to 

 project into the cavity ; or 3 — 5-celled by the union of the dis- 

 sepiments in the centre {fig. 888) ; styles equal in number to the 

 carpels ; stigmas usually capitate or truncate, rarely 2-lobed. 

 Fruit capsular, usually 3 — 5-celled, sometimes 1 -celled ; placentas 

 axile or parietal, dehiscence septicidal. Seeds minute, numerous ; 

 emhryo straight or curved, exalbuminons {fig. 890). 



Diagnosis. — Leaves simple, exstipulate. Flowers regular. 

 Sepals and petals liypogynous, with a quaternary or quinaiy 

 distribution; the former with an imbricated sestivatiou; the 

 latter unequal-sided, commonly marked with black glands, and 

 having a twisted aestivation. Stamens hypogynous, usually 

 numerous and polyadelphous, rarely few, and then distinct or 

 monadelphous ; anthers 2-celled, opening longitudinally. Styles 

 several. Fruit 1-celled, or 3 — 5-celled. Seeds numerous, ex- 

 albuminous. 



Distribution, ^x'. — The -plants are generally distributed over 

 the globe, inhabiting both temperate and hot regions, and almost 

 all varieties of soil. Examples of the Genera: — Ascyrum, Hy- 

 pericum, Vismia. There are 280 species. 



Properties and Uses. — They abound generally in a resinous 

 yellow juice, which is frequently purgative ; as in Vismia 

 guianensis, micrantha, &c. Other plants of the order, as Hyperi- 

 cum perforatum, A7idros<smum officinale, &c., have tonic and 

 astringent properties, and Cratoxylon Hornschiichia is slightly 

 astringent and diuretic. 



Natural Order 37. Reaumuriace^. — The Reanmui'ia Order. — 

 This small order was first instituted by Ehrenberg. The plants 

 belonging to it do not differ in any essential characters from 

 Hypericacese, except that they have a pair of appendages at the 

 base of the petals, and shaggy seeds with a small quantity of 

 mealy albumen. 



Distribution, ^c. — Natives of the coast of the Mediterranean 

 and the salt plains of Northern Asia. Examples of the Genera : 

 — Reaumuria, Eichwaldia. There are 4 species. 



Properties and Uses. — The plants contain much saline matter. 

 A decoction of the leaves of Eeaumuria vcrmiculata is used inter- 

 nally, and the bruised leaves as an external application, for the 

 cure of scabies. 



Natural Order 38. Marcgraviace^. — The Marcgravia Order. 

 — This is a small order of plants which is generally regaKled as 

 being allied to Clusiacese and Hypericacese. The species belong- 

 ing to it are chiefly distinguished from Clusiacese, by their un- 

 symmetrical flowers, versatile anthers, and very numerous minute 

 seeds. Some genera of the order are remarkable for their 



