CALYCIFLOR-S:. 645 



cleaning guns, &c. The dried cut fruit of Luffa cpgyptiaca is used as a flesh 

 brush, under the name of towel-gourd. An infusion of the fresh stalks and 

 leaves of Luffa amaia, an Indian species, is said to be useful in affections of 

 the spleen. It possesses bitter tonic and diuretic properties. 



Sechiinn edule. — The green fmit is commonly eaten in hot countries. It is 

 called L'hocho or Chacha. 



Trichosanthes anguiiiea is the Snake Gourd. — The fruits of this and some 

 other species are eaten in India mixed %vith curries ; but others are reputed 

 to possess poisonous proi^erties. 



Natural Order 100. Loasace^.— The Chili-Nettle Order.— 

 Character. — 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 

 placentas, or 1 axile placenta ; style 1 ; ovules pendulous, ana- 

 tropal. Fruit capsular or succulent. Seeds having an enibrjo 

 lying in the axis of fleshy albumen. 



Distribution, ^'c. — They are all natives of North and South 

 America. Examples of the Genera : — Bartonia, Loasa. There 

 are 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. Homamaceje. — The Homalium Order. — 

 Character. — Trees or shrubs with alternate leaves. Calyx 

 superior, funnel-shaped, with from 5 — 15 divisions. Petals equal 

 in number to the divisions of the calj'x, 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 of the Genera : — Homa- 

 lium, Trimeria. There are 36 species. 



Propjertks 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 Fig 

 Order {^figs. 935 and 936). — Character. — Succulent plants, 

 which are usually spiny, and leafless. Stems globular, columnar, 

 flattened or 3 or more angled, and altogether presenting a pecu- 

 liar and irregular appearance. Flowers sessile. Sepals and 

 'petals usually numerous {fig, 936), and scarcely distinguishable 

 from each other; or rarely 4 ; epigynous (/^. 935). Stamens 

 niunerous {figs. 935 and 936), with long filaments and versatile 

 anthers. Oy«r^ inferior {fig. 935), fleshy, 1-celled, with parietal 



