570 SYSTEMATIC HOTAXY. 



lobes of the corolla, and alternate with them {fig. 947). Ovary 

 inferior {figs. 948 and 949), 2-celled {fig. 947), with one solitary 

 erect ovule in each cell ; styles 2 {figs. 948 and 949, st). Fruit 

 2-celled, indehi scent, with 1 erect seed in each cell {fig. 950) ; 

 albumen horny {fig. 950, a). 



Diagnosis. — This order, as already noticed (see page 567), is 

 generally included with the Cinchonacese in a common order, 

 called Eubiacese. The Graliaeeae are at once distinguished from 

 the Cinchonacese by their whorled exstipulate leaves, and angular 

 stems. Some regard the whorls as formed partly of leaves, and 

 partly of stipules resembling the true leaves in form and appear- 

 ance. The above arrangement of the Cinchonacese and Graliacese 

 is in accordance with the views of Lindley. 



Distribution, ^'c. — The plants of this order are common weeds 

 in the northern parts of the northern hemisphere. They are 

 also found inhabiting high mountainous districts in Peru, Chili, 

 and Australia. Examples of the Genera : — Gralium, Asperula, 

 Sherardia. There are about 380 species. 



Properties and Uses. — They are chiefly remarkable for the 

 presence of a colouring matter in their roots, and hence are used 

 in dyeing. Some are reputed to possess tonic, diuretic, and 

 emmenagogue properties, and the roasted seeds of certain species 

 have been employed as substitutes for coffee. 



Galium. — G. Aparine, Goose-grass, or Cleavers. — The inspissated juice or 

 extract of this plant has been used with success in lepra and some other 

 cutaneoiis diseases. Its roasted seeds have been employed as a substitute for 

 coffee. The extract of G. rigidum and G. Mollugo have been employed in 

 epilepsy. 



Ruhia. — R. tinctorum. — The dried root of this plant is known under the 

 name of Madder, and is one of the most important of vegetable dyes. It 

 is largely cultivated in France, Holland, &c. In France it is known under 

 the name of Garance. In the Levant R, peregrina is cultivated, and yields 

 Levant Madder. The roots are also called Twkey-rootsincovci-mevce. Madder 

 is imported in two forms, namely, in the entire root, and in a ground state. 

 There are four kinds of Dutch Madder, known respectively as crop (the 

 best), ombro, gamene, and mull (the worst). In the hving state, madder- 

 root only contains a yellow colouring principle, called rubian ; but no less 

 than five colouring matters have been obtained from the madder of com- 

 merce, called respectively madder purple {purpu7-in) , red {alizarin), orange^ 

 yellow, and brown ; it would appear, therefore, that thei-^e latter must be aU 

 derived from the single yellow colouring principle. Alizarin is by far the 

 most valuable of these colouring substances. Besides its use as a dyeing 

 material, madder was long employed in medicine as a tonic and diuretic, 

 and has been regarded as a valuable emmenagogue ; its virtues, however, as 

 a medicine are very trifling, and it is no longer employed by the medical 

 practitioner. Besides the roots of R. tinctorv7n and R. peregrina, those of 

 other species are employed in different parts of the world for dyeing : thus, 

 the roots of R. cordifolia or Munjista, a native of the East Indies, are used 

 in Bengal, &c., as madder ; and are occasionally imported into this country 

 under the name of munjeet. The roots of R. Relboun are also employed in 

 Chili for dyeing. 



Natural Order 125. CoLUMETXiACEiE, — The Columellia Order. 

 — Character. — Evergreen shrubs or trees. Leaves opposite, 

 exstipulate. Flowers unsymmetrical, yellow, terminal. Calyx 



