1 by abortion, 

 with thin albumen 



Fig. 968. 



COEOLLIFLOE^. 593 



numerous, generally comose {fig. 735), 

 Fig. 969. Fig. 970. 



Fig. 968. Diagram of the flower of Asclepias nivea. Fig. 969. Flower of 



a species of Asclepias, witli the united stamens fonning a tube round 



the pistil, p. Corolla, a. Appendages of the stamens. Fig. 970. One 



of the stamens of the same removed. /. FilameuC. a. Anther, p. 

 Hornlike staminal appendage. 



Diagnosis. — This order is at once distinguished amongst the 

 Epipetalse, by its curiously formed stigma, and adhering pollen 

 masses. 



Bistribidion, S,-c. — They are chiefly tropical plants, abounding 

 in southern Africa, India, and equinoctial America. Examples 

 of the Genera: — Hemidesmus, Solenostemma, Calotropis, As- 

 clepias, Hoya, Stapelia. There are about 1,000 species. 



Properties and Uses. — The plants of this order are chiefly 

 remarkable for their bitter acrid juice, wliich renders them 

 stimulant, emetic, purgative, and diaphoretic. Several species 

 are reputed to be antidotes to snake-bites. The milky juice of 

 many species contains caoutchouc. Some are edible, as the roots 

 of Goinpkocarpus pedunculatus, and the tubers of Ciropcgia 

 Vignaldiana, ^-c. ^ 



Asclepias. — The root of A. Ctirassavica is employed in some of the "West 

 Indian islands as an emetic, hence it is termed Bastard Ipecacuanha. From 

 the stems of A. (enacissima, Jelee or Tongoose fibres are obtained. The root 

 of A . tuberosa, the Butterfly-weed or Pleurisy-root, is employed in the United 

 States as a diaphoretic and expectorant. A . incarnata. Swamp Silk-weed, is 

 used in North America as an anthelmintic, and in asthma and rheumatism. 



Ca^o^/'C'pw.— The dried root-bark of C. gigantea and C. procera form Muclar 

 bark, which has been much employed in India in cutaneous affections. It 

 has been also used as a substitute for ipecacuanha. It contains a principle 

 called mudarine. According to Eoyle, Ak or J/Mdarfibres are obtained from 

 this bark. The bai-k of the root of C. Hamiltonii possesses similar properties, 

 and is said to jield Yerciim fibres. 



Cynanchum. — The expressed juice of C. monspeliaaim mixed with other 

 purgative substances constitutes French or Montpellier Scammony. C. ovali- 

 folium yields caoutchouc at Penang. (See Solenostemma.) 



Gymnema.— G. lactiferiim is the Cow-plant of Ceylon. It derives its common 

 name from producing a juice resembling milk in colour and consistency. 

 Q Q 



