612 SYSTEMATIC BOTANY. 



B'uignosis. — This order is sometimes considered as a sub-order 

 of the Yerbenacese, from 'ohich it can be scarcely separated. It 

 only differs essentially from that order in having pendulous 

 seeds, and a superior radicle. 



Bistrihution, ^'c. — Chiefly natives of the southern hemisphere. 

 Examples of the Genera : — Myoporum, Avicennia. There are 

 about 40 species. 



Properties and Uses. — Unimportant. The bark of Avicennia 

 tomentosa, White Mangrove, and other species, are much used in 

 Brazil for tanning. 



Natural Order 171. SELAGiNACEiE. — The Selago Order. — 

 Cliaracter, — Herbs or shrubs, with alternate exstipulate leaves, 

 i^/owfrs irregular, unsymmetrical, sessile, bracteated. Calyx per- 

 sistent, usually monosepalous with a definite number of divi- 

 sions, or rarely consisting of two distinct sepals. Corolla tub\ilar, 

 5-partite. Stamens 4, or rarely 2; anthers 1 -celled. Ovary 

 superior; style 1, filiform; ovule solitary, pendulous. Frvit 

 2-ee]led, with 1 solitary pendulous seed in each cell. Embryo in 

 a little fleshy albumen, with a superior radicle. In Glohularia 

 there is but one carpel. 



Distribution, cfx\ — Chiefly natives of the Cape of Grood Hope. 

 The species of Globidaria are however European plants. Ex- 

 amples of the Genera: — Selago, Globularia. There are 120 

 species. 



Properties and Uses. — Of little importance. The Glohularias 

 are purgative and emetic. The leaves of Globularia Alypum 

 form the Wild Senna of Germany. In small doses they act as 

 a tonic, and in full doses as a safe mild and efficient purgative. 

 They have been sometimes employed for the adulteration of 

 Senna Leaves, and also, it is said, in the process of tanning. 

 They contain both tannic and gallic acids. 



Natural Order 172. Pedatjace^. — The Pedalium Order. — 

 C h a ra, c t e r. — Glandular herbs. Leaves entire, without stipules. 

 Flowers axillary, usually large and irregular. Calyx 5-partite. 

 Corolla bilabiate. Stamens didynamous with the rudiment of a 

 fitth, included; anthers 2-celled. Ovary on a fleshy or glan- 

 dular disk, 1-celled, with 2 parietal placentas; sometimes 

 spuriously 4 — 6-celled ; style I ; stigma divided. Fruit bony or 

 capsular. Seeds wingless, without albumen ; embryo with large 

 cotyledons, and a short radicle. 



distribution, ^'c. — Chiefly tropical plants. Examples of the 

 Genera: — Pedalium, Sesamum. There are about 25 species. 



Properties and Uses. — Chiefly remarkable for their oily 

 seeds. 



Pedalium Miirex. — An infusion of the fresh leaves and stems has been 

 employed with success in India in dysuria and gonorrhoea. 



Sesamum mclicum.— The seeds yield by expression a fixed oil which is 

 much used in India, where it is regarded as an efficient substitute for olive 

 oil. It is rarely imported, however, into this country, as it soon becomes 



