52G 



capsule." Monnieria and Melianthus (two very puzzling 

 genera,) were thought by Linnaeus to be nearly related to 

 each other, though differing from the order under consi- 

 deration, in having several capsules, and a calyx in five 

 deep divisions. But he judged the ringent corolla of 

 Monnieria to betray an affinity to Fumaria ; while the 

 nectary of Melianthus is similar to that of Monnieria, the 

 combined stamens of the latter being exactly those of Fu- 

 maria. Hence a relationship is traced between Melian- 

 thus and this order, which, but for Monnieria, could not 

 have been suspected. 



" There is a certain fragility and delicacy of texture 

 characteristic of the Corydales, with a glaucous hue, 

 which points out their affinity ; as well as a bitter flavour. 

 Scarcely any of the order are odoriferous, except Melian- 

 thus, which is extremely foetid." 



Linnaeus professes his inability to point out any exclu- 

 sive mark of distinction for this order. " The leaves 

 indeed are alternate in all, Calceolaria excepted ; and 

 many bear stipulas. Their mode of flowering is spiked, 

 racemose, or solitary, their stalk naked or leafy, different 

 in different species. All that we are acquainted with are 

 smooth and unarmed ; a very few of them climbing by 

 means of tendrils. Melianthus and Monnieria only are 

 shrubby. All the tribe prefer shady, moist situations, 

 where the soil is not disturbed." (Some however grow 

 in cultivated ground, as the Fumitories.) 



"The Melianthus, a Cape plant, produces more honey 

 than any other plant, so that a tea-spoon full may be col- 

 lected every morning, from each of its numerous flowers. 

 But the offensive odour" (of the bruised plant) "indicates 

 a poisonous quality, as in Cimicifuga." 



Order 25. Putamine/e. On this order, named from 

 the strong rind of the fruit in several instances, there is 

 no commentary in the Pralectiones, nor any manuscript 

 note in the Gen. PI. The genera are Cleome, Cratava, 

 Morisona, Capparis ; Crescentia and Marcgravia being 



