DICOTYLEDONES— CALYCIFLOR.E 8S9 



gvosis. — This order is frequently regarded as a sub-order of 

 Saxifragaceae, with which it agrees in many important particu- 

 lars ; hut it differs in its jDlants being of a shrubby nature ; in 

 their having opposite leaves, which are always exstipulate ; in 

 their valvate cal}- x ; in their tendency to a polygamous structure, 

 as exhibited in the possession of radiant staminal flowers ; and 

 in having frequently more than 2 carpels, with a corresponding 

 increase in the number of styles and cells to the ovary. 



Distribution andNuvibers. — Natives chiefly of the temperate 

 regions of Asia and America. About one-half of the species 

 are natives of China and Japan. Illustrative Genera : — 

 Hydrangea, DC. ; Ban era, Sm. There are about 45 species. 



Projierties and Uses. — Unimportant. 



Order 127. Hensloviace.e, the Henslovia Order. — Dia- 

 gnosis. — This is a small order of tropical plants, containing but 1 

 genus and 3 or 4 species, which was considered by Lindley to be 

 nearly allied to Hydrangeaceae ; but distinguished by their tree- 

 like habit, their styles being united into a cj^linder, and the 

 total absence of albumen. Illustrative Genus : — Henslovia, 

 Wall. 



Projjerties and Uses. — Unknown. 



Order 128. Cuxoniace.e, the Cunonia Order. — Diagnosis. — 

 Nearly allied to SaxifragacCc", but differing from them in being 

 trees or shrubs, with opposite or whorled leaves, and large in- 

 terpetiolar stipules. The latter character will also distinguish 

 them readily from Hydrangeaceae, which are exstipulate. They 

 are also known from the latter order by their calyx not beiug 

 valvate. 



Distribution and Nu)nbers. — Natives of South America, the 

 Cape, the East Indies, and Australia. Illustrative Genera : — 

 Weinmannia, Linn. ; Cunonia, Linn. There are about 100 

 species. 



Properties and Uses. — Astringent. Some ha^ e been used 

 for tanning ; others exude a gummy secretion. 



Order I'id. Eibesiace^, the Currant Order. — Character. — 

 Shrubs with or without spines or prickles. Leaves alternate, 

 simple, lobed, radiate- veined. Infiorescence axillary, racemose. 

 Flowers perfect or rarely unisexual. Calyx superior, 4 — 5-lobed. 

 Petals 4 — 5, minute, inserted on the calyx. Stamens 4 — 5, 

 perigynous, alternate with the petals. Ovary inferior, 1-celled, 

 with 2 parietal placentas. Fruit a berry. Seeds numerous ; 

 embryo minute, in horny albumen. 



Distribution and Numbers.— Natives of the temperate regions 



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