DICOTYLEDONES— COROLLIFLOE.E 



883 



Miers divides the Styracece into two orders, called Symjjlo- 

 cacecE and Styracacece, the former of which is distinguished by 

 its partially inferior ovary, imbricate aestivation of corolla, and 

 roundish anthers ; and the latter having a superior ovary, valvate 

 aestivation of corolla, and linear anthers. 



Distribution and Numbers. — These plants are sparingly dis- 

 tributed in warm and tropical regions ; but a few are found in 

 cold climates. Illustrative Genera : — Symplocos, Jacg. ; Styrax, 

 Tourn. Miers enumerates about 120 species. 



Projjerties and Uses. — These plants are principally remark- 

 able for yielding stinmlant balsamic resins. Some yield dyeing 

 agents, but these are of little importance. 



Series 3. — Dicarpice or Bicarpellatce. 



Cohort 1. — Gentianales. 



OrderlS5. 'OLEACE^,the Olive Order. — Character. — Tree.<i 

 or shrubs. Leaves opposite, simple or pinnate, exstipulate. 



Fig. 114S. Fig. 1149. Fig. 1150. 



Fig. 1148. Diagram of the flower of the Lilac (Syringa vulgaris). Fig. 



1149. Flower of the Manna Ash (Fra.viniis Orniis), with 4-cleft calyx; 



corolla with 4 distinct petals; 2 stamens; and 2 carpels. Fig. 1150. 



Vertical section of the calyx and pistil of the Privet (Ligi/slniin vulgare). 



Floiuers usualh' perfect, or rarely unisexual. Calyx persistent, 

 4 — 8-cleft, sometimes obsolete, inferior. Corolla regular, 4 — 8- 

 cleft, or of 4 distinct petals, or absent; cestivation valvate or 

 imbricate. Stamens usually 2, rarely 4. Ovary suj)erior, 2- 

 celled, with 1 — 4 erect, or 2 suspended ovules in each cell. Fruit 

 dehiscent or indehiscent, often 1-seeded. Seeds with abundant 

 fleshy albumen, or the albumen is small in quantity" ; embryo 

 straight. 



The order JasminacecB of many botanists is here included 

 in the Oleacece. The tribe or sub-order Jasminece is more 



