144 



RHAMNACE^:. 



[CLASS 



Shrubs. Stamens definite, opposite to the petals. 

 Type Alder Buckthorn (Rhamnus Frangula). 

 A deciduous nearly glabrous shrub, with alternate un- 

 divided leaves, and inconspicuous axillary flowers. 



COMPARE the flowers of Buckthorn and Spindle-tree. 

 In the former the stamens are opposite to the petals, in 

 the latter alternate with them. The number of parts in 

 the floral whorls is apt to vary. 



The unripe berries of Common Buckthorn (R. cathar- 

 ticus) afford a yellow dye ; when ripe, they yield (with 

 alum) " sap-green," " French-berries " are procured from 

 /?, infectorius. The drupes of exotic species of Zizyphus 

 are wholesome, and are known as "jujubes." The fruit 

 of Z. Lotus of North Africa is stated to have been eaten 

 by an ancient race, called on that account Lotophagi. 

 The wood of Rhamnus Frangula yields a charcoal used 

 for the finer kinds of gunpowder. 



21. Natural Order Leguminosas. The Leguminous 

 Family. 



DISTRIBUTION. A very large Natural Order, numerous 

 in every quarter of the globe. The extra-European Tribes, 

 Cassalpinieas and Mimoseae, are chiefly tropical. British 

 genera 18, species 69. 



Shrubs or herbs. Flowers papilionaceous. Stamens 10, mon- 

 Stlelphous or diadelphous. (As to the British species.) 



