392 



DICOTYLEDONES. 



by the syncarpoas gynceceum, if it is in reality formed by 3 carpels and not by 1 

 only. Hernandia, which has epigynous mono3cious flowers, deviates most. 

 Cassytha is a Cuscuta-like, herbaceous, slightly green parasite with twining, 

 almost leafless stems. The flower however agrees with the diagram in Fig. 387. 

 Some Lauraceee have curved veins or palminerved aud lobed leaves (often 

 together with entire ones) e.g. Sassafras. 



'There are 1000 species ; especially in the forests of tropical S. America and 

 Asia, of which they form the principal part. Only Lauras nobilis is found in 

 Europe, and there is little doubt that its proper home is in Western Asia. 



FIG. 389. ZIyristica : fruit. 



Fio. 390. Seed with aril entire 

 and in longitudinal section. 



They are rare in Africa. On account of the volatile oil found in all parts of the 

 plant, they are used as tpices, e.g. the false Cinnamon tree (Dicypellium caryo- 

 pliyllatum, in the Brazils). The OFFICINAL ones are the Cinnamon-tree (Cinna- 

 momum zeylanicum from Ceylon, E. India, Eastern Asia), which is also culti- 

 vated ; the Camphor-tree (Cinnamomum camphura. Eastern Asia). The Laurel- 

 tree (Lauras nobilis, Mediterranean), the berries and leaves of which give 

 laurel oil, is medicinal. Scented wood lor furniture, etc., is obtained from 

 Sassafras officinalis (from N. Am.). The wood ftcm its roots is officinal. 

 Piclmrim " beans " are the large cotyledons of Neclandra picJairy, whilst the 



