TEREBINTHIN^]. 435 



is a heather-like, moorland, evergreen undershrub with linear leaves, having a 

 deep groove closed with hairs, on the under side. The erect ovules show the 

 greatest deviation from the Euphorbiaceae. Dioecious (and ) ; S3, P3 ; in the 

 <? -flower, 3 stamens ; in the ? -flower, a 6-9-locular ovary. Fruit a drupe. 



Family 15. Terebinthinse. 



The diagram of the flower (Figs. 465-467) is the same as in the 

 Gruinales, namely S, P, A2 and Gr in whorls of 5 (less frequently 

 3, 4, 6, 8), and the same modifications also occur with the suppres- 

 sion of the petal- stamens, etc. But a ring or sometimes cup-like 

 glandular structure (disc) is found between the androecium and the 

 gynceceum (Figs. 465, 466). The flowers similarly are regular, 

 hypogynous, and polypetalous, though exceptions are found to all 

 these characters : thus, for example, united sepals and petals fre- 

 quently occur, and, in some orders, unisexual flowers by the sup- 

 pression of one sex. In most cases the flowers are small, greenish- 

 yellow, and arranged in paniculate inflorescences. The carpels (most 

 frequently 5) are free in a few, but generally united into a rnulti- 

 locular gynceceum ; rarely more than 1 or 2 ovules in each loculus. 

 The gynceceum in the AriacardiacesB is so reduced that it has only 



1 fertile loculus with 1 ovule. The ovules are epitropous, i.e. ana- 

 tropous with outward-turned raphe (except the Anacardiaceoe). 

 The majority of the species are trees and shrubs with scattered, 

 often compound (pinnate) leaves without stipules, and as in addition 

 they frequently contain aromatic, especially turpentine-like substances, 

 they assume a certain resemblance to the Walnut trees, and were 

 formerly classed with them mainly on this account. In a series 

 of genera the volatile, scented oils are found in special glands in 

 the bark of the branches and in the leaves, in the latter case 

 appearing as pellucid dots. This family includes several orders 

 which are somewhat difficult to distinguish from each other. 



Order 1. Connaracese. This order forms the connecting link between 

 Terebinthinae and Rosifloras (Spircea) as well as Leguminosae, with which they 

 are sometimes classed. The flowers have 5 5-merous whorls; 2 ovules in each 

 loculus; micropyle turned upwards. Fruit a follicle, rarely a collection of 

 follicles. Seed with aril. Shrubs with scattered (most frequently pinnate) 

 leaves, without stipules. 170 species. Tropical. . 



Order 2. Meliacese. Trees and shrubs with scattered, often pinnate leaves 

 without pellucid dots and exstipulate ; the leaflets are nearly always entire. 

 Flowers email in paniculate inflorescences. Calyx and corolla 4-5-merous ; 



2 whorls of stamens ; 3-5 carpels in the gynoaceum. A Tery characteristic 

 feature is the union of the filaments into a tube, on the edge of which stipule- 

 like teeth are often found. There are most frequently 2 ovules in the loculi ; 



