SIMARUBEJE. 179 



sarcocarp, both being two-valved, the valves dividing 

 at the base, but connected by a membrane which bears 

 the seeds," " seeds twin or solitary, albumen none." 



Geographical Relations. Abundant at the Cape of 

 Good Hope and equinoctial regions of America; one 

 genus is found in Europe. 



Properties. Bitter and stimulating, with fcetid 

 odours, though sometimes with fragrant ones. 



Officinal Plants. 



Diosma crenata (now a Barosma.) 

 Galipea (aut Cusparia) febrifuga. 



16. SIMARTJBE^E. 



Differing from Rutacece in having " ovaria with but 

 one ovulum, indehiscent drupes, and exalbuminous seeds, 

 the membranous integument of the embryo and radicle 

 being retracted within thick cotyledons." (Jussieu.) 



Geographical Relations . Altogether tropical in their 

 distribution. 



Properties. Intensely bitter. A principle called 

 Quassine has been found in some members. 



Officinal Plants. 



Quassia amara. 



Simaruba (olim Quassia) excelsa. 



