180 RHAMNEJE, ANACARDIACE^E. 



Calyciflorce. 



17. RHAMNE.E. 



Calyx monosepalous, 4-5-cleft, and valvate in aestiva- 

 tion. Petals exserted from the faux of the calyx, cu- 

 cullate, convolute in aestivation, and sometimes scale- 

 like or absent from abortion. Stamens definite and op- 

 posite the petals. Disk fleshy, lining the tube of the 

 calyx. Ovarium more or less immersed in the disk, 

 2-3-4-celled, the ovules solitary and erect. Fruit 

 mostly fleshy and indehiscent, occasionally dry and 

 indehiscent, variously celled. Seeds solitary and erect, 

 albumen generally present and fleshy, embryo large, 

 with large and flat cotyledons, but a short inferior radicle. 



Trees or shrubs often having spines, with simple mi- 

 nutely stipulate, mostly alternate leaves. Flowers very 

 often axillary. 



Geographical Relations. Representatives of the tribe 

 may be found all over the world, save within the polar 

 circle, but many of the genera are met with in parti- 

 cular countries only. 



Properties. The juice of the berries of many species 

 is a very drastic cathartic, griping violently; but other 

 members afford fruits and leaves which are eaten and 

 used economically. 



Officinal Plant. 

 Rhamnus catharticus. 



18. ANACARDIACEJL. 



Calyx generally small and persistent, with from 3 to 

 7 divisions, imbricate in aestivation. Petals when pre- 



