196 APOCYNE.fi. 



rolla hypogynous, monopetalous, (rarely wanting, as in 

 Fraxinus.) Stamens two, hypogynous, alternate with 

 the segments of the corolla ; anthers two-celled and 

 dehiscing longitudinally. Ovarium simple and uncon- 

 nected with a disk, two-celled, the cells two-ovuled. 

 Fruit drupaceous, capsular or baccate, rarely samceri- 

 form, two-celled and two-seeded, sometimes one-seeded 

 by abortion. Seeds with fleshy or horny albumen, a 

 straight embryo, the radicle superior, and the plumula 

 inconspicuous. 



Trees or shrubs with simple exstipulate opposite leaves, 

 and an inflorescence terminal or axillary. 



Geographical Relations. Rare in the torrid zone, and 

 most common in the warm regions of the temperate la- 

 titudes. 



Properties. Bitterness and astringency, and the pre- 

 sence of much oil in the fruit vessel of the Olive are 

 conspicuous. 



Officinal Plants. 



Olea europcea. 

 Ornus europcea. 



33. APOCYNE^E. 



Calyx 5-cleft, persistent. Corolla monopetalous, 5- 

 lobed, and deciduous, contorted during aestivation. 

 Stamens 5, placed on the corolla, and alternate with 

 its segments ; filaments distinct ; anthers two-celled, 

 dehiscing longitudinally. Ovaria 1-2-celled, contain- 

 ing many ovules; styles 1-2. Fruit very various, 

 capsular, drupaceous, baccate or follicular. Seeds 

 having horny or fleshy albumen, the embryo straight, 

 plumula inconspicuous, and the cotyledons foliaceous. 



