410 



ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE NATURAL ORDERS. 



drous floivers, three partly united pistils with several ovules in each, 

 and large bony seeds, with a straight embryo in scanty albumen. - — 

 Ex. Stapltylea. 



800. Sllboi'll. SapindCcB ( Soapberry Family proper) has alternate, or 

 in the Horsechestnut tribe opposite leaves, without stipules, more or 

 less unsymmetrical or irregular and polygamous flowers, exalbu- 

 minous seeds, and a curved embryo with thickened cotyledons. — 

 Mostly tropical, except the Horsechestnut and Buckeyes (iEsculus), 

 which have been deemed a separate family (Hippocastanece). Their 

 very large and fleshy embryo has the cotyledons more or less con- 

 solidated (Fig. 629, G30). The seeds of the Horsechestnut are nu- 

 tritious, but contain an intensely bitter principle which is more or 

 less noxious. Those of J&. Pavia are used to stupefy fish. The 

 root, according to Elliott, is employed as a substitute for soap. The 

 fruit of Sapindus is used for the same purpose, whence the name of 

 Soapberry. 



801. Sllbord. AccrinCfE {Maple Family) has opposite (simple or 

 compound) leaves without stipules, a 2-lobed and 2-winged fruit 



FIG. 781. A branch of Acer dasycarpum (the White Soft Maple) with staminate Dowers. 

 782 A separate, enlarged, staminate flower. 783. Branch with pistillate flowers. 781 A 

 separate fertile flower. 785. The same, enlarged, with the calyx cut away 78G. A cluster 

 showing the fruiting ovaries expanding into wings (reduced in size). 787. Ripe fruit ; one of 

 the samaras cut open to show the seed. 788 A leaf. 



