160 



DE CANDOLLE'S SYSTEM. 



Polygonum lapathifolium. 1. A flower cut open. 2. A vertical section of the 

 seed. 3. A flower of Polyg. Convolvuli. 4. The same cut open. 5. A transverse 

 section of a seed. 



135. -Myristicacea. Tropical trees, often yielding a red 

 juice. Flowers unisexual. Calyx trifid. Ovary superior, with 

 a single erect ovule. Fruit 2-valved. Seed enveloped in a 

 many-parted aril ; embryo very minute ; albumen ruminate. 



USES. Myristica moschata yields the well-known spices 

 mace and nutmeg. Similar aromatic qualities pervade the 

 order. 



TYPICAL GENUS. Myristica. 



136. Proteacea. Shrubs or small trees. Leaves hard, 

 dry, without stipules. Calyx valvular. Stamens 4, opposite 

 the segments of the calyx, and usually imbedded in their 

 points. Ovary superior, simple ; style simple. Fruit dehis- 

 cent or indehiscent. Seed without albumen. 



USES. These are often handsome bushes with densely 

 capitate flowers, and in Australia are regarded as indications 

 of bad land ; but they are of little use. The seeds of Gue- 

 vina are large, almond-like, and sold as nuts in the markets 

 of Chili. 



TYPICAL GENERA. Protea, Banksia, Grevillea. 



137. Elaagnaceee. Trees or shrubs with a scurfy surface. 

 Leaves entire, without stipules. Flowers axillary, often fra- 

 grant. Males: calyx 4-parted; stamens 3 to 8, sessile. 



