302 



XLIV. COBIAKIE^. 



Coriaria. 



Vertical section of flower 

 (mag.). 



Coriaria. 



Flower deprived of 

 its calyx (mag.). 



Coriaria, 



Carpel, entire and cut vertically (mag.). 



Coriaria, 



Seed, entire and cut vertically (mag.). 



Coriaria. 

 Fruit. 



Coriaria. 

 Carj>el cut transversely (mag.). 



SEEDS compressed ; testa membranous ; albumen thin or 0. EMBRYO straight, ovoid, 

 compressed ; cotyledons plano-convex ; radicle very short, obtuse, superior. 



ONLY GENUS. 

 *Coriaria. 



The affinities of Coriaria are very obscure. It hns been placed near Malpighiacea (see this family). 

 It somewhat distantly recalls Hittaceo! and Zantho.rylea; in its hypopetalism, diplostemony, free carpels, &c., 

 but is separated from them by its pendulous ovule \vith dorsal raphe and superior micropyle. Compared 

 with Sapindaceee and Terebmthacece, it differs in habit, the inner stamens usually adherent to the petals, 

 nnd the styles stigmatiferous throughout their length. It has some analogies with Phytolacea, founded 

 on the distinct and whorled carpels, papillose styles and fruit [but differs in the petals, pendulous 

 ovules, fleshy albumen (when present), and straight thick embryo]. 



Coriaria comprises a few species, dispersed over the Mediterranean region, Nepal, Japan, New Zealand, 

 nnd western South America. C. myrtifolia (Myrtle-leaved Sumach), which grows especially in the West 

 of the Mediterranean region, abounds in tannin, utilized by curriers ; its leaves nnd fruits contain a narcotic- 

 acrid crystallizable principle (coriariine) which renders them poisonous. These leaves are used to adul- 

 terate senna, which is thus often a fatal medicine. The fruit of C. sarmentosa, a New Zealand shrub, is 

 full of a vinous juice, which the natives and colonists drink with impunity, taking care not to swallow the 

 seeds, which are eminently poisonous. The same may be said of C. nepalcnsis. 6'. riiscifolia, of China, 

 yields" a black colour, used by shoemakers. 



