'426 XCV. NAPOLEONE^E. 



Myrtacece are related to Melastomacea ?, and through these to Oiuyrarieee and Lythrariea (which 

 see). They approach Granateee in the valvate calyx, imbricate corolla, polyandry, inferior ovary with 

 many-ovuled cells, simple style and stigmas, fleshy fruit, exalbuminous embryo, woody stem, and 

 generally opposite leaves ; they differ principally in the ovary, which in Qranafece presents two super- 

 imposed rows of cells. Myrtacece are also near Olinicat, as shown by the inferior several-celled ovary, 

 subulate style, fleshy fruit, exalbuminous embryo, woody stem, and opposite coriaceous leaves; but 

 Oliniecc are isostemonous, and the ovarian cells are only 3-ovular (which is also the case in some Myrtacece). 

 Points of resemblance have also been traced between certain Myrtacece and the little family of Calycan- 

 thece ; in the numerous stamens, of which some are antherless, inserted on a fleshy ring crowning the 

 calyx-throat, the exalbuminous embryo, woody stem, and generally opposite leaves ; but Calycanthecr are 

 apetalous, their anthers are extrorse, their ovaries are free, and the fruit is composed of achenes. Finally, 

 in the gland-punctate leaves, polypetalous corolla, monadelphous or polyadelphous stamens, and exal- 

 buminous seed of Aurantieee and Hypericineee we find an analogy between these families and Myrtacece. 



Myrtacece contain tannin, fixed and volatile oils, free acids, mucilage and sugar ; these principles, 

 associated in different proportions, give to some species properties which are useful to man. The 

 Myrtle (Myrtus communis), a shrub of the Mediterranean region, has astringent berries, and its leaves were 

 formerly renowned for their tonic and stimulating virtues. Eugenia (Caryopjiyllus) aromatica, a native 

 of the Moluccas, yields cloves, which are the flower-buds, and which contain a very aromatic volatile 

 oil, and arc hence universally used as a condiment, in medicine, and as a perfume. The fruit of E. 

 jrimenta, a tree of the Antilles, possesses an aroma and taste which combine the qualities of the nutmeg, 

 the cinnamon and clove, whence its name of Allspice. The berries of the Guava (Psidiuni), the Jambosa, 

 and many other species, are much esteemed for their aromatic taste, and are made into preserves. The 

 capsular Myrtacece also contain a volatile oil in their leaves and fruit; the principal species is the 

 Melaleuca Cajaputi, a shrub of the Moluccas, which yields by distillation a green oil of a mild and pene- 

 trating scent, recalling at once camphor, rose, mint and turpentine, and much esteemed as an anti- 

 spasmodic. The Eucalypti are gigantic trees of Australia, of which the wood is very useful for building 

 purposes (E. robust a, filobultw, c.). The Cuuroupita is a large tree, called in Guiana Cannon-ball, on 

 account of the shape and size of its fruit, which contains an acid-sweet pulp, very agreeable and refreshing. 



The seeds of BerlhoUetia e.rceJsa are edible, and are sold in Europe as Brazil-nuts. We may also mention 

 the Sapucaya (Lecythis ollaria), a Brazilian tree the capsule of which is woody, very large and thick, and 

 opens circularly by the raising of its epigynous cap-shaped disk. Vases and pots are made of this cap- 

 sule, whence the name of Monkey-pot given to the fruit. 



[Humboldt describes the fruits of frusta via speciosa as eaten by children, and causing them to turn 

 temporarily yellow. G. brasiliana is an emetic. Rose-apples are the fruits of Eugenia Malaccensis. 

 The fruits of the Chilian E. Ugni are very agreeable. Myrtle buds and berries are still eaten as spice in 

 Italy, and made into wine ; the flowers yield eau iTange. Various species of Eucalyptus yield a red 

 astringent gum like Kino, and a manna ; one Tasmanian species {E. Gunnii) is tapped for its juice, which 

 is fermented and drunk. Various Leptosperma have been used as substitutes for tea by the early settlers 

 in Australia. Lastly, some species of Eucalyptus are the most gigantic of timber trees, attaining nearly 

 500 feet in height and 110 feet in girth. ED.] 



XOV. NAPOLEONE^ Endlicher. 



SHRUBS of tropical Africa, LEAVES alternate, exstipulate, entire or unequally 

 2-3-dentate at the top. FLOWERS ?, regular, solitary on axillary peduncles 

 (Asteranthos), or scattered on the branches and sessile (Napoleona). CALYX superior, 

 5-partite (Napoleona) or many-toothed (Asteranthos). COROLLA epigynous, simple, 



1 Regarded as a tribe of Myrtacea in the ' Genera Plantarum.' ED. 



