482 



CXVII. CAPEIFOLIACE^. 



Elder. Pistil and calyx (mag.). 



Elder (Sambiifui niyra). Ripe fruit. 



Elder. Seed entire and cut vertically (mag.). 



Corolla regular, rotate. Stigmas 3, sessile. Seeds with a ventral raphe. 



PRINCIPAL GENERA. 

 * Viburnum. * Sambucus [Adoxa, see p. 474], 



We shall hereafter indicate the affinities of Caprifoliacetf with J'nlcrianete and Dipsacea. The 

 affinity with Itubiacne is much more obvious ; it is founded on the epigynous isostemonous corolla, the 

 several-celled ovary, the axile embryo in a thick fleshy albumen, the opposite leaves and knotty stem. 

 Almost the only difference is in the imbricate corolla and the absence of stipules. The sub-order of 

 tiambucrte is closely allied to Cornea, which only differ in the many petals, valvate in bud. The 

 same affinity may be noticed with Araliacea- and UmbelUferm ; but these, besides the polypetalous and 

 valvate corolla, differ from Cuprifoliacete in the alternate leaves and the umbelled or capitate inflorescence. 

 An analogy has also been pointed out between the Hydrangea: (of Saxifragca*} and Viburruts. 



Caprifoliacea; inhabit the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, especially central Asia, the 

 north of India, and of America. A small number [many Viburnums] inhabit the intertropical zone, pre- 

 ferring the mountains, where the temperature is colder. The Elder, a cosmopolitan genus, is represented 

 by a very few species in the southern hemisphere. [Abeuoimia is a New Zealand genus, remarkable for 

 the intensely sweet odour of its flowers]. The flowers of most Caprifoliacea exhale a sweet odour, especially 

 after sunset. They contain an acrid, bitter and astringent principle, which has caused some to be placed 

 among medicinal plants. The berries of the Honeysuckle (Lonicera Caprifoliumi) are diuretic ; those of 

 L. Xylost.eum are laxative. The stems of DiernHa canadenm are employed as a depurative in North 

 America. The roots of the common Symphoricarpot parviflora, a Carolina shrub, are used by the Americans 

 as a febrifuge. All these species are cultivated in European gardens. The common Elder (Sambucus 

 niyra) produces numerous berries, which are cooked and eaten in Germany [and also extensively used in 

 the manufacture of wine]. Pharmacists prepare from these berries, as also from those of S. Ebuhts, an 

 extract, or purgative rob. The dried flowers of the common Elder are an excellent sudorific, employed 

 against snake-bites; they are also used to give to certain wines a Muscat flavour. 



The Linnaa borealis, an elegant evergreen herb, abounds in the forests of Sweden, the country of 

 Linnieus, to whom it has been dedicated. Swedish doctors recommend its stem and leaves as diuretics 

 and sudorifics. 



