548 



CXLIV. APOCYNE^E. 



Planchon has grouped with Saloadora the genera Monet ia and Dobera, both of which are mono- 

 petalous, hypogynous, tetrandrous, and have a 2-celled ovary, a berry with exnlbuminous seeds, woody 

 stem and opposite leaves, and which scarcely differ from Salvadora except in the dioecious flowers and 

 pendulous ovule. This affinity is confirmed by their geographical distribution, which extends over the 

 tropical and sub-tropical regions of the Old World. In fact, Monetia is found from South Africa, through 

 the Indian Peninsula and Ceylon, to Malacca; Salvadora from the coast of Benguela, through North 



Salctulora ptrtica. 



Salvadora. 



Flower cut vertically 

 (mag.). 



Africa, to Palestine, Persia and India; and Dobera from Abyssinia and Arabia to the Indian Peninsula. 

 As to the affinity, Gardner and Wight place Salcadoracece near Olcinece and Jasmincce, and Planchon is 

 also disposed to adopt this arrangement. 



The bark of the root of the Salvadora persica contains acrid and vesicant properties, and that of the 

 stem is a tonic ; its red berries are edible [aromatic and tasting like Cress], as are those of S. indica [in 

 India they are not eaten], the leaves of which, like those of Senna, are purgative and vermifuge. This 

 plant [according to Royle] is the Mustard-tree of the Jews, alluded to in the New Testament parables. 



CXLIV. APOCYNE^E. 



(ApocYNEAEUM pars, A.L.de Jussieu. APOCYNEJS, R. Br. VINCEJG, D.C. 



APOCYNACE.E, Lindl.) 



COEOLLA monopetalous, hypogynous, regular, isostemonous, (estivation contorted or 

 valvate. STAMENS inserted on the corolla ; POLLEN granular. CAEPELS 2, distinct or 

 cohering] STYLE single. FEUIT various. EMBEYO albuminous, very rarely exalbu- 

 minous. JUICE milky. LEAVES usually opposite or whorled. 



