CXCI. PROTEACE^. 



661 



nearly basal, ascending, sessile or shortly funicled. FRUIT indehiscent, enclosed 

 in the drupe-like calyx-tube, which is fleshy outside and bony within. SEED as- 

 cending, testa membranous or cartilaginous, hilum basilar, raphe projecting, chalaza 

 apical ; albumen 0, or very thin. EMBRYO straight, axile ; cotyledons thick ; radicle 



superior. 



PRINCIPAL GENERA. 



* Hippophae. Sheplierdia. * Elaeagnus. Conuleum. 



EUcagnetB are very near Proteaceas (which see) . They approach Santalaceee, but these differ in their 

 really adherent ovary and the ovules. We have indicated the affinity between Elccaynea and Thymelca; 

 under that family. 



Ela>aynecp. form a small family, chiefly natives of the mountains of tropical and sub-tropical Asia ; a 

 few species inhabit Europe, the Mediterranean region, and North America. They are very rare in tropical 

 America, and entirely absent in south temperate latitudes. 



The fleshy base of the perianth, enveloping the fruit of Ekeagnus, contains free malic acid, which 

 renders the fruit of some species edible, as the Zinzeyd (E. hortensis and oriental-is) in Persia, and E. 

 arborea and conferta in India. The fruit of Hippophae rhamnoides, an indigenous [French] shrub, is acid 

 and resinous tasted; though described as very poisonous, the Finns are said to use it as a seasoning for fish. 

 It is cultivated for its running roots and thorny close and interlaced branches, which form hedges and 

 bind the sands. The balsamic flower of Elceagnus anymtifolia, commonly called Bohemian Olive, is pre- 

 scribed in many parts of South Europe for malignant fevers. 



CXCI. PROTEACE^E. 



(PROTEGE, Jussieu. PROTEACE.E, Br.} 



lianksia qutrcifolia. Fructiferous cone. 



