XII. MYRISTICACEvE. 



This small order consists of the single genus Myristica} or Nutmeg- 

 tree (Fr.,3fitscadier), of which we may take M.fragrans 2 (figs. 298-306) 

 as a type. Its flowers are regular and dioecious. The males (figs. 299- 

 301) consist of only a simple perianth and an androceum inserted on 



Myristica fragrans. 



6-.il 



Fig. 298. — Fructiferous branch (*). 



a little convex receptacle. The perianth is a flesh} T gamosepalous calyx, 

 dividing above into three thick valvate teeth. Above this the recep- 

 tacle is prolonged into a column with a dilated base, bearing a score 

 of vertical linear extrorse anther-cells, each dehiscing by a longitudinal 

 cleft 3 all the way down. Here there is no trace of female organs ; so 



1 L., Gen., n. 1399.— Thunb., in Act. Holm. 

 (1782), 45 ; Dissert. (1788).— Adans., Fam. des 

 PL, ii. 345. — J., Gen., 81. — G.ERTX., Fruct., i. 

 194, t. 41. — Lamk., in Hist. Acad. Sc. Ann., 

 1788 (1791), 152, t. 5-7 ; Diet., iv. 383 ; 

 Suppl., iv. 34; III, t. 832, 833.— Endl., Gen., 

 n. 4706. — A. DC, in Ann. Sc. Nat., ser. 4, iv. 

 20; Prodr., xiv. 189. — H. Bn., in Adansonia, 

 v i. i77_ — Komakon Theoph. (cx Adans., loc. 

 cit.). — Moscholaruun Dioscor. 



■ IIotitt., Hist. Nat., ii. p. iii. 233 (1771). 

 — Bli., in Rnmphia, 180, t. 55. — M. officinalis 

 L. til., Suppl., 265. — G-ertn., loc. cit., t. 41. — 

 M. moschata Thunh., in Act. Holm., loc. cit. ; 

 Dissert. (1788). — M. aromaiica Lamk., loc. cit., 

 155, t. 5-7. — Kux Myristica, Pala Humph., 

 ll< i-J). Amboin., ii. 11, t. 4. 



' Pollen spherical (.1/. fragrant, diotpyri- 

 folia) or spherical-trigonous (M. selifera, Otola) 

 A. DC. Prodr., 187. 



