1 94 Myrtacece Myrtus. 



have weathered several winters. The opposite exstipulate 

 leaves furnished with immersed transparent glands, imbricate 

 calyx-lobes, numerous stamens, and inferior fruit, characterise 

 the great bulk of the order ; but Australia produces a distinct 

 tribe or two differing in some particulars. 



1. MtRTUS. 



This is the only genus we have to refer to, and one species 

 alone is hardy even in the South-west of England. There are 

 perhaps nearly 100 species belonging to this genus. The 

 name is that applied to the European species by the Greeks. 



1. M. communis. Myrtle. It is quite unnecessary to de- 

 scribe this charming shrub. Unfortunately it is not hardy 

 enough to bear our winters, except in some parts of the south- 

 western counties. There are a great many varieties from 

 different localities in the South of Europe, varying in the size 

 and form of the leaves, and double or single flowers. 



Eugenia Ugni, Myrtilla, is a dwarf branching shrub about 

 as hardy as the Myrtle, with small oval or oblong coria- 

 ceous leaves, solitary axillary pink flowers, and red edible 

 berries. Chili. 



OEDEE XLV. MELASTOMACE-33. 



Another large assemblage of trees and shrubs, and including 

 a few herbaceous species. Natives of the tropics of all 

 countries, and particularly numerous in America, a few reaching 

 the temperate regions. The members of this order are easily 

 recognised by their opposite exstipulate leaves with parallel 

 nerves, definite stamens, anthers usually opening by pores, and 

 the filaments furnished with an appendage. 



1. RH^XIA. 



A small genus of North American plants. Stems shrubby 

 or herbaceous. Flowers tetramerous. Stamens 8, equal. 

 Anthers opening by a terminal pore, spurred at the base. About 

 six species are known. The name is of Greek origin. 



1. R. Virginica. Meadow Beauty. The only species of this 

 large order that is cultivated in the open air in this country, 

 and this is extremely rare, and difficult to grow, requiring 

 a moist sandy bog-earth. It is an herbaceous plant about a 



