LiRioDENDRON. MAGNOLIACE^. 29 



much larger) ; the trunk is perfectly straight, and of nearly uniform diameter for some distance 

 upward ; and the branches are very regularly disposed. The stipules are large, united face 

 to face, forming a kind of pouch out of which the young leaves protrude. Flowers when 

 fully expanded, about two inches in diameter, each with 2 large caducous bracts at the base. 

 Sepals obovate-oblong, spreading, and at length reflexed. Petals oblong-obovate, obtuse, 

 greenish-yellow, the lower half mixed with orange and red. Stamens nearly as long as the 

 petals, in a single series ; filaments stout, a little incurved ; anthers linear and very long. 

 Ovaries numerous, closely appressed to the axis : style none ; stigmas, recurved. Fruit an 

 elongated acute cone, about 2 inches long, consisting of numerous woody carpels, which are 

 often mostly abortive, 1 - 2-celIed. 



Fertile woods, common in most parts of the State. Fl. Latter part of May and early part 

 of June. Fr. Sept. The wood is valuable, being strong, light and close grained. It is used 

 for inside work in building, and pannel work, trunks, etc. There are two varieties known 

 to mechanics, the White and the Yellow Poplar ; the latter being much preferred, as of finer 

 grain, and more durable. The bark is a stimulating tonic and diaphoretic, and, according to 

 the late Prof. Emmet, owes its active properties to a volatile crystalline principle, called by 

 him Liriodendrin. The bark is said to enter into the composition of Milne's Tomato Pill. 

 See Wood ^ Bache's U. S. Dispeiis. p. 408. 



Order III. ANONACE^, Juss. The Custard-apple Tribe. 



Sepals 3-4, persistent, often united at the base. Petals 6, in two rows, hypo- 

 gynous, coriaceous ; the aestivation valvular. Stamens numerous, inserted on 

 a hypogynous torus; the anthers extrorse, connective, large, 4-angled, and 

 sometimes nectariferous at the summit. Carpels usually numerous (sometimes 

 few), separate or cohering ; styles short, or none ; stigmas simple ; ovules soli- 

 tary or several, erect or ascending. Fruit composed of few, or mostly nume- 

 rous carpels, closely aggregated, and sometimes cohering and forming a fleshy 

 or pulpy mass when mature. Seeds one or more in each carpel ; the testa 

 brittle; embryo minute, at the base of hard ruminated albumen. — Trees or 

 shrubs, with alternate, entire, usually dotted leaves, which are destitute of 

 stipules. Flowers axillary, large, of a dull brown, whitish or greenish color. 



