.FAMILIES OF FLOWERING PLANTS 193 
Fig. 170. Firey Cuphea (Cuphea Lilave). 
by the clammy cuphea, a troublesome weed with insignificant flowers. 
Lagerstroemia, the crape myrtle, is probably the most highly orna- 
mental shrub of the Southern States. Originally introduced from 
Southern Asia, it has been so commonly cultivated that it has become 
spontaneous in many places. The leaves are dark glossy green, and 
the delicate pink flowers, produced in lilac-like masses, have a texture 
similar to crape, the petals being borne on long claws and beautifully 
- fringed. 
Family Sonneratiaceae. Sonneratia Family. Consists of a single 
genus Sonneratia, with about eight species, natives of India and the 
Malay archipelago. They are trees with opposite leaves, large termi- 
nal flowers distinguished from those of the preceding family by the 
numerous stamens, and a berry-like fruit. The kambala, &. apetala, 
furnishes a strong, close-grained wood, used in the manufacture of 
packing-cases. 
Family Punicaceae. Pomegranate Family. This group, of which 
the pomegranate is the type, was formerly included in the Lythraceae, 
but is separated from that family on account of the peculiar structure 
of the fruit, which consists of two rows of capsules, placed one above 
another. The numerous seeds are enveloped in a transparent, muci- 
laginous coating. The flowers are highly ornamental, being usually 
a vivid scarlet, while the fruit is yellow, tinged with orange. The 
flavor is pleasant, and moderately acid. Pomegranates are natives 
of Asia and Africa, but they may be cultivated wherever the climate is 
sufficiently mild. 
Family Lecythidaceae. Brazil-nut Family. A group of large 
tropical trees comprised in 7 genera and about 130 species. They are 
natives of South America, having large showy flowers, the stamens in 
which are frequently united into a plate, woody capsules, and almond- 
