DICOTYLEDONES— DISCIFLOE^ 327 



upon it. Disc annular and hypogynous, or wanting. Ovary 

 usually single, 1-celled, generally superior, or very rarely inferior'; 

 styles 1, 3, 4, or none ; stigmas the same number as the styles ; 

 ovules solitary, attached to a long funiculus which arises from 

 the base of the cell. Fruit indehiscent, drupaceous, or nut-like. 

 Seeds without albumen. 



Distribution and Numbers. — The plants of this order are 

 chiefly found in the tropical regions of the globe, although h, few 

 are found in the South of Europe and in other extra-tropical 

 warm districts. Illustrative Genera: — Pistacia, Linn.; Ana- 

 cardium, Bottb. There are about 110 species. 



Properties and Uses. — They abound in a resinous, somewhat 

 gummy, acrid, or milky juice, which is occasionally veiypoison- 

 ous ; they sometimes become black in drying. The fruits and 

 seeds of some species are, however, held in high estimation, and 

 are largely eaten in different parts of the world. Many plants 

 of this order furnish varnishes. 



Anomalous Orders. 



Order 117. CoKlAElACEiE, the Coriaria Order. — Diagnosis. — 

 Its atiinities are by no means understood ; but it appears to be 

 most nearly related to Oclmacea;, with which it agrees in having 

 its carpels distinct and placed on an enlarged disc ; but it is 

 distinguished from that order by having opposite leaves ; some- 

 times polygamous flowers ; persistent fleshy petals ; no style ; 

 and long linear distinct stigmas. 



Distribution. — This order includes but 1 genus and 8 species. 

 They are natives of the South of Europe, Chili, Peru, New Zea- 

 land, and Nepaul. 



Properties and Uses. — The plants of this order are generally 

 to be regarded with suspicion , as they have sometimes produced 

 poisonous effects. The fruits of some, however, are edible, as 

 Coriaria nepalensis, a native of the north of India, and those of 

 G. sarmentosa, a native of New Zealand; in the latter case the 

 pericarp is alone eaten, the seeds being poisonous. The fruits 

 of G. myrtifolia and C. ruscifolia are very poisonous ; these 

 plants have been employed by dyers in the production of a black 

 dye. 



Order 118. Moeingace^, the Ben-nut Order.— Character. 

 Trees with bi- or tri-pinnate leaves, and thin deciduous stipules. 

 Flowers white, irregular. Sepals and petals 5 each ; the former 

 deciduous and petaloid, the calyx lined by & fleshy disc; cestiva- 

 tion imbricate. Stamens 8 or 10, placed on the disc lining the 



