DICOTYLEDONES— CALYCIPLOR^ B39 



gnosis. — This order is frequently regarded as a sub-order of 

 SaxifragaoeiE, with which it agrees in many important particu- 

 lars ; but it differs in its plants being of a shrubby nature ; in 

 their having opposite leaves, which are always exstipulate ; in 

 their valvate calyx ; in their tendency to a polygamous structure, 

 as exhibited. in the possession of radiant staminal flowers; and 

 in having frequently more than 2 carpels, with a corresponding 

 increase in the number of styles and cells to the ovary. 



Distribution andNumhers. — Natives chiefly of the temperate 

 regions of Asia and America. About one-half of the species 

 are natives of China and Japan. Illustrative Genera : — 

 Hydrangea, DC. ; Bauera, 8m. There are about 45 species. 



Properties and Uses. — Unimportant. 



Order 127. HENSLOViACEiE, the Henslovia Order. — Dia- 

 gnosis. — This is a small order of tropical plants, containing but 1 

 genus and 3 or 4 species, which was considered by Lindley to be 

 nearly allied to Hydrangeaceee ; but distinguished by their tree- 

 like habit, their styles being united into a cjdinder, and the 

 total absence of albumen. Illustrative Genus : — Henslovia, 

 Wall. 



Properties and Uses. — Unknown. 



Order 128. Cunoniace^, the Cunonia Order. — Diagnosis. — 

 Nearly allied to Saxifragaceas, but differing from them in being 

 trees or shrubs, with opposite or whorled leaves, and large in- 

 terpetiolar stipules. The latter character will also distinguish 

 them readily from Hydrangeacese, which are exstipulate. They 

 are also known from the latter order by their calyx not being 

 valvate. 



Distribution and Numbers. — Natives of South America, the 

 Cape, the East Indies, and Australia. Illustrntivc Gencia : — 

 AVeinmannia, Linn. ; Cunonia, Linn. There are about 100 

 species. 



Properties and Uses. — Astringent. Some have been used 

 for tanning ; others exude a gummy secretion. 



Order 129. Bibesiaoe^, the Currant Order. — Character. — 

 Shrubs with or without spines or prickles. Leaves alternate, 

 simple, lobed, radiate-veined. Inflorescence axillary, racemose. 

 Flowers perfect or rarely unisexual. Calyx superior, 4 — 5-lobed. 

 Petals 4 — 5, minute, inserted on the calyx. Stamens 4 — 5, 

 perigynous, alternate with the petals." Ovary inferior, l-celled, 

 with 2 parietal placentas. Fruii a berry. Seeds numerous ; 

 emhrijo minute, in horny albumen. 



Distribution atul Numbers.— Natives of the temperate regions 



