DICOTYLBDONES— COEOLLIFLOR^ 



383 



Miers divides the Styracece. into two orders, called Symplo- 

 cacecE and StyracacecB, the former of which is distinguished by 

 its partially inferior ovary, imbricate aestivation of corolla, and 

 roundish anthers ; and the latter having a superior ovary, valvate 

 aestivation of corolla, and linear anthers. 



Distribution and Numbers. — These plants are sparingly dis- 

 tributed in warm and tropical regions ; but a few are found in 

 cold climates. Illustrative Genera : — Symplocos, Jacg. ; Styrax, 

 Tourn. Miers enumerates about 120 species. 



Properties and Uses. — These plants are principally remark- 

 able for yielding stimulant balsamic resins. Some yield dyeing 

 agents, but these are of little importance. 



Series 3. — Dicarpice or Bicarpellatm. 



Cohort 1. — Gentianales. 



Orderl85. OLEACE^.the Olive Order. — Character. — Trees 

 or slirubs. Leaves opposite, simple or pinnate, exstipulate. 



Fig. 1148. Fig. 1149. Fin. 1150. 



Ay. 1148. Diagram of the flower of the Lilac i^firinga tuihjai i^). Fuj. 



1149. Flower of the Manna Ash iFiv.ciiuis Ornii.i), with 4-cleft calyx; 



corolla with 4 distinct petals; 2 stamens: and 2 carpels. Fici. 1150. 



Vertical section of the calyx and pistil of the Privet (^Ligii&lrinn vi/fgnn' ). 



Floivers usually perfect, or rarely unisexual. Calyx persistent, 

 4 — 8-oleft, sometimes obsolete, inferior. Corolla regular, 4 — 8- 

 cleft, or of 4 distinct petals, or absent ; csstivation valvate or 

 imbricate. Stamens usually 2, rarely 4. Ovary superior, 2- 

 celled, with 1 — 4 erect, or 2 suspended ovules in each cell. Fruit 

 dehiscent or indehiscent, often 1-seeded. Seeds with abundant 

 fleshy albumen, or the albumen is small in quantity ; embryo 

 straight. 



The order Jasminacece of many botanists is here included 

 in the Oleacece. The tribe or sub-order Jasmimem is more 



