302 



XLIV. CORIARIE^. 



CoinaHa. 



Vertical section of flower 



(mag.). 



Coriaria, 

 Flower deprived of 

 Its calyx (mas.). 



Coriaria. 

 Carpel, entire and cut vertically (mag.). 



Coriaria. 

 Seed, entire and cut vertically (mag.). 



Coriaria. 

 Carpel cut transversely (mag.). 



Seeds compressed; testa membranous ; albumen tMn or 0. Embeto straight, ovoid, 

 compressed ; cotyledons plano-convex ; radicle very short, obtuse, superior. 



ONLY GENUS. 

 *Ooriaria. 



The affinities of Coriaria are very obscure. It has been placed near Malpighiacece (see this family). 

 It somewhat distantly recalls RidaoecB and Zanthoxyleis in its hypopetalism, diplostemony, free carpels, &c., 

 but is separated from them by its pendulous ovule with dorsal raphe and superior micropyle. Compared 

 with Sapindacea and Terebinthacece, it differs in habit, the inner stamens usually adherent to the petals, 

 and the styles stigmatiferous throughout their length. It has some analogies with Phytolacece, founded 

 on the distinct and whorled carpels, papillose styles and fruit [but differs in the petals, pendulous 

 ovules, fleshy albumen (when present), and straight thick embryo]. 



Coriaria comprises a few species, dispersed over the Mediterranean region, Nepal, .Japan, New Zealand, 

 and western South America. C. myrtifolia (Myrtle-leaved Sumach), which grows especially in the West 

 of the Mediterranean region, abounds in tannin, utilized by curriers ; its leaves and fruits contain a narcotic- 

 acrid crystaUizable principle (coriariine) which renders them poisonous. These leaves are used to adul- 

 terate senna, which is thus often a fatal medicine. The fruit of C. mrmentosa, a New Zealand shrub, is 

 full of a vinous juice, which the natives and colonists drink with impunity, taking care not to swallow the 

 seeds, which are eminently poisonous. The same may be said of C. nepalensis. C. ruseifolia, of China, 

 yields a black colour, used by shoemakers. 



