LIV. ZANTHOXYLE^. 325 



BBstivation, deciduous, rarely [Zanthoxylum). Flq-weks S : Stamens inserted with 

 the petals, equal and alternate, or double in number ; filaments filiform or subulate, 

 free ; anthers dehiscing longitudinally. Ovary rudimentary, stipitate, sometimes 0. 

 Flowebs ? : Stamens or rudimentary, inserted at the base of the disk, shorter 

 than the ovary. Carpels equal with the petals or fewer, distinct, or connate at the 

 base, or throughout into a several-celled ovary ; ovules 2 in each cell, superimposed 

 or collateral, very rarely solitary {SMmmia), usually anatropous or semi-anatropous.' 

 Fruit sometimes simple, 2-5-celled, fleshy {Toddalia, Acronychia, SUmmia), or 

 rarely a samara {Ptelea), usually a capsule opening in dehiscent shells by their inner 

 edge, sometimes compound, formed of several drupes {Melanococca, &c.) or capsules 

 {Zanthoxylum, Boymia) ; endocarp sometimes separating elastically. Seeds pendu- 

 lous ; testa coriaceous or crustaceous, usually smooth, shining ; albumen fleshy, 

 rarely {Pilocarpus, Usenbechia, Casimvroa). Embeto axUe, straight or slightly 

 curved ; cotyledons oval or oblong, flattened ; radicle shorter than the cotyledons, 

 superior. 



PRINCIPAL G-ENEEA. 

 *SHmmia. *Zanthoxylum. Pitavia. Toddalia. *Ptelea. Acronychia. 



Zanthoxylece are allied to Rutacees, Diosmece and Simantbecs (see these families). They also approach 

 JBursei-acets in the woody stem, pellucid-dotted compound exstipulate leave?, often polygamo-dioecious 

 flowers, aestivation of the calyx and corolla, annular or cupuliforni disk, diplostemony, 2-ovuled ovarian 

 cells, and drupaceous fruit. Zanthoxyleee also present more than one point of analogy with Anaoardiacea ; 

 but they have most affinity with AurawtiacecB, so much so that a Skimmia has been described as a species of 

 Limcmia. 



ZantJioxyhce inhabit the tropical regions of Asia, and especially of America; they are less numerous 

 in extra-tropical America, South Africa, and Australia. Zuntltoxykim belongs to the tropical zone of 

 both worlds ; Skimmia to Japan and the Himalayas ; Toddalia to tropical Asia and Africa ; Ptelea to 

 North America. Australia possesses the genera Acfonychia, Pentaceras, Medicosma, &c. 



Some species of this family are medicinal : the bark of Zanthoxylum, and especially that of the root, 

 contains a bitter crystallizable principle (zanthopicrite), an acrid resin, and a yellow colouring matter. 

 The aromatic root of Z. mft'^Mwi is classed in China amongst sudorifics, emmenagogues, and febrifuges; 

 the leaves contain a little volatile oil, whence they are used as a condiment. Z. Budrunga in India is 

 similarly employed. Z. Rethsa grows on the Indian mountains ; its young fruits have the taste of orange- 

 rind, and its seeds that of black pepper. The capsules of Z. piperitum, all parts of which have an acrid 

 aroma, afford the Japan pepper of commerce. The bark of Z. fraxineum, a native of North America, is a 

 reputed diuretic and sudorific ; it is also chewed to excite salivation and to alleviate toothache. Z. ter- 

 natum and Clava-HerauUs are similarly used ; they are West Indian shrubs which yield a yellow dye ; their 

 bark is regarded as antisyphilitic and their bitter astringent leaves as a vulnerary. Finally, the seeds of 

 some species are employed to poison fish. Ptelea trifoliata, commonly called Three-leaved or Samarian Elm, 

 is a small Carolina tree cultivated in Europe; its leaves are considered in North America as a vermifuge, and 

 detergent for ulcers. Its bitter aromatic capsules are a substitute for hops in brewing ; but this substitu- 

 tion is not without its inconveniences. Toddalia aculeata, a shrub of tropical Asia, all parts of which 

 contain an aromatic bitter acrid principle, is used by the natives of the Indian Archipelago as a stomachic, 

 a febrifuge, and as seasoning for food. 



