434 



XCVIII. OLINIE^. 



Lythrariem are near Onagrariece, Melastomacea and Saxifragets (see these families). They also 

 approach JRMzophorecB in their persistent valvate calyx, stamens more numerous than the petals, 

 many -celled ovary, and straight exalbuminous embryo; but JRJmophorets have an inferior or 

 semi-inferior ovary, the cells of which only contain two pendulous ovules [often more, see this 

 order, p. 419]. 



Lythrariem are chiefly tropical American ; they are much more rare in the temperate regions of both 

 hemispheres. 



The species of this family possess different properties ; some {Lythrum Salicaria) contain tannin, 

 which renders them astringent; others {Heimia, Cuphea) secrete resinous and acrid principles, which caused 

 them' to be used as purgatives, emetics or diuretics. Lawsonia alba (Henna), an Egyptian shrub, is re- 

 nowned throughout the Ea.st for the perfume of its flowers, and for the orange-red colouring matter 

 contained in its leaves, with which the women dye their nails and hair ; its root (Alkanna) is astringent 

 and yields a red dye. [The Ammannia vesicatoria, an Indian weed, is a strong vesicant. Pemphis aciduta 

 is used as a pot-herb in tropical Asia. The flowers of Woodfordia tommtosa, the Dhak of India, are much 

 used as a red dye. The Lagerstroemias produce excellent timber, called Jarul in India. The wood of 

 Snnneratia acida is considered the best substitute for coal on the Indus steamers. — Ed.] 



XCVIII. OLINIEJE, Arnott. 



Otinia. Flu.ver (amg.). 



Olinia. Diasram. 



OUnia. Fruit (mag,). 



Olinta. 

 Ovary cut 

 vertically (mag.). 



OUnia. 



Pendent aiiatropons 



ovule (mag.). 



Sheubs of South Africa, Brazil,^ and Australia.' Leaves opposite, coriaceous, 

 penninerved, entire, not dotted, exstipulate. Floweks axillary or terminal, in 

 small cymes, or solitary, bibracteolate at the base. Calyx 5-4-toothed, or 4-fid or 

 5-partite. Petals -5-4, inserted on the calyx, alternate with its segments, oblong or 

 obovate, obtuse, sometimes {Olinia) with 5-4 scales alternate with the petals, 

 scales pubescent on the back and c.onnivent. Stamens 6-4-oo , inserted with the 

 petals ; filaments flexuous in bud ; anthers 2-celled, globose-didymous or oblong, 

 dehiscence longitudinal. Ovary inferior, 2-4-5-celled, cells 2-3-oo -ovuled ; style 



subulate or flexuous ; stigma simple ; ovules pendulous, anatropous. Fruit a berry 



[Myrrhinium, Fenzlia) or drupe {Olinia) crowned by the calyx-limb or by its scar ; 



kernel woody, 3-4-celled. Seeds oval. Embryo exalbuminoiis, rolled in a spiral, 



or arched ; cotyledons indistinct. 



' The Brazilian plant here alluded to, Myrrhiniam, 

 is unquestionably Myrtaceous, and closely allied to 

 Pimeiita. — Eu. 



' The Australian Femlia is also Myrtaceous, and 

 near MyHus iteclf. — En. 



