CXXXVI. MYRSINE^. 531 



Tribe III. Hottonie^. — Ovary free. Capsule opening by valves. Seeds with 

 a basilar hiluin. — Aquatic submerged plants. 



GJENUS. 

 Hottonia. 



Tribe IV. Samole^. — Ovary semi-inferior. Capsule opening by valves. Seeds 

 with a basilar liilum. 



GENUS. 

 Samolus, 



We have mentioned the affinities of Primulacecs with PlumhaginecB and Plantaginees (see these fami- 

 lies). They are much more closely allied to Myrsinecs, by the hypogynous or perigynous corolla, stamens 

 opposite to the corolla-lobes, l-ceUed ovary, free central placentation, ventral hilum of the ovules, and albu- 

 minous embryo. Myrsinecs only differ in their woody stem and fleshy fruit. 



PrimulacecB mostly inhabit the temperate regions of Europe and Asia; many species are alpine. 

 Few are found in the southern hemisphere, except Samolus, the species of which are numerous in Aus- 

 tralia. Some genera are met with on the mountains and shores of the tropical zone. . 



PrimulacecB are more remarkable for their beauty than for their utility. Many species contain an 

 acrid and volatile substance in their roots, others an extractable bitter and resinous substance ; the foliage of 

 some is astringent; the flowers of most are sweet-scented. The rhizomes of the Primrose {Primula veris") 

 were formerly employed for rheumatism in the joints and for diseases of the kidney and bladder ; and an 

 infusion of its flowers is still prescribed as a diaphoretic. Primrose wine is made from the flowers of P. 

 acaulis and tien's. The Auricula (T*rimula Auricula) is employed by the natives of the Alps against pul- 

 monary consumption. The tuberous rhizome of the Cyclamen europcBum, is acrid, strongly purgative, and 

 even emetic ; it formerly entered into the composition of an ointment, which, applied to the stomach, purged 

 or caused vomiting. In some countries the powdered rhizome is employed to stupefy fish ; but, dried 

 and roasted, it becomes edible on account of the starch which it contains, and pigs eat it with avidity, 

 whence its common name of Sowbread. The Pimpernels were formerly prescribed in dropsy, epilepsy, 

 and even in hydrophobia. The species of Lysimachia, and especially L. nummularia, were considered 

 astringent, but have fallen into disuse, as has Samolus. The Coris of Montpellier is an undershrub, 

 containing a bitter nauseous principle, the use of which has been suggested in syphilis. 



CXXXVI. MYRSINEJS. 



(Mtesine^, Br. — Ophiospeeme^, Ventenat. — Mtrsinace^, Lindl. — 

 Mtesineaoe^, a. D.G.) 



Corolla monopetalous, regular, isostemonous, hypogynous or perigynous. Stamens 

 inserted on the corolla, and opposite to its lohes. Otart 1-celled; placenta central, free; 

 OVULES campylotropous. Fetjit a drupe or herry. Bmbeto albuminous. — Stem 

 woody. 



Teees or sheubs. Leaves generally alternate, simple, coriaceous, gland- 



M M 2 



