332 The Natural System of Botany. 



Division III. — Apetalous Exogenous Plants. 



In this Division the corolla is wanting ; the floral envelone 

 being simply a calyx. Sometimes both calyx and corolla are 

 wanting. 



Aristolochiacea:. The Snake-root Tribe. Generally 

 herbs, but sometimes shrubby vines. Ex. : Aristolochia (Vir- 

 ginia Snake-root), Asarum (Wild Ginger). Used in medicine 

 as tonics, being stimulant, pungent and aromatic. 



Chenopodiace^j. The Goose-foot Tribe. Weeds or herbs 

 with fleshy leaves. Ex. : Beta (The Beet), Spinacia (Spinach) 

 Salicornia (Samphire). From some Soda is obtained, and 

 others are used as food. 



Amaranthace^e. The Amaranth Tribe. Mostly weeds • 

 some of the Amaranths are cultivated for their showy flowers. 

 Ex. : Amaranthus, Celosia (Cock's-eomb). 



Nyctaginace^e. The Four-o'clock Tribe. Ex.: Mira- 

 bilis (Marvel of Peru, Four o'clock). Roots of some are purga- 

 tive. 



Polygonace^e. The Buckwheat Tribe. Ex. : Polygonum 

 (Knot-grass), Rheum (Rhubarb), Rumex (Dock). The roots 

 are purgative. The leaves of some are agreeably acid, and 

 one species produces Buckwheat. 



PhytolaccacEjE. The only American member is Phyto- 

 lacca decandra (Poke, or Julap). The root is emetic, but lit- 

 tle is known as to its properties. 



Laurace-e. The Cinnamon Tribe. Trees or shrubs. 

 Ex. : Laurus, Sassafras. All the species possess pungent, 

 stimulant and aromatic properties. Camphor is the gum of an 

 Asian species. Cinnamon, Cassia, and Sassafras are obtained 

 from others. 



SantalacejE. The Sandal-wood Tribe. Ex.: Nyssa 

 (Pepperidge, Sour-gum, &c.), Santalum, which produces the 

 fragrant Sandal- wood. 



Thymelaceje. In this order the only North American 

 genus is Dirca (Leather-wood). The bark is acrid and very 

 tough. 



Eleaginace.s:. Shepherdia Canadensis is sometimes cum- 



