ROSALS. 471 
Winter Cherry (Physalis alkehengi), a slightly acid succulent berry, 
enclosed in an accrescent calyx, sometimes used at dessert, is recom- 
mended as a diuretic. The Capsicum, the shiny berries of which 
are green at first, and red when arrived at maturity, contains a 
resinous, balsamic, but very acid principle, which makes these fruits 
to be much esteemed as a condiment in all countries. 
Tobacco (Nicotiana) belongs to another section of the family of 
the Solanacew. Their anthers open by two longitudinal clefts. 
Their fruit is dry ; it isacapsule which —— 
opens in two valves, leaving the placen- / > 
tary partition filled with seeds in the 4 
centre. (Fig. 430.) The Tobacco is a 
renowned plant, which has made the 
conquest of the world. In all parts of 
the globe itis consumed. This, however, 
is not the place to enlarge upon this 
subject. 
Henbane( Hyoscyamus niger) is distin- 
guished from the Solanum and its con- 
geners as well as from the Tobacco, by 
its capsular fruit, which opens circu- 
larly like a little box. Lastly, we must 
mention the Thorn Apple (Datura stra- 
monium), the incomplete madricular 
capsule of which is generally filled with 
prickles or tubercles. 
The Ascrepmpracem are succulent 
plants, chiefly of South Africa, where they flourish in the dry and 
sterile soil. In tropical India, America, and Australia, they also 
abound; only two species being found in northern regions. Of 
Asclepias there are many North American species, and Cynanchum 
is found between 59° and 32° north latitude. The roots of most 
of the species are acrid and yield a milky juice. Most of them 
possess useful medicinal properties. 
The Corprace® are native trees of the tropics of both hemi- 
spheres. The flesh of their fruit being succulent, mucilaginous, 
and emollient. . 
The ConvoLtvuLace&, or Bindweeds, are familiar to most readers, 
Fig. 430.—Tobaceo Plant. 
