XXVI. THE ROSE FAMILY. 425 
FAMILY XXVI. THE ROSE FAMILY. ROSA‘CEZ. Jusstzv. 
This family inciudes herbaceous plants or shrubs with sim- 
ple or compound, alternate, serrate leaves, having 2 stipules at 
the base of each. It embraces the true Roses, from whence its 
name, the Brambles, Cinquefoils. Strawberries, Spirmas, and 
umerous other plants of a similar character. 
The flowers are regular and showy, white, red, or yellow, 
and usually disposed in cymes or corymbs. ‘The calyx has 4, 
or, more frequently, 5 divisions; the corolla has as many pe- 
tals,—rarely none,—alternate with the divisions of the calyx, 
and inserted on the edge of the disk which lines the calyx-tube ; 
the stamens are distinct, nnmerous, usually some multiple of the 
petals, and inserted just below them: fruit various. 
They are chiefly confined to the temperate or cold climates of 
the northern hemisphere. very few being found in any other 
part of the woild. No rosaceous plant is poisonous, and many 
species, particularly the Blackberry, Raspberry and Strawberry, 
furnish wholesome and delicious fruit. They are remarkable 
for possessing an astringent principle. which gives to some 
of the species a value to the tanner, and renders many others 
useful 1n medicine for tlieir tonic effect, and as remedies in fever. 
The roots of nore than one species of blackberry are well known 
as valuable popular medicine in diseases affecting the digest- 
ive organs. The leaves of the sweet briar and of a species of 
bramble have been substituted for tea, or used to adulterate tea. 
Under cultivation, and indeed in a wild state, plants of this 
family are remarkable for the varieties of form they assume, so 
that the species run into and are confounded with each other. 
Many of them, especiaily the roses, are particularly liable to 
the attacks of insects. 
As an ornameutal plant, the rose has been longer and more 
deservedly celebrated and valued than any other; and for the 
beauty and fragrance of its flowers it has still no rival. 
The family is divided into several tribes. 
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