476 WOODY PLANTS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
two small leaves on them. Each flower stands on a white, 
thread-like stalk, The calyx ends in 5 rounded segments, bent 
inwards. The petals are oblique, covered cups, on a thread- 
like claw, alternating with the segments of the calyx. 
The fruit is a dry, 3-sided berry, with very obtuse angles, 
lying in the enlarged lower portion of the calyx, and opening 
from the centre. Seeds 3, inversely egg-shaped, shining and 
smooth, slightly flattened on one side. 
The leaves have been used as a substitute for tea. ‘The bark 
of the roots, which is of a deep red color, has astringent quali- 
ties, and has been successfully used, in infusion, tincture, or 
powder, to produce the effect of astringent medicines. In Can- 
ada, it is used to dye woo] of a Nankin or cinnamon color. 
FAMILY XXXII. THE STAFF-TREE FAMILY. CELAS- 
TRA CHEZ. R,. Brown. 
This is a small family, comprising low trees or shrubs, some- 
times climbers, with alternate or opposite leaves, and flowers 
which are usually perfect, but sometimes sterile and fertile 
on different plants, arranged in racemes or cymes. They are 
natives of the warmer parts of both continents, chiefly without 
the tropics, abounding especiaily at the Cape of Good Hope. 
Several species of the Spindle Tree, Hudnymus, are valued m 
ornamental gardening, as are the Bladder-nut and Wax-work 
of our own woods. ‘The properties of the family are not well 
known. ‘The fruits and seeds of some species produce purgative 
and emetic effects; and others are used for dyeing red, yellow 
and green. They are distinguished by having 4 or 5, usually 
persistent sepals, united at base; 4 or 5 petals, alternate with 
the sepals, and inserted by a broad base under the edge of 
a fleshy disk which covers the bottom of the calyx; 4 or 5 
stamens, alternate with the petals, inserted on the edge of the 
disk; a free ovary, immersed in the disk with 1 to 5, 1- or 
many-ovuled cells, and as many cohering styles and stigmas. 
