THE DOGBANE FAMILY. 



289 



of Horse-radisli Tree. Its seeds by pressure yield an oil, which 

 is extensively used in India and other countries for many pur- 

 poses. It is known by the name of Ben oil, and is used by 

 watchmakers. The unripe pods make an excellent vegetable. 

 On account of the peculiar structure of the flower and fruit 

 of this family, botanists have differed in their views with 

 regard to its relationship. In some points it is related to 

 the Pea Family, but it has been lately referred to this 

 alliance. 



** Corolla straight^ regular^ tubular^ urceolate or spreading, 

 4 or 5 toothed {Fig. 2, a.) or cleft, nearly polypetalaus. 

 Stamens 5, perigynous. Pistil 1 or rarely 2. 



THE CONVOLVULUS, DOGBANE, AND SWALLOW- 

 WORT ALLIANCE. 



The Dogbane Family. 



(Apocynace^.) 



Trees, shrubs, or herbs, often climbing and twining, con- 

 taining milky juice. Leaves opposite sometimes whorled or 

 irregular, entire. Flowers variously produced, often large 

 and shoAvy. Calyx persistent. Corolla convolute, with co- 

 rona-like appendages. Stamens 5. Pistil 1, or generally 

 2, to which the anthers closely adhere. Fruit fleshy with 

 embedded seeds, or a double follicle or capsule, containing 

 numerous winged seeds. 



This extensive family consists of nearly 600 species, chiefly 

 tropical, being represented in Europe by Vinca, in North 

 America by Apocynum, and in Australia by Alyxia, Lyonsia 

 and others. With a few exceptions their principles are of 

 a highly poisonous nature, but some are harmless and yield 

 useful products. 



Oleander (Nerium Oleander). A handsome evergreen shrub, 

 native of the Levant and naturalized in the South of Europe ; 

 it has been cultivated in this country for three hundred years, 



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