374 



DOMESTIC BOTANT. 



as species of Calytrix, Chrysorrhoce, Genetyllis^ &c., most of 

 them being showy greenhouse plants. 



The Mock Passion-flower Family. 



(Napoleone^.) 



Evergreen trees, with alternate smooth leathery leaves, 

 with two glands on the petiole. Flowers solitary, in the axis 

 of the leaves^* and sides of old branches, 2 to 3 inches in 

 diameter, of a pale-yellow colour. Corolla membranous, 

 spreading, 5-lobed, plicate, crumpled at the margin, becom- 

 ing reflexed, concealing the leathery 5-parted calyx. 

 Centre of the corolla furnished with two circles of numerous 

 stamen-like appendages (like Passion-flowers). Stamens 

 about 20, united nearly their whole length in five bundles 

 (half being barren). Stigma 4 or 5 rayed. Fruit about 

 the size and like a pomegranate. Ovary 5-celled. Seeds 

 large, kidney-shaped. 



A small family, consisting of probably not more than three 

 or four species, the princijDal representative being Napoleona 

 imperialism a medium-sized tree, native of many parts of 

 Western Tropical Africa. The peculiar and somewhat 

 paradoxical character of its flowers has given rise to many 

 different opinions as to its affinity, the corona and glands on 

 the petioles seeming to indicate its relationship with Passion- 

 flowers ; but it is now generally placed in the Myrtle alli- 

 ance. It has no special qualities, except that the fruit is 

 mucilaginous, and the rind contains tannin. 



The Anchovy Pear Family. 



(BARRINGTONIACEiE .) 



Large or small trees, rarely shrubs, generally with simple, 

 alternate, large smooth leaves. Flowers sessile on the stems, 

 or in corymbs, showy. Petals 4 or 5. Stamens free or 

 wholly united by their bases in one or several parcels. 

 Fruit bearing the permanent calyx on its apex, fleshy, with 



