S76 



DOMESTIC BOTANY. 



large, showy, sessile on the branches or terminal. Petals 6, 

 seated on an urceolate or leafj calyx. Stamens numerous, 

 three or a portion of them connected, forming a cucullate body, 

 more or less of them sterile. Pistil simple. Fruit a hard- 

 wooded capsule, often of large size, opening by a lid or entire, 

 and globose, indehiscent, containing nut seeds, dry or im- 

 mersed in pulp. 



This remarkable family consists of about 40 species of 

 lofty trees, natives of the countries of the Amazon, Orinoco, 

 and Rio Negro. They are singular for their large hard- 

 wooded capsules. 



Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa). A tree attaining the 

 height of 100 to 150 feet, and about 3 or 4 feet in diameter. 

 The leaves are broad, smooth, and nearly 2 feet in length. 

 The fruit is produced on the upper branches, and when full 

 grown are in the form of a perfect ball, from 4 to 6 inches 

 in diameter ; it consists of a woody shell, containing a num- 

 ber of three-sided rough seeds (nuts), about an inch and a 

 half in length. The fruit when ripe falls to the ground. 

 The nuts are obtained by splitting the shell, and are im- 

 ported to this country chiefly from Brazil. 



Sapucaia Nuts (Lecythis Sahucajo). A large tree, with a 

 woody fruit about 6 inches in diameter, of an urn shape, 

 having a lid about 2 inches in diameter, Avhich when ripe 

 falls away, allowing the seeds to fall out ; the whole having 

 the appearance of artificial workmanship. The nuts are 

 nearly similar to the last, but rather longer. 



Monkey Pot {Lecythis ollaria). Also a large tree, but with 

 small leaves, not unlike an elm. The capsule is of the same 

 character as the preceding, but the nuts have a degree of bit- 

 terness. The tree is remarkable for having a thick bark of 

 numerous fine layers like paper, that separate freely, and are 

 used by the natives as wrappers for cigars and other purposes. 

 In British Guiana its timber is valuable on account of its 

 being proof against the borings of sea-worms and the at- 

 tacks of barnacles. 



Cannon-ball Tree {Couroupita guianensis). A large tree, 



