NAT. ORDER. APOCYNE^, 
73 
All the plants in this order are very natural. The structure of 
the anthers and stigmas easily distinguish them from AsclepiadecE, to 
which they are more nearly allied than to any other. The order 
Striclmacece is distinguished from this in the peltate seeds. The 
order is also closely allied to the BubiacecB, but is easily distinguished 
from it, in the want of interpetiolar stipulas, and in the superior 
ovarium, &c. 
We here turn from the description of plants endued with mild and 
agreeable properties, and fragrant flowers, and often bearing food for 
man, to others, (though of themselves apparently harmless) which 
are classed among the most dangerous poisons, whose juices, though 
milky are not a wholesome and delicious beverage, but on the 
contrary, acrid, caustic, and bitter. They are readily known by the 
twisted direction of the corolla, which has been compared to the rays 
of St. Catherine's wheel. Apocynum in Greek, means dog's-bane, 
and the specific name implies the similitude of the leaves to Andro- 
semum. There are many other species of this genus in this country, 
but perhaps none so elegant and pretty. All have small white 
flowers, while in the present one the flowers are larger and flesh or 
rose-colored. The Apocynum cannabinum has been used by the 
Americans to make a kind of hemp ; the fibrous tough bark of all 
the species are calculated to aflbrd it by maceration. All have a 
bitter, milky juice, and yet the flowers smell of honey and produce 
that sweet substance. 
Bees and other insects collect this honey, but small flies are often 
caught by inserting their proboscis between the fissures of the 
anthers, where it is not easy to extricate it ; they are often seen dead 
in that confined situation, after unavailing struggles, from whence one 
of the names of this plant, Catch-fly. No animals eat it. This 
species is a common plant, and is found from Canada to Georgia, 
and even Missouri. It grows in woods, hills, dry or sandy soils, 
along fences, and particularly over old uncultivated fields ; but is 
rarely found in limestone soils and rich land. It blossoms in summer 
from June till July. 
