BOTANY AND PLANT ECONOMICS 117 
The Ebony Family {Ebenacece) . 
Case 492. — A small family of shrubs or trees bearing a more 
or less globular fruit. Note that the Persimmon {Diospyros vir- 
giniana) belongs to this family; observe the dried and preserved 
fruits of this well known tree of the central and southern states. 
Note Keg Figs, the dried fruit of the Korean Diospyros Kaki 
and the wood from Japan; also Japanese Ebony {Diospyros 
lotus). 
The Morning Glory Family {Convolvulacece), 
Case 493. — A small and closely allied family of mostly twin- 
ing plants typified by the common Morning Glory {Ipomoea vio- 
lacea) ; observe the complete reproduction of a Sweet Potato 
plant {Ipomoea Batatas) from Jamaica, and the enlarged section- 
al model of the flower and its ovary. Note the tuberous roots, 
the characteristic stems and fruits, and the starches from other 
members of the family. 
The Milkweed Family {Asclepiadacece). 
Case 494. — Note the peculiar twin fruits of this family as rep- 
resented by those of the Common Milkweed {Asclepias cornuta) 
and the silky coma of the seeds. Note the Apples of Sodom 
{Callotropis procera), “They turn to dust and ashes,” and the 
fruit of the Giant Milkweed (C. gigantea). 
The Verbena Family {Verbenacece) . 
Case 494. — Observe the character of the fruits as seen in the 
Monks Pepper {Vitex agnus-castus) and the dense resistant 
wood exemplified by Teak {Tectonia grandis) the valuable ship 
timber of India. Note also the various drugs yielded by several 
members of the family. 
The Mint Family {Labiatece). 
Case 495. — A well known family of square-stemmed herbs 
typified by the common Peppermint {Mentha piperita) which 
yields a valuable aromatic essential oil and the crystalline sub- 
stance menthol which see. Note Pennyroyal, Lavender, Sage, 
Thyme, Catnip, Horehound and Summer Savory, all aromatic 
flavoring plants employed in cookery and medicine. 
