174 
MONADELPHIA POLYANDRIA. 
A small tree, rarely exceeding 1 5 — 18 feet in height, and frequently 
not growing beyond the size of common shrubs. Stem erect, branches 
expanding, smooth, generally trichotomous. Leaves alternate, crowded 
near the summit of the branches, lanceolate, somewhat acuminate, serru- 
late, smooth and lucid on the upper surface, a little glaucous and pubes- 
cent underneath. Petioles about half an inch long. Flowers sessile, in 
axillary clusters, 6 — 14 in each cluster, 4 or more obtuse scales clothe the 
base of each calyx. Calyx 1 -leaved, campanulate, rather perigynous 
than superior. Petals 5, oval, yellow, 5 times as long as the calyx. Fi- 
laments numerous, united into 5 phalanxes, 5 — 7 in each phalanx, longer 
than the corolla. Germ clothed at base with the calyx, 5 at the summit. 
Style as long as the stamens. Stigma capitate. 
This tree appears to ripen its fruit very sparingly in the low country, 
its leaves afford a yellow dye, are very sweet, and as they are nearly pe- 
rennial they are eaten with avidity by cattle and horses during the winter 
season. 
Grows in all rich soils not liable to inundation. 
Flowers in March. 
