7 
PRICKLY ASH or TOOTH-ACHE TREE. 
(Clavalier, Fr.) 
Natural Order , Zanthoxyleas, (Ad. Jussieu.) Linncean 
Classification , Dioecia Pentandria. 
ZANTHOXYLUM. (Linn.) ■ 
Dioecious. — Sepals small, 3 to 9. Petals longer than the sepals, or 
none. Stamens as many in number as the sepals, (or fewer,) oppo- 
site to and mostly extended out beyond them. Ovaries 1 to 5, 
elevated on a round or cylindric torus, (or place of insertion,) distinct, 
with 2 suspended ovules. Carpels crustaceous, sessile or stipitate on 
the torus ; 2 valved, 1 to 2 seeded. Seeds black and shining,, globose, 
hemispherical when in pairs. 
The plants of this genus are trees or shrubs, mostly of warm climates, 
usually with prickles on the branches, petioles, and often on the midrib of 
the leaves. Flowers small, greenish or whitish. Leaves pinnate, rarely 
trifoliate, marked with diaphanous aromatic glands, and as well as the 
bark, aromatic and pungent to the taste. The timber of several trees of 
this genus is valuable, being very hard and durable. 
§ II. Sepals , petals , and stamens , 4 or 5; ovaries usually 1 to 3. 
Styles short . — Fagara, (Jacquin), and Ochroxylum, (Schreber.) 
