208 
C AT. YC I FLORAS. 
in number, (very rarely O), alternating with the seg- 
ments of the calyx, generally with the limb concave, 
Stamens corresponding in number and opposite to 
the petals. Disk fleshy. Ovary adhering either 
wholly, or partially, at the base as far as the middle 
to the calyx, 2-4-celled ; cells 1-ovuled : style 1 : 
stigmata 2-4. Fruit fleshy and indehiscent, or dry 
and separating in 3 divisions. Seeds erect ; embryo 
almost as long as the seed. 
Trees or shrubs, in general thorny : leaves simple, alternate, 
very seldom opposite, with minute stipules : flowers small, gen- 
erally of a greenish colour. This order has a very great affi- 
nity to the CelastriXeae. It is distinguished by the sepals 
being valvate and not imbricated, by the stamens being opposite 
to the petals and not alternate, and by the ovary being more or 
less adherent. 
Species belonging to this order are to be found in nearly 
every part of the world, with the exception of the Arctic zone; 
They however delight principally in the warmer latitudes. 
The berries of various species of Rhamnus are violent purga- 
tives. Those of R. catiiarticus, Purging Buckthorn , were 
much recommended by Dr Hamilton, and, though a drastic 
purgative, are frequently prescribed, in combination with other 
medicines, in cases of obstinate constipation or other disorders 
of the bowels in children. The berries of all of this genus 
yield, under the hands of the chemist, several beautiful dyes, 
such as green and yellow, of great value in manufactures. The 
fruit of the genus Ziziphus is, as in the jujube and the lote, 
very wholesome and pleasant. An infusion of the twigs of 
Ceanothus americanus, New Jersey Tea, which is sometimes 
to be met with in our gardens, has been employed, on account 
of its astringency, to stop the discharge in gonorrhoea; and the 
root of the same plant is said to be possessed of antisyphilitic 
properties. 
I. Gouania. 
. 
Calyx turbinate, with the tube adnate for some 
distance to the ovary, and the limb 5-fid, persistent. 
Petals 5, hooded, alternate with the lobes of the 
calyx. Stamens nidulant under the petals. Style 
3-partite. Fruit dry, 3-gonal or S-alate, 3-locular. 
Seeds solitary in each locule ; albumen fleshy ; coty- 
ledons leafy . — De Cand. 
Scandent shrubs ; leaves alternate, stipulaceous ; branehlets 
terminating some in a tendril, others in a racemose peduncle. 
