96 
and distinct aggregate caqDels of Malope ; with Temstromiacese in their mo- 
nadelphous stamens ; with Chlenacese in the presence of an involucre below 
the flower, and monadelphous stamens ; with Linaceae in their mucilaginous 
properties, definite seeds, many-celled fruit, and unguiculate petals; and 
through the medium of this last order with Silenaceae. 
Geography. These plants are found in great abundance in the tropics, 
plentifully in the hotter parts of temperate regions, but gradually diminishing 
to the north. Thus in Sicily they form ■A of the flowering plants(Pre 5 /.), in 
France {Humboldt), in Sweden 2 ^ {Wahl.), in Lapland unknown, in the 
temperate parts of North America in the equinoctial parts of the same 
continent 5 or, taking into account only the vegetation of the vaUeys, they, 
according toHumboldt, form -jL of the flowering plants in the tropics, 
the temperate zone, and are not found in the frigid zone. But these calcula- 
tions no doubt include Sterculiacese. 
Properties. The uniform character is to abound in mucilage, and to be 
totally destitute of all unwholesome qualities. The use to which Mallows and 
Marsh-mallows are applied in Europe is well known. Similar properties are 
possessed by extra- European species. Sida cordifolia mixed with rice is used 
to alleviate the bloody flux. Emolhent fomentations are prepared from Sida 
mauritiana by the Hindoo doctors. Ainslie, 1. 205. The flowers of Ben^ao 
de Deos, Abutilon esculentum, are used in Brazil as a boiled vegetable. PI. 
Usuelles, 51. A decoction of Sphseralcea Cisplatina is administered in the 
same country in inflammations of the bowels, and is generally employed for 
the same purposes as the Marsh-mallow in Europe. Ih. 52. Pavonia diure- 
tica is prescribed in Brazil as a diuretic ; it is supposed to act rather as an 
emollient. Ibid. 53. The wood is always very light, and of little value. 
Rocket-sticks are obtained from the hght straight stems of Sida micrantha. 
Ibid.A9. The chewed leaves of another species, S. carpinifolia, are applied in 
Brazil to the punctures of wasps. Ib. 50. The bark is often so tenacious as 
to be manufactured into cordage. Malva crispa was found by CavaniUes to 
be fit for this purpose ; and several species of Hibiscus are employed in like 
manner in tropical countries. From the fibres of the bark of Hibiscus arb- 
oreus the whips are manufactured with which the negro slaves are lashed in the 
West India Islands. The plant is called Mohoe or Mohaut. Hamilt. Prodr. 
49. Sida abutila is said to be cultivated in China, as we know Hibiscus 
cannabinus, or Sun, is in India, as a substitute for hemp. Various other spe- 
cies are named as furnishing serviceable fibres. Boyle, p. 84. The petals of 
some are astringent ; this property exists in Malva Alcea {DC.) and in Hibis- 
cus Rosa sinensis, of which the Chinese make use to blacken their eyebrows 
and the leather of their shoes. Ih. The leaves of Althsea rosea are said to 
yield a blue colouring matter not inferior to indigo. Ed. P. J. 14. 376. A de- 
coction of the root and stem of Urena lobata is employed in Brazil as a remedy 
in windy colic ; the flowers are used as -an expectorant in dry and inveterate 
coughs. The bark furnishes good cordage. PI. Us. 56. A few species, such 
as Hibiscus Sabdariflfa and suratensis, &c., are shghtly acid. The unripe fruit 
of the Ochro, Gombo, Gobbo, or Hibiscus esculentus, is a favourite ingredient 
in soups, which are thickened by the mucilaginous quality of this plant. Hi- 
biscus longifolius or Ramturai, is applied in the same way in India. Boyle. 
The musky seeds of Abelmoschus moschatus are considered cordial and 
stomachic, and by the Arabians are mixed with cofice. Ainslie, 2. 73. The 
root of Sida lanceolata is intensely bitter, and is considered a valuable stomachic. 
Ainslie, 2. 179. It has been supposed that the root of Althaea officinalis con- 
tains a pecuhar alkaline principle called Althein; but it has since been stated 
by Plisson that it does not exist ; what was taken for it having been Asparagin. 
Brewster, 8. 369. The Cotton of commerce is the hairy covering of the seeds 
