299 
Xuaresia, Ourisia, and Veronica, the corolla of which is regular or nearly so ; 
and that certain Gentianaceae, for instance Exacum and Schubleria, have cen- 
tral placentae, which, although deriving their origin from the inflexion of the 
valves of the capsule, yet become loose and more or less distinct. Others 
may refer to the aestivation as another source of difierences, it being in Gen- 
tianaceae, on account of the 'lateral and somewhat contorted twisting of the 
nearly equal segments, contorted-convolutive, and in Scrophulariaceae, on ac- 
count of the involution of the unequal segments towards the centre of the 
flower, merely imbricated; but these differences, on account of the diflerent 
forms of the corolla in these extensive orders, are scarcely distinguishable, and 
are more available in theory than in practice. Besides, in Spigelia the aesti- 
vation is different from either, being valvate, with the margins of the seg- 
njents often protruding into acute angles, and is more like that of Cinchona- 
ceae. It must not be omitted, that while the seeds of Gentianaceae are uni- 
formly indefinite, those of Spigelia are definite, or nearly so. Upon all these 
considerations, and to avoid confusing the distinctive characters of the orders, 
I have foi-med that of Spigeliaceae, the distinction of which will depend upon 
the symmetry of the stamens, coroUine and calycine segments, the division of 
the valves of the capsule, and the presence of stipules. In this last point they 
approach Cinchoriaceae, as also in a tendency in their leaves to become whorled, 
their intruded style, and valvate aestivation ; but differ in their superior ovary, 
and the want of the glandular disk which covers the apex of the ovary of Cin- 
chonaceae ; so establishing, along with other things, an affinity between that 
order and Compositae and UmbeUiferae,” &c. &c. In one point of view Spi- 
geliaceae bear the same relation to Gentianaceae as Cestraceae to Solanaceae. 
Geography. All American, chiefly natives of the southern hemisphere 
within the tropics. 
Properties. Spigelia marilandica root is used in North America as a 
vermifuge : if administered in large doses, it acts powerfully as a cathartic. 
Its use is, however, attended occasionally with violent narcotic effects, such as 
dimness of sight, giddiness, dilated pupil, spasmodic motions in the muscles of 
the eyes, and even compulsions. Barton, 2. 80. 
GENERA. 
, Canala, Pohl. 
Spigelia, L. 
Order CCXXIL APOCYNACE.E. 
ApocynejE, Juss. Gen. 143. (1789) in part; R. Brown Prodr. 465. (1810) ; Lindl. Synops. 
176. (1829) ; Royle’s Illustrations, 269. (1835). — CoNTORXiE, Linn. STRYCHNEiE, 
DC. Theorie, ed. 1. 217. (1813). — Vinces, DC. and Duby Bot. Gall. 324. (1828), a 
§ of Apocyneae. — SxRYCHNACEiE, Blume Bijdr. 1018. (1826) ; Link. Handb. 1. 439. 
(1829). • 
Essenxial Characxer. — Calyx divided into 5, persistent. Corolla monopetalous, 
h}q)ogynous, regular, 5-lobed, with contorted aestivation, deciduous. Stamens 5, arising 
from the corolla, with whose segments they are alternate. Filaments distinct. Anthers 
2-celled, opening lengthwise. Pollen granular, globose, or 3-lobed, immediately applied to 
the stigma. Ovaries 2, or 1 2-celled, polyspermous. Styles 2 or 1. Stigma 1. Fruit ol 
follicle, capsule, or drupe, or berry, double or single. Seeds with fleshy or cartilaginous 
albumen ; testa simple ; embryo foliaceous ; plumule inconspicuous ; radicle turned towards 
the hilum. — Trees or shrubs, usually milky. Leaves opposite, sometimes whorled, seldom 
scattered, quite entire, often having ciliae or glands upon the petioles, but with no stipules. 
Inflorescence tending to corymbose. 
