307 
Fi-uit succulent, with from 2 to 4 cells, and central placentae. Seeds numerous, peltate ; 
testa double ; embryo supposed by Von Martins to be heterotropous (that is, to have its 
radicle not turned towards the hilum), lying in cartilaginous albumen. — Trees or shrubs, 
quite smooth. Leaves opposite, entire, united by interpetiolar sheathing stipules. Flowers 
terminal, with bracts, in panicles or corymbs. 
Affinities. According to Von Martins, this order lies between Logania- 
cese and Apocynacese. Its chief characteristics are the inequality of the seg- 
ments of the calyx and corolla and the stamens, and a 4-lobed placenta, which 
produces in Fagrsea obovata, according to Wallich, a 4-celled berry. With 
that part of Apocynacese to which Strychnos belongs the order very nearly 
agrees, differing principally in the above-mentioned character, the aestivation 
of the calyx, and the embryo not being foliaceous, agreeing in the peltate seeds 
and corneous albumen. 
Geography. Natives of the tropics of Africa, America, and India. 
Properties. An infusion of the leaves of Potalia resinifera is slightly 
mucilaginous and astringent, and is used in Brazil as a lotion for inflamed eyes. 
Von Martins, 2. 90. Potalia amara is bitter like the Gentians, and acrid and 
emetic like Apocynaceae. DC. Prodr. Med. 217. 
GENERA. 
Potalia, Aubl. 
Nicandra, Schreb. 
Anthocleista, Afz. 
Alliance VIII. OLEALES. 
Essential Character. Flowers regular, but unsymmetrical, always diandrous. 
Order CCXXVI. OLEACEyE. The Olive Tribe. 
Oleinea:, Hoffmannsegg et Link FI. Port. (1806) ; Brown Prodr. 522. (1810) ; Lindl. 
Synops. 171. (1829). — Lilace^, Vent. Tabl. 1. 306. (1799). — Fraxinea:, Martius 
Conspectus, No. 209. (1835). 
Essential Character. — Flowers hermaphrodite, sometimes dioecious. Calyx mono- 
phyllous, divided, persistent, inferior. Corolla hypogyhous, monopetalous, 4-cleft, occa- 
sionally of 4 petals connected in pairs by the intervention of the filaments, sometimes 
without petals ; (estivation somewhat valvate. Stamens 2, alternate with the segments of 
the corolla or wdth the petals ; anthers 2-celled, opening longitudinally. Ovary simple, 
without any hypogynous disk, 2-celled ; the cells 2-seeded ; the ovules pendulous and col- 
lateral ; style 1 or 0 ; stigma bifid or undivided. Fruit drupaceous, berried, or capsular, 
often by abortion 1 -seeded. Seeds with dense, fieshy, abundant albumen; embryo about 
half its length, straight ; cotyledons foliaceous, partly asunder ; radicle superior ; plumule 
inconspicuous. — Trees or shrubs. Branches usually dichotomous and ending abruptly by a 
conspicuous bud. Leaves opposite, simple, sometimes pinnated. Flowers in terminal or 
axillary racemes or panicles ; the pedicels opposite, with single bracts. R. Br. 
Anomalies. Fraxinus is generally apetalous. 
Affinities. Very near Jasminacese, with which they are combined by 
Ach. Richard ; see the observations upon that order. To some, it, I believe, 
still appears expedient to separate the small tribe of Lilacese, the representa- 
tive of which is the Lilac of the gardens ; but I am not aware of there being 
any greater peculiarity in that plant than its capsular fruit, a character very 
rarely of importance in distinguishing orders. Reichenbach thinks Oleacese 
