INTRODUCTION. 
IX 
because the plants, though possessing many of the characters common 
to Thea, xvill be found, on examination, to want those which are most 
essential in the distinguishing of that genus from Camellia. 
The same uncertainty seems to have attended their arrangement 
in the natural system, as in the artificial. We have before stated that 
they form part of the natural order Columnifera of Linnaeus. By Jus¬ 
sieu, they are placed in Aurantia;* and by Ventenat, in Ebenacece. f 
They are the Theacece% of M. Mirbel, and the Camelliece% of M. De- 
candolle. In this order they have been arranged by Mr. Don, in his 
Prodromus Florae Nepalensis, p. 224, combined with Ternstromiaceie, 
a tribe of plants which, in the structure of their flowers, as well as in 
their general habit and appearance, very much resemble those under 
consideration. The most essential difference between them, according 
to M. Decandolle, is in the seeds of the latter being without albumen. 
We shall here give the characters assigned to the order Camellieae, by 
that distinguished botanist, in his Prodromus, vol. i. p. 529- 
CAMELLIEiE. 
Calyx. Sepals 5,7, in aestivation imbricated, the inner often larger 
than the others, somewhat concave, coriaceous, deciduous. Petals 5,6,9, 
{sometimes but not always) equal in number to the sepals, alternate with 
them, and often cohering at the base. Stamens, several. Filaments, 
filiform at the very base, monadelphous or polydelphous. Anther 
ellipsoid or round versatile. Ovary 1 , ovate roundish. Styles 3, 6, 
filiform, more or less united. Capsules (see plate 1.) 3 celled, 3 valved, 
* Juss. Genera, 262. 
+ Ventenat, ii. 447. 
^ Bull. Phil. Decembre, 1813. 
% Dec. Theor. Elem. ed. 1, Fevrier, 1813. 
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