Order C
JASMINEÆ.
Fragrance is the predominant property of the jasmine, and has made it for ages the favourite of poets and of the people; this arises from the presence of an oil which can be extracted so as to retain its perfume. In medicinal qualities, the jasmines do not differ materially from the last; they are neatly distinguished by botanists by the direction of their ovula which are erect in Jasmineæ, and pendulous in Oleinæ. 38 Nyctánthes W.
ORDER CI. 39 Jasmínum W.
APOCYNEE We now turn from the contemplation of plants endued with mild and agreeable properties and fragrant flowers, and often bearing food for man, to others which are among the most dangerous and fatal poisons; whose juices, milky indeed, like the Cowtree, are not a wholesome and delicious beverage like those of Sapoteæ, but on the contrary acrid, caustic, or bitter. They are readily known by the twisted direction of the segments of the corolla, which have been compared to the rays of a Catherine's wheel, whence they were called by Linnæus, Contortæ. By far the greatest part of the order consists of tropical trees and shrubs: a few Apócynums, Amsónias, and Víncas, are natives of the colder zones of the earth. Many are elegant climbers, as the different species of Echítes and Melodínus. The splendid Oleander belongs to Nérium; the different species of Plumiéria, Camerária, Strophanthus, and Arduína are stove plants of the greatest beauty. The medicinal action of these plants is highly powerful. The Strychnos, or nux vomica tree, is remarkable for its bitterness and acrid deleterious effects, which are indicated not only when introduced into the stomach, but still more violently when absorbed into the system by inoculation. In general, the Apocyneæ are acrid, stimulating, and astringent; these principles, when in excess, act so powerfully on the nerves as to produce stupefaction. The root of Ophioxylon is very bitter and purgative: under the name of snake-root it is used in India as an antidote to the bites of serpents. The bark of Cérbera Mánghas is purgative; of Echítes antidysenterica, and the Wrightía of the same name, astringent and febrifugal; the leaves of the Vínca are so astringent, that they have been used successfully in tanning; those of Nérium oleander are said to abound in free gallic acid. The inspissated juice of a species of Cérbera, known in Mexico under the name of Ycotli, is a fatal poison. 407 Allamánda W. 410 Vínca W. 411 Nérium R. Br. 412 Wrightia R. Br. 413 Echítes R. Br. 414 Ichnocarpus R. Br. 415 Plumiéria W. 416 Strophánthus Dec.
NATURAL ARRANGEMENT. 417 Camerária W. 418 Tabernæmontána W. 436 Arduína W. 2152 Ophióxylon W. 419 Amsónia Mich. 420 Cérbera W. 437 Strýchnos W. 438 Caríssa W. 440 Gelsémium J. 441 Rauwolfia W.
ORDER CII.