Order XLIII
MELIACEÆ.
The nearest affinity of this order is probably with Sapindaceæ. It is particularly distinguished by the stamens being united into a tube bearing the anthers. The leaves are usually pinnated, and most of the species, which are all either trees or shrubs, are natives of tropical forests. Mélia bears bunches of fine lilac colored flowers, but few of the genera are interesting on account of their inflorescence. The qualities of the different species are little known. Canélla álba is aromatic, and is used in equinoctial America as a spice. The bark of Guárea trichilioídes is said by Aublet to be purgative and emetic. The pulpy fruit of Mélia Azedarách is said to be poisonous; both this part and the inner bark have been used as anthelmintics either in substance or in decoction. It is asserted by Michaux, that the pulp that surrounds the kernel is considered in Pekin a specific in scrophulous cases. The oil expressed from the seeds of the same plant is said to have strong antispasmodic powers. 888 Guárea W. 987 Trichília W. 988 Mélia W. 989 Quivísia Cav.