Pyrularia
(a diminutive from Pyrus, the Pear; in allusion to the form of the fruit, which, in the original species, is like a small Pear). SYNS. Hamiltonia, Sphaerocarya. ORD. Santalaceae. A genus comprising only a couple of species of deciduous trees or shrubs, one North American, the other Himalayan. Flowers cymulose at the tips of the branches, or in the upper axils; cymelets forming a terminal, compound raceme, or a raceme-like panicle; fertile flowers usually few at the tips of the branches, often twin or solitary. Drupe ovoid or sub-globose, rather large. Leaves alternate, shortly pedicellate, membranous. The only species in cultivation is a half-hardy shrub; it thrives in sandy loam, and may be increased by cuttings. P. oleifera (oil-bearing). Buffalo, Elk, or Oil Nut. fl. greenish; spike small, few-flowered, terminal. May. fr. 1in. long. l. obovate-oblong, acute, or pointed at both ends, soft, very veiny minutely pellucid-dotted. h. 3ft. to 12ft. North America, 1800. Plant minutely downy when young, at length glabrous, imbued with an acrid oil, especially the fruit. SYN. P. pubera. P. pubera (downy). A synonym of P. oleifera.
