Page:An introduction to physiological and systematical botany (1st edition).djvu/457

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ICOSANDRIA.
427

Plum, Cherry, &c., though the leaves and other parts are bitter, acrid, and, as we have already mentioned, sometimes very dangerous, owing to a peculiar essential oil, known by its bitter-almond flavour. See specimens of this family in Engl. Bot. t. 1383, 706, 841, 842. The Myrtle tribe is another natural order, comprehended chiefly under Icosandria Monogynia, abounding in a fragrant and wholesome aromatic oil. These are plentiful in New Holland. See Tr. of Linn. Soc. v. 3. 255, also Exot. Bot. t. 42, 59, and 84. Caryophyllus aromaticus, the Clove, should on every account be removed hither.

2. Pentagynia. In this order it is most convenient to include such plants as have from two to five styles, and occasionally, from accidental luxuriance only, one or two more. An example of it is the very natural family of the Pomaceæ, as Pyrus, the Apple, Pear, &c. Engl. Bot. t. 179, 350, 337; and Mespilus, t. 1523, Exot. Bot. t. 18, 85. In this family some species of the same genus have five, others three, two, or only one style, and a corre-