# Illustrations of Indian Botany, Vol. 2/Myrtaceae

LXV.-MYRTACEÆ.
This is a large and very natural order, especially as now limited by the exclusion of the albuminous seeded genera, which Lindley, in the last edition of his natural system, has kept distinct under the names of Barringtonieae Lind., Lecythedeœ Richard, and Philadelpheae Don. To this arrangement Meisner objects, and recombines the whole under his order Myrtineae, forming tribes of those groups which others have thought ought to be considered distinct orders. With the limited means I possess for examining this question, it would ill become me to attempt to set myself up as umpire between such accomplished Botanists, but, I will so far depart from the arrangement already adopted in our Prodromous, as to follow Lindley in viewing the section Barringtoneae as at least a suborder, on account of its very remarkable seed and general habit, which appears to distinguish it sufficiently from the rest of the order.
I have at different times before expressed doubts of the propriety of attaching so much importance to the absence or presence of albumen, until we have attained such an acquaintance with its functions in the vegetable economy as might enable us to assign a uniform value to characters taken from it, and would not therefore now insist on its being pressed into service unless supported by other characters. On these grounds, I should hesitate to separate Philadelpheae the habit of which sufficiently accords with true Myrtaceae, simply because of their albuminous seed and leaves without dots, but as they besides differ in the aestivation of the corolla, in having distinct styles, and serrated leaves, all of which are absent in true Myrtaceae, there certainly seems much reason on the side of those who propose their separation, at the same time, it is quite undeniable, that the present fashion in Botany seems to run too strongly in that direction and that we are but too apt on barely sufficient grounds to divide families that might better be kept together, which, as in some other instances, may perhaps be the case here.
The order for the most part consists of trees or shrubs with opposite leaves, perforated with pellucid dots and abounding in fragrant resinous oil. The inflorescence is very variable, often axillary, and sessile occasionally, as in Syzygium, forming large corymbose cymes. The flowers are usually either white or red, seldom yellow and never blue.
"Calyx 4-5-6-8-cleft, the limb sometimes cohering in two portions, sometimes in one and then falling off like a cap or lid. Petals perigynous, as many as the segments of the calyx and alternating with them, sometimes slightly united at the very base; rarely wanting: aestivation imbricated. Stamens inserted with the petals, rarely as few, sometimes twice as many, usually indefinite : filaments either all distinct or monadelphous or variously polyadelphous, in aestivation curved inwards : anthers ovate, bilocular, small, bursting longitudinally. Ovarium cohering with the tube of the calyx, formed of two or more carpels, the dissepiments rarely imperfect, and hence 1 -to 15-celled : style and stigma simple. Placentæ in the axis or rarely parietal. Fruit dry or fleshy, dehiscent, or indehiscent, 2-6-or many celled, or by the obliteration of the dissepiments 1-celled. Seeds rarely solitary or few, usually indefinite. Albumen none. Embryo straight or curved : radicle next the hilum : cotyledons distinct, or sometimes
​ consolidated into one mass with the radicle.—Trees or shrubs. Leaves usually opposite, entire, and with transparent dots, sometimes alternate, rarely serrated, and rarely without dots."
̼AFFINITIES. These are not easily defined, for, though the order is upon the whole a very natural one and easily recognized, yet, owing to the great variety of structure which its different sections present it is not easy, in many cases, to mark their true limits. With Pomaceae it is allied through Nelitris, a genus having a 5-10-celled ovary with a single ovule in each cell. With Lythrareae, Onagrariae, Combretaceae, Memecyleae, and Melastomaceae, affinities have also been traced, but these do not seem so liable to be mistaken. DeCandolle remarks that it is an order easily divided, but he prefers keeping it united. It differs from Rosaceae in the adherent calyx, the united carpels and solitary style; and from all by its exstipulate leaves : from Lythrarieae by the calyx cohering with the ovary. From Combretaceae by its many-celled ovary and erect or horizontal not pendulous ovules and the cotyledons of the embryo not convolute, but approaches through Myrtus spectabilis which has a one-celled ovary, and Eugenea arc is and Pimenta which have pendulous ovules : from Melastomaceae by its filaments neither acutely bent nor the anthers received into cavities under the divisions of the calyx and the form of the anthers : from Memcyleae by its many-celled ovary with superpased ovules, not one-celled with a single row of ovules surrounding the base of the style : from Onagrarieae by its indefinite stamens. Lastly Myrtaceae differ from all their allies in the pellucid dots of their leaves, in habit, and in their properties. From this enumeration I agree with DeCandolle in excluding Granateae, though considered so nearly related that many Botanists reunite it with this order : Philadelpheae originally referred here by Jussieu and retained by Meisner, is also separated as a distinct order by DeCandolle, although, under the circumstances mentioned, it must be very nearly allied. The former, as already shown, is justly excluded from the family, and the latter differs in its leaves not having transparent dots, in having twisted æstivation, several styles and albuminous seed : the first of these, absence of pellucid dots is certainly not a good distinction, since many species of genuine Myrtaceae want them, but the others are generally believed to supply valuable ordinal distinctions.
The order is divided into 5 sections, three of which are found in India : namely, Leptospermeae with a many-celled capsule and opposite or alternate leaves, which are usually dotted—Myrteae having a berry, distinct stamens, and opposite leaves which are usually, not always dotted : and Barringtoneae separated if not as an order certainly as a good suborder by having a fleshy one-celled fruit, albuminous seed, monadelphous stamens, and alternate not dotted leaves.
The order still requires investigation as it certainly includes some anomalous forms, which may perhaps find more suitable stations in other orders.
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. The geographical range of this order is very extended, but principally confined to the warmer latitudes. In India species extend from the most southern part of Ceylon northward to the Himalayas and from Malabar eastward through all the intermediate countries to China. The genera best known in Coromandel, as being most generally met with are Syzygium, and Eugenia, but besides these we have the Guava (Psidium) generally cultivated ; the Myrtle ( Myrtus) partly cultivated and partly a native of the higher hills; the Rose apple (Jambosa) usually cultivated but also a native, and in Malabar Sonneratia. This last and some others which I have not yet seen on the Eastern coast, render it probable many more will be found when the western jungles have been better explored. To the Eastward, several other genera are found, among which may be mentioned Melaleuca, Caryophyllus (the clove tree) Nelitris and a new genus Monoxera, R. W. In new Holland they are numerous. In Africa a good many are found especially in Madagascar, and some even extend as far south as the Cape of Good Hope where three species are described. Tropical America may however be considered their principal station, as there, they are very numerous both as regards genera and species : one only is found in Europe, the Myrtus communis, or common Myrtle, now to be met with in almost every garden in Madras, a fact worthy of attention, as going far to prove that arboreous plants of the south of Europe may become aclimated in even the South of India. The Clove and Pimenta or Allspice trees, have also been introduced into the Courtallum gardens, ​ and Ceylon. Of the latter, or perhaps it is Eugenia acris, there is one tree in the Government gardens in Madras, but remains unproductive though apparently healthy.
Properties and Uses. These are various. Most of the species abound in a fragrant resinous oil as indicated by the pellucid dots of the leaves and other parts. The Cajaputi oil so highly esteemed on account of its medicinal properties is the produce of the Melaleuca leucadendron, a plant of this order, a native of the Eastern islands but now common in India, and which, from its great beauty, would certainly become much more so if more easily propagated : its general aspect, when not in flower, reminds one of a weeping willow. The Rose apple and Jambo Malac are admired not less on account of the beauty of the trees, than for their fine flowers and curiously fragrant fruit which I once heard a child very characteristically describe as a fruit that "tasted like the smell of roses." The clove so well known on account of its pungent aromatic properties is also a member of this order. In addition to their aromatic qualities astringency is also a prominent feature in their constitution and is strongly developed in the bark of the common navel tree Syzygium Jambolanum as also in the fruit which have a sweetish astringent taste : this fruit, which is about the size of a cherry and of a deep purple colour, is during the season exposed for sale in the bazars in great quantities. The tree itself, which is common all over the country, attains a great size and yields a fine hard close grained timber : besides this many other trees of the order are very Astringent and, according to Ainslie, the kino, met with in the Indian bazars, is the produce of Eucalyptus resinifera a New Holland plant.
In its medicinal properties the most remarkable plant of the order is the Pomegranate, a decoction of the bark of the root of which has been ascertained to be almost a specific in the cure of tape worm and is probably equally powerful in the removal of most other intestinal worms. The flowers and rind of the fruit are tonic and astringent and, as well as a decoction of the bark of the root, are prescribed in dysenteric complaints and other affections of the bowels. The medicinal properties of Myrtaceae may now be summed up in few words, aromatic and tonic combined with astringency fitting them, when different species are combined, for the alleviation of chronic bowel complaints and generally for the removal of diseases of debility.
As ornamental shrubs several species of Eugenia merit an equally prominent place in the garden with the common Myrtle and the timber of some of the larger trees is considered excellent, on account of its hardness, combined with close grain and great durability.
REMARKS ON GENERA AND SPECIES. In an order so large and generally so natural, it is difficult to find characters by which to define the limits of either genera or species, without having recourse to distinctive marks to which in most other orders only a secondary value would be attached, but which in this owing to their somewhat greater constancy admitting of their being so employed, become of considerable importance—though still insufficient to give good characters or form well defined genera.
Of the tribe Leptospermeae we have only one genus (Melaleuca) belonging to it in this part of India and that not a native. It is at once distinguished by its pentadelphous stamens—and very minute seed almost like powder.
The tribe Myrteae, the largest of the order, is that which principally prevails in India, and requires much consideration if not indeed a complete revision of its genera before they can be said to stand on a firm foundation. As they are now defined many of them are nearly useless, the differences existing more in words than in nature. This remark is confined to the species found in India, those from other quarters being nearly unknown to me except by verbal characters. The genus Myrtus is said to have a many-seeded 2 or 3-celled berry, but no notice is taken of the ovary, a strange oversight, since there we generally find stable characters, not so in the mature fruit, which may be, and usually is, greatly changed in its progress towards maturity. I have examined the ovary of four reputed species. In Myrtus communis it is 3-celled with several ovules in each. In M. lomentosa it is 3-celled, each imperfectly divided by a spurious dissepiment, and containing very numerous superposed ovules attached to a central placenta. In M. spectabilis (?) it is one celled with two parietal placentas, showing clearly, that it cannot well be retained in the genus of which M. communis is the type ; and from which I have accordingly removed it : and lastly, M. capensis (Harvey) which must also be excluded, its ovary ​ partaking more of the character of Memecylon than of Myrtus. Turning next to Eugenia, which in its more obvious characters, those namely taken from the calyx and flower, does not differ materially from Myrtus but is separated by its 2-celled ovary and very different seed. These, which in Myrtus, are compressed reniform enclosing a terete curved embryo in a hard bony testa, are, in Eugenia globose, with thick soft and fleshy cotyledons ; forming an excellent distinction between these often, otherwise, closely allied genera.
When we next proceed to compare Eugenia with its off sets, Jambosa and Syzygium, permanent distinctions are not so easily found. All three have a 2-celled ovarium with numerous ovules, all have a more or less succulent fruit, all have fleshy seed. The distinctions, therefore, attempted to be established rest on Jambosa having a turbinate somewhat elongated calyx tube, a grumous edible fruit and a lobed seed, in place of a globose calyx tube and conferruminate seed. The first of these can scarcely be admitted if Wallich's E. formosa and E. bifaria are to be considered genuine species, since both have the turbinate calyx and general habit of Jambosa and, in my opinion, are both more justly referable to that genus, as it now stands, than to Eugenia. The character taken from the cotyledons being lobed or conferruminate, does not appear a more satisfactory one and must, as in the instance just quoted, be received with caution, as both seem to have conferruminate cotyledons though that is not mentioned in the description. Syzygium is said to be distinguished from both, by the petals cohering, forming a calyptra or lid and falling off either in that state or immediately after expansion, thus making the essential character of the genus rest on its having caducous petals ; the seed being the same as in Jambosa. This seems to me at best a very artificial character and, if not taken along with habit, is altogether nullified by several species in my collection, which have the habit of the most perfect forms of the genus, but want the deciduous petals. To establish generic characters on such distinctions, which are barely sufficient to supply very secondary sub-divisions, is altogether to banish from natui'al history the axiom that — the genus gives the character not the character the genus.
When we extend our comparison a step further and compare the distinctions taken from the calyx tube in these two genera Syzygium and Jambosa, we find them equally at fault. Syzygium is said to have the calyx tube obovate, while in Jambosa it is turbinate and attenuated at the base. In S. Zeylanicum D.C. and S.WightianumWall. it is described as elongated and clavate, while in both, the inflorescence is racemose, the flowers springing from the naked branches, as in Jambosa malaccensis and some others, in place of forming umbelliform cymes, the usual form in the genus, thus corresponding in habit as well as structure with Jambosa. For these reasons I cannot consent to separate Syzygium and Jambosa. Eugenia it seems to me must equally be united, if we would form a natural association.
Let us next consider Caryophyllus, the oldest genus of the group. It is characterized by having a cylindrical calyx tube and 4-lobed border, the petals cohering into a lid, as in Syzygium, and the stamens free, forming 4 tufts with a slight almost inconspicuous interval between : the inflorescence is corymbose. Here again we have the identical structure mentioned as belonging to S. Zeylanicum and S. Wightianum, with the exception of the 4-lobed limb of the calyx and 4 tufts of stamens, the fruit and seed are much the same in all — but surely the limb of the calyx being a little more or less divided can never be received as a generic character being, in truth, only fit to be employed as a specific one. For these reasons I propose to reunite these four genera Eugenia, Caryophyllus, Jambosa and Syzygium into one, and use those characters which have hitherto been employed as generic ones, for its subdivision into sections, it being quite impossible they can ever furnish good generic ones : genera which are made to depend on such characters as a greater or less development of any single organ, such as in the elongated calyx of Caryophyllus and of Jambosa, in contradistinction to the short one of Syzygium, or on the more or less deciduous petals of species, cannot be natural. Neither can we get good artificial genera, by the combination of these characters, unless we are prepared to multiply them beyond measure. In that case it might be easy enough to construct generic characters — for one genus might have a short calyx tube and petals that expand before falling — another might have an elongated tube and similar petals — a third might have a long tube with deciduous calyptrated petals — a fourth a short one, and so on and if rigidly adhered to, might facilitate the determination of species, but while the ovary, ovules, and fruit are nearly the same in all, the general habit the ​ same and the properties, only varying in degree, also the same, no one surely will deny that such genera are unworthy of science and altogether misplaced in any system professing to aspire to the character of natural.
It is surely time we were bidding adieu to such puerilities and studying, not how far we can split and multiply genera by restricting our characters within the narrowest limits, but how we may so construct them as to include every species that naturally belong to them, and to exclude all that do not, a point of perfection which, I fear, we shall not soon attain, so long as we use the varying shapes and sizes and duration of deciduous parts as generic characters and talk of natural systems, but deny that either natural orders or natural genera come from the hand of nature.
Influenced by these considerations, I reject all characters taken from the mere external form of the calyx, whether nearly truncated or lobed, long or short, also whether the petals are so caducous that they fall before expansion or fairly expand and prove as persistent as petals usually are in tropical climates, that is, have a duration of from 12 to 24 hours. Such characters applied to the distinction of genera, it appears to me, are well fitted to establish the truth of the axiom that nature does not create genera, but at the same time indicates much want of philosophy in our manner of interrogating nature and enquiring for natural genera, since such distinctions can only produce the most artificial combinations of species.
But discarding them, and looking only to structure, not o size or relative permanency of deciduous parts, we can approach more nearly to the construction of natural genera. The genus Myrtus might then be confined to such species as have quinary flowers, a 3-celled ovary, baccate fruit, and several bony seed enclosing a somewhat cylindrical embryo. Myrcia to those having quinary flowers, a 2-celled ovary, seed with a smooth not bony testa, and foliaceous corrugated cotyledons. Jossinia to those having quaternary flowers, a 2-celled ovary, numerous seeded fruit, like Psidium or Myrtus, and foliaceous cotyledons.
Thus defined, these appear to be all good genera, but, not having materials to compare, I can offer no decisive opinion on that point, though think it very desirable to ascertain whether a genuine Myrtus ever has a quaternary flower and 2-celled ovary, or a Myrcia a quinary flower and 3-celled ovary, for I think not : or would it not be better to class the species of these genera according to characters taken altogether from the flower and ovary, even should they occasionally be found somewhat arbitrary, because, as now defined by DeCandolle, it is impossible to distinguish a Myrtus from a Myrcia without ripe seed, which, for practical purposes, is nearly useless, we so seldom find fruit in that state in herbaria.
The genera Caryophyllus, Eugenia, Jambosa, Syzygium, and, I believe, Acmena D.C. all associate in having a 2-celled ovary (ever 3 ?) with numerous ovules attached to the inner angles of the cells, subdrupacious fruit, with few, generally one or two, globose fleshy seed, variously divided. By subdrupacious, I here mean a fruit consisting of an exterior pulpy or fleshy portion, sarcocarp, enclosing the seed, in this case not hard and bony, as in true drupes, but fleshy and easily sectile. The testa of the seed is besides so very thin, that unless looked for, it may be overlooked. The cotyledons or body of the seed is quite peculiar, altogether sui generis. In all, the radicle is small and inconspicuous with comparatively large seed lobes, these lobes being sometimes conferruminate, that is adhering by their margins so as to appear one only, at others, divided into two or three or a dozen lobes but all united in the minute central radicle.
The insufficiency of lobed or conferruminate seed to form a generic character is proved by the fact of both forms being found on the same plant. In these structural peculiarities, which pervade the whole tribe of Eugeniae we have, it appears to me, conclusive evidence that nature does create genera and that this group, which presents nearly every variation of vegetable form and inflorescence, being yet pervaded, through its whole extent, by a uniform structure in the organs most essential to the preservation of the species, shows that it is truly one of nature's own genera and, as such, ought on no account to be broken down and frittered away by the introduction of frivolous distinctions without practical value or facility of application when employed in practice, since in their nature they are fluctuating and unstable.
The oldest name of the group of genera, which I propose uniting into one, is Caryophyllus, and under that name the whole phalanx should be ranged, with the essential character — flowers quaternary, ovary 2-celled, with numerous ovules attached to a central placenta, seed thick and ​ fleshy, variously lobed, sometimes conferruminate 3 the radicle usually minute and concealed between the lobes. But, as nearly all of them have at different times been referred to Eugenia, even Caryophyllus itself, I, to prevent further confusion, retain that name for the restored genus. Adopting these characters for the genus I find that our Eugenia acris W. & A. and E. Pimenta,, D.C. do not belong to it, neither are they referable to Myrcia, but assuredly associate much better with the latter than the former genus.
To some it may appear, that this is too sweeping a reform and that these extensive reductions are neither required nor justified in the case to which they are applied. Should such an objection be urged, I have only to reply that, the most sedulous examination has not shown me how otherwise the difficulties I have indicated can be obviated, unless by the formation of additional genera each as artificial as those I propose to reduce.
My first thought was to form new genera and I had actually prepared definitions for two, amply distinguished so far as paper distinctions were concerned, but which , when compared, not with written characters but with their congeners, by laying the specimens side by side and minutely comparing the whole in every part, marking the gradual transitions of external forms, the uniformity of internal structure, in the organs of fructification, and finally the general uniformity of habit, I saw no alternative but to proceed as I have done and at once reunite the species, now distributed under Eugenia, Caryophyllus, Jambosa, Syzygium and Acmena into one vast genus. The correctness of this view I shall endeavour to establish by, in the first instance, presenting here a synoptical arrangement of nearly all the Indian species of the tribe Myrteae with which I am acquainted, and afterwards largely illustrating the genus Eugenia by devoting many plates to its elucidation in my Icones.
The characters I have assigned to the genera are brief but comprehensive, being anxious to avoid the introduction of any terms not absolutely required or in any way tending to exclude by unnecessary refinement, any species that really belong to them.
Of the folio wing genera Eugenia is by far the largest, exceeding in the number of its species all the others put together, and as its species present among themselves a considerable variety of form, it became absolutely necessary to distribute them into sections or sub-genera to facilitate the determination of the species. The plan I have adopted for this purpose aims at keeping together, as much as possible, the species referred by DeCandolle and others to the several genera I have reduced. By this means comparatively little inconvenience will be caused as each sub-genus retains the name it bore as a genus. The characters of these sub-genera are necessarily somewhat arbitrary and, on a few occasions, scarcely applicable to some of the species referred to them. This however is unavoidable in a genus so natural, and it is hoped, will not be objected to as figures of all such will be given in the Icones. The characters of the sub-genera are almost entirely taken from variations of the calyx, which are always obvious, aided by the inflorescence which is equally prominent. Two of these sub-genera are again divided into sections by the inflorescence being terminal or lateral. This last character, though in common use, I have found of difficult application in practice and very liable to mislead unless restricted by definite rules. These I have endeavoured to supply by considering all those lateral which spring from old wood, such for example, as from the ramuli of previous years or naked branches from the scars of fallen leaves : while those arising from young leafy shoots of the same season and forming a terminal corymbus, though all axillary I have considered terminal. By adhering to this rule I have in one or two instances referred specimens with terminal cymes to lateral sections, because the peduncles really rose from old wood and were only accidentally terminal, through the abortion of the shoot of the current season, which was proved by other instances where it was produced. Thus limited I have found this a good character as indicating a marked peculiarity of habit.
The great number of species referable to the sub-genus Syzygium rendering a further division necessary, I then had recourse to the petals, grouping those with cohering petals in one section and those with free expanding ones in another. This I at first expected to find a character of easy application, but in practice was disappointed, as both, not very rarely, occur in the same plant. All but one of those referred to the latter section have most unequivocally the habit of Syzygium but with the free expanding petals of Jambosa and easily form the transition to that genus. ​
SYNOPTICAL ARRANGEMENT OF INDIAN MYRTACEÆ OF THE TRIBE MYRTEÆ GENERA.
Genera.
Sonneratia, (Lin. fil.) Psidium (Lin.) On these genera I have no remarks to offer. They are principally remarkable, in the tribe, for the numerous cells of their ovary.
NELITRIS. Flowers quaternary or quinary : ovary 4 (?) to 10-celled, with fleshy partitions between the cells: ovules solitary in each cell, ascending, reniform.
2. MYRTUS. Flowers quinary . ovary 3-celled, with numerous superposed ovules in each : seeds several, subreniform curved, testa hard, embryo cylindrical,curved.
3. JOSSINIA. Flowers quaternary : ovary 2-celled, placentas centra], covered with numerous ovules : fruit 2 or 1 -celled, by abortion, seed several, testa soft, cotyledons foliaceous (within a sparing albumen?)
4. MONOXORA. Flowers quaternary: ovary 1-celled, with two parietal placentas : ovules numerous : fruit drupaceous containing several nuts (4 in two that I examined ) nuts 3, or, by abortion, 1-celled, with a cylindrical curved embryo in each cell.
5. PIMINTA. Flowers quaternary or quinary : ovary 2-celled ; ovules 1 or several in each cell, pendulous from a projecting placenta: seed 1 or several in each cell, subreniform, testa thin, soft : embryo cylindrical, spirally involute, cotyledons couferruminate enclosed in a soft gelatinous albumen.
[This genus includes Eugenea pimento, a and B D.C. the latter Myrcia acris, and perhaps M. pimentoides of the same author. The very unusual position of the ovules, added to the peculiar seed, curved cylindrical embryo and gelatinous albumen — like some of the con-volvuli — leave no doubt as to this genus being equally distinct from Myrlus, Myrcia and Eugenia, with all of which its species have been confounded.]
6. Eugenia. Flowers quaternary rarely quinary or with numerous petals : ovary 2-celled, placentas axillary ; ovules numerous : fruit subdrupacious 2 or 1-celled, by abortion, with one or two seed : seed usually globose ; cotyledons thick and fleshy, variously lobed or conferruminate, radicle small between the cotyledons.
SUB-GENERA OF EUGENIA.
1. EURUGENIA. Limb of the calyx, 4-parted down to the ovary. Pedicels axillary one-flowered.
2. JAMBOSA. Calyx tube turbinate, rarely cylindrical : limb produced considerably beyond the ovary, cup-shaped, margin 4-cleft. Cymes lateral or terminal ; flowers usually large ; fruit often edible.
3. CARYOPHYLUS. Calyx tube cylindrical, limb deeply 4-cleft. Cymes terminal somewhat corymbose ; flowers highly aromatic ; fruit subdrupacious, succulent one or two seeded.
4. ACMENA. Calyx tube long clavate ; limb much produced beyond the ovary ; margin truncated, entire, or repandly 4 or 5-lobed. Flowers numerous, inflorescence various, racemose or corynibosEly panicled ; petals 4-5, or numerous (10-12) either free or cohering, calyptriform ; fruit small, subdrupacious.
5. SYZYGIUM. Calyx tube short, contracted, pedicel-like ; limb dilated, cup-shaped, much produced beyond the ovary, margin truncated, entire or repandly lobed. Cymes corymbose ; flowers small, petals cohering or free ; fruit subdrupacious usually one-seeded,sometimes edible.
NELITRIS Gœrt, DC.
Of this genus I have only seen one species N. paniculata Lind. in which I find the ovary 8-celled with a single ascending reniform ovule in each. Lindley describes the ovary of his N. paniculata as 4-eelled, hence the doubt expressed as to my plant being the same, though from the same country, Malacca, and its general agreement with his specific character. My plant has a 4-lobed calyx and 4 petaled corolla, both copiously furnished with pellucid dots. So far as I can judge from the ovary only, for the fruit on my specimens are far too young to enable me to form any opinion either of its structure or that of the seed, there seems so much affinity between this genus and Pomaceœ as almost to render it doubtful whether it belongs to Myrtaceœ.
MYRTUS. Lin. — Gœrt.
M. communis a cultivated plant, and M. tomentosus are the only true species of this genus I have seen and they differ so widely in some points, from each other, that they seem scarcely referable to the same genus.
JOSSINIA. Comm. DC.
Of this genus I have one species, found on the Shevagherry hills near Courtallum. It has so much the habit of a Eugenia that I at first ranked it with that genus ; a more careful examination of the seed, even though still immature, has shown that it must be excluded.
J. indica leaves short petioled, obovate spathulate, glabrous on both sides, peduncles axillary, solitary, or congested, sometimes, from abortion of leaves, corymbose on the ends of the branches, one flowered: tube of the calyx globose, clothed with short whitish tomentum, limb 4-lobed, lobes persistent: ovary and fruit 2-celled, seed several in each, testa polished soft ; cotyledons foliacious.
None of the fruit I examined were mature but several were sufficiently advanced to admit of the above points being readily made out, showing clearly that it is neither referable to Myrtus nor Eugenia, the only genera in this country with which I can compare it.
MONOXORA. R. W.
The type of this genus is Blume's Myrtus speciabilis the one-celled ovary (whence the name) with 2. parietal placentas and several celled nuts, clearly distinguish it from that and all other genera of the order, I accordingly separate it as a distinct genus.
PLMINTA. Lind*
This genus is founded on Myrtus pimenta Lin. Eugenia Pimenta D.C. and Eugenia acris W. and A. Prod, the E. Pimenta var B, ocalifolia D.C. and Myrcia acris and Pimentoides D.C.
It seems curious that plants so long known and extensively cultivated as these, and which have been so often described and figured, should have been at the present time, removed from Myrtus to be associated with Eugenia.
DeCandolle who was the first to refer these species to the genus Eugenia, seems either to have been misled by wrong specimens or had not examined those he had with sufficient care, as he describes the fruit " Bacca globosa 1 sperma. Embryo subrotundus, cotyledonibus conferruminatis non distinctis toto cœlo ab Icone Gœrtner diversis." The concluding words of this description which I have printed in Italics are so much at variance with what I have observed, that I can scarcely avoid suspecting the seed he examined must have been that of some other tree, given by mistake, for in truth I find Gærtner's figure a most accurate representation, as a comparison with the accompanying figure of mine will show. If therefore D.C. had a genuine specimen, I can only account for the error he has fallen into, by supposing he simply cut the seed across without removing the testa as Gærtner and I have done.
Dr. Hooker published a figure of Myrcia acris in the Botanical Magazine, tab. 3153,but curiously enough seems to have taken the drawing from one species and the description from another, as he says the calyx is 4-lobed, but with 5 petals ! The ovary is described as being "2- celled with one broad ovule pendent from the top of each cell" but is represented with two ovules. Eugenia Pimenta has quaternary flowers and a solitary ovule in each cell, E. acris has quinary flowers and several ovules in each cell. There is another circumstance connected with that figure and description which may be alluded to. The seeds of E. pimenta and M. acris, it is said, are very different " if DeCandolle be correct," but yet, though the Pimenta or Jamaica pepper is to be had in every grocer's shop, it does not appear that any attempt was made to ascertain the correctness or otherwise of D.C.'s statement, or determine whether they were so different as he asserts.
Dr. Arnott examined both the ovary and young fruit of P. acris and most strangely mistook the true structure of both. The latter was not so much to be wondered at, as his specimens were immature, so are those now before me, but still they are sufficiently advanced to show that this is not a species of Eugenia, but is a true congener of Pimenta.
I refer two species to this genus, viz.
1. * P. vulgaris (Lind.) flowers quaternary ovary 2-celled with a single ovule in each cell.
2. * P. acris (R. W. Eugenia acris W. and A.) Flowers quinary, ovary 2-celled, with several ovules in each cell, attached round the edge of a broad free placenta.
EUGENIA
I. SURGENUS EUEUGENIA. Calyx tube short, slightly contracted at the throat ; limb 4-parted down to the ovary. Peduncles axillary, one-flowered, bibractiolate at the apex.
1. E. (Eueugenia) Willdenowii (D.C)
2. * E. (E) bracteata (Roxb.) Sea Coast, frequent both on the continent and in Ceylon.
These two are very nearly allied species, but I think quite distinct, though it is difficult to define them so as to keep them separate.
3. E. (E) Roitleriana (W. and A.) Courtallum and subalpine jungles in the southern provinces. This species varies considerably in the size of its leaves but the general form is pretty uniform.
4. E. (E) subcordata (W. and A.) This I find is a mere variety of Eugenia Michelii.
5. E (E) Mooniana (R.W.) Shrubby, glabrous, leaves pellucid dotted, short petioled, ovate, tapering at the base, acuminated; acumen either short and blunt or prolonged and tapering to a fine point : peduncles axillary, solitary or sometimes paired, one flowered : flowers small, calyx tube ventricose, oblong, limb 4-cleft, segments reflexed pointed : fruit globose about the size of a cherry, seed conferruminate.
Ceylon — -Moon — Shevagherry near Courtallum, R. W.
This species approaches E. Michelii but is at once distinguished by its globose not furrowed fruit. Mr. Moon long ago found it in flower in Ceylon but did not name it, more recently I found it in fruit on the Shevagherry hills near Courtallum.
6. E. (E) Mabœoides (R.W.) Shrubby, very ramous leaves short petioled obovate — spathulate, glabrous, rigid, shining above, pellucid dotted, pedicels very short, fascicled on short subaxillary tubercles : calyx tube ventricose, limb 4-parted : ovary 2-celled with numerous ovules attached to the central placenta ; fruit ?
Ceylon. — Moon and Watson. This can scarcely be mistaken for any other Indian species I have seen, its rigid habit, small hard shining spathulate leaves and fascicled flowers, give it a good deal the appearance of Muba buxifolia whence the specific name.
7. E. (E) Codyensis (Munro MSS ) shrubby, glabrous, leaves short petioled, from ovate oblong to obovate, with a short blunt acumen, tapering towards the base, pellucid dotted : flowers subsessile aggregated, forming terminal capituli on the points of short abortive branches, or they are axillary, solitary, or a few together: calyx tube small, clothed with silky tomentum, somewhat globose ; limb persistent, lobes ciliate : petals twice the length of the calyx lobes, ciliate: style and stigma simple : ovary 2-celled ; ovules numerous ; fruit 1-2 seeded, globose.
Afterwards he appears either to have forgot or become dissatisfied with it, as I do not find the name, even as a synonym, in the list of genera in his Natural System of Botany. Owing to this oversight on his part, I had nearly overlooked it. As it was not until my manuscript was ready for the press that I accidently discovered I was not the first to propose this genus, I publish unaltered my account of it, merely adopting Lindley's name, that which I proposed being somewhat different. His only species was the Myrtus pimenta Lin. but as the generic character embraces both my species, I suspect he must either have had them both before him or have taken his character partly from examination and partly from description.
following list. ​ Coorg near Mercara — rare : Munro— Fowers sweet scented. This species very much resembles (*)E. buxifolia Lam, in the foliage, but appears distinct. DeCandolle refers Lamarck's plant to his genus Jossinia and if correctly, which my specimens do not enable me to determine, this species certainly forms the transition from the one to the other.
My specimens and a detailed description, from which the above character is abridged, were communicated by Lieutenant Munro.
2, SUB-GENUS JAMBOSA, D.C. Calyx turbinate attenuated, rarely cylindrical or sub-globose towards the base ; throat dilated, produced beyond the ovary A-cleft, lobes usually persistent : petals free, expanding before falling. Cymes lateral or terminal, flowers usually rather large and conspicuous, sometimes nearly sessile oftener longish pedicelled, fruit often edible.
§. 1. Cymes terminal.
8. * E. (Jambosa) Jambos (Lin. Jamboa vulgaris, D.C— W. and A.)
9. E. (J) aquca (Roxb. J. aquea, D.C— W. and A.)
This seems to be a widely distributed, and, as regards the form of the foliage, a variable species. In some they are nearly oval, in others oblong, and in others nearly lanceolate, they all however agree in being short petioled and, with one exception, in having short peduncles congregated near the summit of branches.
10. E. (J) Muwonii (R. W.— J. aquea, Munro's MSS.) racemes cymose terminal, tube of the calyx much attenuated at the base, lobes of the limb somewhat membranous obtuse : leaves subsessile, slightly cordate at the base, lanceolate upwards, ending in a short blunt acumen, penninerved ; veins meeting and forming a thick coarse nerve within the margin : pellucid dotted. — A slender tree from 12 to 20 feet high, flowers large and conspicuous, apparently from the dried specimen, redish. Fruit edible.
Coorg — Lieutenant Munro. This seems a very handsome species.
§. 2. Cymes lateral.
a. Short or subsessile calyx turbinate.
11. * E. (J) Malaccensis (Lin. Jambosa malaccensis D.C— W. and A.)
12. * E. (.J) purpurea (Roxb.) apparently only a variety of the former.
13. * E. (J) ternifolia (Roxb.) A noble species but only differing from the two preceding ones in having the leaves in verticels of three together, in place of simply opposite.
14. E. (J)formosa (Wall. PI. As. Rar. 2 tab. 108.)
b. Cymes lateral, longish peduncled, tube of the calyx short, hemispherical.
15. E. (J) hemispherica (R. W.) leaves petioled, lanceolate, acuminated at both ends, cymes axillary solitary or paired, shorter than the leaves : calyx tube short, semi-globose, petals orbicular, reHexed : fruit — Ceylon.
A very distinct species, easily known by the unusual form of the tube of the calyx which, in place of being conical like all the others, is dilated and globular. The leaves are about 4 inches long and about I broad at the broadest point, whence they gradually taper to both ends, imperceptibly terminating in the petiol below and a fine point above, sometimes subalternate. The peduncles are slender, either solitary and then accompanied by a branch, or paired, bearing from 6 to 9 largish white flowers. The fruit 1 have not seen. This species forms the transition to Syzygeœ in like manner as E. pauciflora and cylindrica does to Caryophytlœ.
c. Cymes longish peduncled, calyx conical, sometimes cylindrical, long and slender.
17. E. (J?) amplexicaulis (Roxb.)
18. * E. (J) alba (Roxb.)
19. E. (J) bifaria (Wall. PI. As Rar.2.tab. 161.) The specimens communicated by Dr. Wallich under this name appear to me to belong to a totally different plant. The figure represents a plant so very nearly allied to E.alba Roxb. that it seems rather a variety of that than a distinct species, see below E. (S) Wallichii.
20. * E. (J) polypetala (Wall. List No. 361G) E. angustifolia R. not Lamarck.
The numerous petals of this species — 12 to 16 — seem to render it doubtful whether this should be retained in the genus, it is readily distinguished by that character and the verticilled ternate, not opposite, linear lanceolate leaves.
21. * E. (J) laurifolia. (Roxb.) The long slender pedicels of this plant combined with its even, not nerved, delicate foliage, render it a very distinct and beautiful species.
22. E. (J) panciflora (R. W.) leaves short petioled, lanceolate, attenuated towards the base, ending in a long slender acumen : pedicels solitary from the extreme axils, one-flowered : calyx tube cylindrical long and slender, limb 4-cleft, fruit oval.
Ceylon — Courtullum. This species seems very nearly allied to the following, but the solitary one-flowered pedicels common to the plant both as found in Ceylon and on the continent at once distinguish it.
23. E. (J) cylindrica (R. V.) leaves short petioled, ovate, acuminated at both ends : cymes terminal or from the axils of the last two or three pairs of leaves ; calyx tube cylindrical long and slender, fruit ——— ?
Ceylon. The tube of the calyx in both these species is nearly an inch long, slightly ventricose near the middle, where the ovary is situated, and thence tapering downwards to a point.
These three species form the transition to caryophyllus and, had the calycine arrangement here followed, been rigidly adhered to, the cylindrical elongation of the calyx would have placed the two last in that sub-genus : but their affinities being truly with Jambosa I prefer bringing them in here.
3. SUB-GENUS CARYOPHYLLUS (Lin). Calyx tube elongated, sub-cylindrical, limb deeply 4-cleft, lobes persistent : petals cohering, calyptriform, cymes terminal or at least confined to the axils near the summits of the branches.
16. Caryophyllus aromaticus (Linn.) Some, at least, of the other species referred to this genus by DeCandolle, seem scarcely to belong to it but are allied to my E. cylindrica or referable to the following sub-genus.
4. SUBGENUS ACMENA. D.C. Calyx tube elongated, ​ conical, limb produced beyond the ovary, truncated or repandly 4-5 lobed: petals 4-5, sometimes calyptrated, sometimes free and expanding (even in the same species), fruit subdrupacious. — Flowers numerous subsessile lateral, sometimes forming lateral spicate racemes, sometimes terminal racemose panicles.
The flowers of this subgenus being frequently quinary — having a 5-lobed calyx and 5-petaled corollo — indicate it as the transition towards Myrtus, Myrcia and Pimenta, in which both quinary and quaternary flowers occur and one species has numerous petals like E. (J.) polypetala : the seed however mark it as a true Eugenia.
24. E. (A) claviflora (Roxb. Fl. Ind. 2— p. 488.)
25. E. (A) leptantha (R. W.) Leaves oval, acute or acuminated at both ends, finely parellely veined : racemes spicate, lateral, from naked branches : calyx tube long, clavate, finely attenuated towards the base ; limb dilated and much produced beyond the ovary, margin slightly repand : petals usually 5, caducous, calyptriform ? Fruit ? Mergui.— Griffith.
So far as I can make out from Roxburgh's imperfect character, this seems very nearly allied to his E. claviflora.
26. E. (A) Wightiana (R. W.— Syz. Wightianum Wall. — W. and A.) calyx repandly 4-lobed, petals 12 or fewer by abortion ; the outer ones occasionally expanding .
This species owing to its numerous petals seems to hold the same rank in this subgenus that E. (J) polypetala does in Jambosa.
27- E. (A) lanciolata (Lam.)
These two are apparently nearly the same, Lamarck's description of the flowers of his E. lanceolata (Elles sont glabres, turbinees ou en massue et ont le calice a quatre lobes: leur style est simple;) is so far as it goes quite applicable to those of Wallich's S. Wightianum, and the foliage, making allowance for occasional variation, is also sufficiently in accordance. But I have another species from Ceylon which is so like that I for a long time thought it the same, but which, on closer examination I find differs both in the venation of the leaves, and in the flowers. The flowers accurately correspond with Lamarck's description ; the stamena, as in his specimen, have all separated leaving the simple style.
28. E. (A) Zeylanica (R. W.) Myrtus Zeylanica Linn. — Syzygium Zeylanicum et spicatem (D.C.) Acmena paiviflora ? (D.C.)
This in foliage is a variable species but the inflorescence is sufficiently uniform to mark it under every va- riation. I have now specimens from Malabar, Ceylon and Mergui, which sufficiently agree in that particular, though the foliage is somewhat different. This plant agrees so well with the character of Acmena parviflora (D.C.) that I have no hesitation in quoting that as a synonym, a view in which I am further confirmed by the character of the fruit of A. floribunda, B, elliptica— viz. " bacca globosa alba" which accurately describes that of E. (A) Zeylanica.
29. * E. (A) grata (Wall.) calyx conical, limb repandly 5-toothed : petals 5-corymbs: terminal and from the upper axils : leaves ovate lanceolate, ending in a longish blunt acumen: fruit globose l-2-seeded,crowned with the projecting throat of the calyx— Mergui. Griffith— Assam. Jenkins and Griffith.
This species seems very distinct from all the others of this sub-genus, but seems certainly referable to it both on account of the elongation of the tube of the calyx and the quinary tendency which its flowers exhibit, the globose fruit affords another mark of relationship with the preceding.
30.* E. (A) oblata (Roxb. Syzygium oblatum Wall.) This species is nearly allied to the last, so much so indeed, that 1 doubt whether they can be kept separate.
31 E. (A) bractiolata (R. W.) ramuli 4-sided, angles subacute : leaves short petioled, elleptico-lanceolate, acute or slightly acuminated at both ends, pellucid dotted : cymes terminal and from the upper axils, the extreme divisions terminating in a cluster of from 6 to 9 sessile flowers ; each division and each flower furnished with two minute, persistent, acute bracteols : calyx tube conical 4 sided ; limb repandly 4 lobed.
I am uncertain whence I received my specimen but I think from Mergui.
This species evidently forms the transition from Acmena to Syzygium, the glomerate flowers and conical calyx tube marking its relationship with E. (A) Zeylanica while its diminutive length and 4 not 5 toothed margin show its affinity with Syzygium-
5. SURGENUS SYZYGIUM (Gært.) Calyx tube short, that part enclosing the ovary contracted ( pedicel-like) inconspicuous, limb (beyond the ovary) dilated, cup-shaped, persistent, truncated, entire or repandly 4-toothed, petals either free and expanding or cohering calyptriform. Trees often of great size ; flowers numerous, small, white, limb of the calyx usually deciduous, cymes corymbose lateral or terminal.
§. 1. Petals cohering and separating in that state.
a. Cymes terminal, that is, from the upper axils of the young shoots of the same season.
32. E. (S) rubicunda (R. W. — S. rubicundum W. and A.)
33. E. (S) Neesiana (R. W. — Syzygium Neesianum Arnott's pugillus) leaves subsessile, oblong lanceolate, blunt pointed, subcoriaceous, pellucid dotted, penninerved : cymes terminal, laxly corymbose, trichotomous, peduncles 4-sided, the partial ones umbellately 3-7-flowered, pedicels half the length of the shortly turbinate slightly 4-lobed calyx — Arnott. Ceylon.
This species seems to have a nearly equal right to a place in both sections of this sub-genus as the petals are often free. Dr. Arnott remarks that it differs from all the other species of the genus in its sessile leaves, this is certainly an excellent character but not without exception, as 1 have, what appears to me, a petioled variety of this plant and another species with sessile leaves
34* E. (S) Myrtifolia (Roxb. Fl. Ind. 2, P. 490.)
35. * E. (S) Oleina (R.W.— Syzygium oleinum Wall) These two, if distinct, are so like each other that I can- not see by what characters they can be defined, I look, upon them, judging from specimens only, as identical.
36. E. (S) sylvestris (Moon) leaves obovate obtuse or spathulate, coriaceous, shining, short petioled : cymes corymbose, congested towards the summits of the branches and extreme axils, longish peduncled : fruit about the size of a crab-apple, redish.
Ceylon. — Most of the above character is copied from Moon's notes on this species.
37. E. (S) Caryophyllœa (R. W. Syz. Caryophyllæum ​ Gært.) This species varies considerably in its foliage, being sometimes broader than long, at others spatulate, more rarely lanceolate, or merely a little broader upwards. It is however a very distinct species.
b. Cymes lateral (i. e.) from year old branches.
38. E. (S) reticulata (R. W.)leaves ovate lanceolate, acuminated, thick and coriaceous ; when dry, brownish beneath and finely reticulated with slender whitish veins : cymes axillary, corymbose, trichotomous : limb of the calyx much dilated, 4-toothed : flowers large. Assam. Griffith.
Judging from specimens only, this appears a rigid, very ramous tree, the leaves have much the texture and appearance of those of Buchanania or Mangifera. The flowers are about the largest of the sub-genus and very numerous.
I am indebted to Mr. Griffith for my specimens of this plant.
39. E. (S) alternifolia (R. W.) leaves alternate ! sub-orbicular, thick and coriaceous, penoinerved : cymes lateral, longish peduncled, corymbose, dense, sometimes congested near the apex of year old branches : calyx truncated entire : petals calyptrated. Balughaut Mountains near Madras.
A noble species, the leaves, which are nearly orbicular, being sometimes upwards of 7 inches across, very thick and coriaceous. The flowers are large, forming dense clusters in the axils of the leaves, apparently pure white. It seems nearly allied to E. cymosa Roxburgh and E. (S) densiflora Wall., being generally very like that species, but differs in the calyx being entire and the petals cohering.
40. E. (S) cordifolia (R. W. Calyptranthis cordifolia, Moon) leaves coriacious penninerved, ovate, accuminate, sessile, cordate, stem clasping, at the base : cymes corymbose, longish peduncled axillary, shorter than the leaves: calyx limb very slightly 4-tootbed, petals calyptriform.
Ceylon. Moon and Colonel Walker.- This is a large handsome species. The leaves are upwards of 6 inches long and nearly 3 broad, very coriacious, revolute on the margin ; flowers pretty large ; the fruit I have not seen.
41. * E. (S) Jambolana (Lam. Syz. Jambolanum DC. &c.) This like many other widely diffused and cultivated plants is a sufficiently variable species, and under this name may I suspect be ranged, in addition to the already long list of synonyms, E. fruticosa Roxb. at least so far as can be determined from specimens. Roxburgh seems to have looked more to habit than characters in constituting this last a distinct species, the characters of the two, though varying in words, being the same in substance, that is, whatever character is assigned to the one I find equally in the other when compared.
42. * E. (S) fruticosa (Roxb. Fl. Ind.)
43. E. (S) salicifolia (R. W. Syz. salicifolinm Graham's Cat. Bombay plants) leaves linear lanceolate, tapering towards both ends, obtusely acuminate I, transversely finely parallel veined, pellucid dotted, cymes numerous, trichotomous, small, from the scars of fallen leaves : flowers small : fruit— Ghauts near Bombay. Graham.
This seems distinct, but is certainly very near E. (S) Jambolana. It may be S. lineare or S.salicifolium Wall, which however, so long as 1 have no description nor authentic specimens of either to compare, must remain doubtful. The younger leaves when held between, the eye and the light present a most beautiful net-work of transparent veins but without pellucid dots, when older, the reticulations nearly disappear and are succeeded by pellucid points.
44. E. (S) Odorata ? (R. W. Syz. odoratum D.C.) leaves ovate, lanceolate, attenuated towards the base, with a blunt short acumen at the apex, glossy above, pale glaucous and transversely veined beneath, cymes corymbose, diffuse, each floriferous division ending in a cluster of from 6 to 9 small sessile flowers. Mergui — Griffith.
DeCandolle describes his S. Odoratum as having impunctate subcoriacious leaves. The leaves of my plant are coriacious and the older ones are impunctate, but when younger ones which have not altogether lost their translucency are examined, pellucid dots can be detected. He describes the peduncles as terminal, which in truth in most of my specimens they are, but, owing to their springing from the scars of fallen leaves, on one year old wood I refer it to this, as its true section.
45. E. (S) Toddulioidis (R. W.) leaves lanceolate, attenuated towards the base, ending in a long narrow acumen above, coriaceous, trausversely parallelly veined, pellucid dotted: cymes lateral di-trichotomus, each branch bearing 1-2 or 3 flowers : limb of the calyx much dilated, tube contracted not hicker than the pedicel. Mergui— Griffith.
The leaves of this species have the peculiar venation observable in species of Xanthocylon and Toddalia, whence the name, and being similarly perforated with pellucid dots, the species, not in flower, might be supposed referable to that order. The flowers are few, scattered in small cymes along the naked branches.
46. * E. (S) balsamea (R. W. Syzygium balsameum Wall.) leaves obovate, lanceolate, atenuated towards the base, tranvsversely veined, pellucid dotted: cymes corymbose small, several often springing from the same axil, much shorter than the leaves : calyx entire not toothed — Assam— Capt. Jenkins.
This is a very distinct species and easily recognized by its numerous short, but many flowered cymes, several springing from each axil or scar of a fallen leaf along the naked branch. My specimens are partly communicated by Dr. Wallich from the Calcutta Bot. Garden, partly by Captain Jenkins from Assam, neither however in fruit.
47. * E. (S) operculata (Roxb. — Syz. nervosum D.C.)
48.* E. (S) tetragonum (R. W. Syzygium tetraginum Wall.) stems 4-sided, angles winged: leaves, oblong-ovate, attenuated at both ends, penninerved, marginal nerves prominent; cymes lateral trichotomous, much shorter than the leaves : fruit globose about the size of a large pea.
This species seems very closely allied to the former, the decidedly 4-sided 4-winged ramuli seeming to form the only really available distinction, unless the absence of pellucid dots, which I cannot detect in the specimens before me, form another Communicated by Dr. Wallich.
49. E. (S) androsœmoides ? (D.C. Myrtus androsæmoides Lin ) leaves from broad oval to obovate-suhorbicular, coriacious, glabrous, short petioled, not shining, pellucid dotted : cymes lateral trichotomous diffuse : fruit about the size of a small pea, crowned with the dilated margin of the calyx, 1 seeded. Assam— Capt. Jenkins.
The specimens from which this character is taken were communicated by Captain Jenkins but are not very good. The leaves in their general appearance greatly resemble some of the broad-leaved varieties of Combretum ova​ lifolium. It seems very distinct from all the other species of the genus I have seen.
§. Petals usually free and expanding before falling off.
The plants referred to this section are few and I have found some difficulty in determining what really belong to it, from free and cohering petals occurring in the same species. Such being the fact the sectional character must be received with some latitude.
Cymes lateral.
50* E. (S) Wallichu (R. W. — E. bifaria Wall. MSS.)
The species figured by Wallich under this name does not resemble the specimens so named and communicated by Dr. Wallich himself, as well as received from both Mergui and Assam. The plate, judging from the size of the flowers, their short pedicels and the small number on each cyme, clearly represent a Jambosa, (I think Eugalba R.) while the specimens leave no doubt of their belonging to Syzygium and, as if to place the matter beyond a doubt the petals appear as often, much oftener indeed, to cohere and separate as a lid than expand ; my fir6t thought therefore was, before attentively examining the specimens and comparing them with the figure, to place it between E. (S) balsamea and operculata, which, judging from the specimens only, seems the proper place for it, except, that the calyx is more deeply cleft than is usual in that section, and it is in all respects so closely allied to the following that I cannot think of separating them.
51. E. (S) polyantha (R. W.) leaves penninerved oval lanceolate, tapering at the base, bluntly acuminated, coriaceous, dotted, shining above, dull, somewhat glaucous beneath : cymes numerous, short, many-flowered, several springing together from the scars of fallen leaves : calyx 4-cleft, petals 4, constantly expanding before falling : fruit. Mergui— Griffith.
In dried specimens, this species is easily known by the shining deep brown colour of the upper surface of its leaves, compared with the pale dull colour of the lower, and by the flowers, the petals of which in this species always expand, though, in all other respects, they resemble the most perfect species of Syzygium. It is very nearly allied to the preceding.
52. E (S) cymosa (Lam. Rumph. Amb. : 1 tab. 41) leaves short petioled, finely transversely veined, oval, acuminated, somewhat waved on the margin, acumen blunt pointed : cymes corymbose, contracted, trichotomous, few-flowered : flowers subsessile, clustered on the points of longish peduncles : calyx slightly lobed, petals free expanding. — Mergui— Griffith.
This is certainly a beautiful plant, and though in character not easily distinguished from the preceding, is yet very distinct. The leaves want the course conspicuous nerves, being quite even on both sides, the nervation resembling that of a Calophyllum plant, the midrib only conspicuous. The cymes, though as a whole small, yet seem to have long branches, the flowers being confined to their points and capitulate. The fruit I have not seen. Cymes terminal or from the axils of young shoots.
53. E. (5) rubens (Roxb.) "Leaves short petioled opposite and subalternate, lanceolar obtuse, fine veined hard and glossy : panicles terminal, ultimate divisions often unbelliferous. — R. Fl. Ind. 2. 496.
I have specimens from Mergui which answer, generally, exceedingly well to the above description, the under surface of the leaves of which, are of a rusty redish colour while the upper is glossy and very hard.
54. * E. (S) inophylla (Roxb. Syz. inophyllum DC.)
The petals of this species being free and expanding, with a tendency to the terbinate calyx of Jambosa, DeCandolle must have referred it here rather from habit than on account of its agreeing with his generic character. It has much the habit of Syzygium but not the calyptrated petals.
55. E. (S) rovoluta (R.W.) leaves short petioled obovate, very obtuse, revolute on the margin, very coriaceous, penninerved, polished above, dull glaucous beneath: cymes terminal longish peduncled, flowers sessile congested on the points of the floriferous ramuli : calyx 4-5 toothed : petals usually free sometimes cohering— Ceylon — Colonel Walker.
This species varies much in size and somewhat in the shape of the leaves — the smaller leaved varieties having them from oval to obovate lanceolate, while the larger ones are very broadly obovate, but all are very hard and coriaceous and, at least when dried, revolute on the margin.
My specimens were partly communicated by Colonel Walker and partly collected by myself.
56. E. (S) Arnottianum (R. W. Syz. densiflorum W. and A.) DeCandolle's Jambosa densiflora claims precedence in the name.
57. * E. (S) grandis (R. W. E. cymosa Roxb. Fl. Ind. not Lamarck.) A magnificent species at once distinguish- ed by its large broad oval, very obtuse, thick coriaceous leaves, and dense somewhat capitate many flowered cymes.
Mergui — Griffith Silhet ; My specimens from Mergui correspond accurately with those communicated by Dr. Wallich from the Botanic Garden Calcutta.
In a circular arrangement of the order the species of this section would form the transition to Jambosa, and so far as I am able to form an opinion on the subject, from the very imperfect materials now before me, I think it probable Jambosa will be found to form the typical group of the circle, Eueugenia the sub-typical and the other three sub-genera the aberrant. This, however, can as yet only be surmised, as it is impossible to determine the sequence of a genus until the whole order has been carefully analysed.
The places of the following species remain to be determined the character of the petals being unknown to me.
E. (S) rotundifolia (S. rotundifolium. Arn. pugil.) " Shrubby, leaves approximated, very short petioled, orbicular, subretuse, coriaceous scarcely punctuated, above glossy veinless,beneath penninerved: cymes terminal sessile capituliform few-flowered : calyx obovate shortly 5- toothed — Mountains of Ceylon : 6000 feet of elevation." — Arnott.
From the examination of an imperfect specimen of the plant now before me, I should rather describe the calyx as 4 than 5-toothed, in all other respects the character accords accurately with the specimen.
E. (S) calophylifolia (R. W.) shrubby, ramuli 4 -sided: leaves approximated, from obovate suborbicular to oval, very obtuse, coriaceous, smooth, dull, not shining, veinless above, penninerved beneath, slightly revolute on the margin, cymes terminal, corymbose, short peduncled, many-flowered, calyx limb repandly 4 -toothed, petals 4 orbicular expanding (?) before falling.
Ootacamund, Neilgherries.
This is quite distinct from, though evidently nearly al​ lied to, the preceding. The specific name is in allusion to the striking likeness in the form of the leaves, to those of Calophyllum Watherii tab. 45 of the preceding volume.
I am necessarily forced to pass over, unnoticed, many species only known to me from description, often not very perfect, but as my object is to sketch an arrangement, it would tend to destroy its usefulness were I to introduce species unknown to me as they might chance to be placed in wrong sections, or might not even belong to the genus. The following species I have ascertained from the examination of specimens must be excluded.
Eugenia laurina! Moon's catalogue, is a species of Symplocos.
Eugenia capitellata (Arn. Pugillus) is a 6pccies of Memecylon.
Had I felt the slightest wish to extend the list of species, I believe, the materials in my possession would have enabled me without difficulty to have done so, but being anxious on the contrary rather to reduce than extend the list of doubtful species 1 have been careful to add none of my own on which a doubt can exist. .Most of those I have named as new species, will shortly be figured in the Icones.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE 97,* OR 122.
Fig. 1. A — Section of the base of a very young ovary of the Pomegranate, showing the lower series of carpels, 4 in number, with a single central placenta in each cell.
B — Another section of the same ovary, showing the upper series in this instance 6 in number, each having a single parietal placenta— These two figures are taken from opposite sides of the same slice.
Fig. 2. C.D — These are sections of another ovary somewhat further advanced, showing the derangement caused in the lower series of carpels by the growth of parts in a very confined space.
C. The lower series. — D. The upper series of carpels ; in this instance 7 in number. These two sections as in the former instance are taken from opposite sides of the same slice.
Fig. 3. Myrtus tomentosa. 1. Flower front view, about the natural size — 2. Side view, petals removed — 3. A petal detached — 4. Stamens — 5. Ovary cut transversely, 3-celied, with 2 rows of ovules in each cell — 6. Ovary cut vertically showing the superposed ovules (but they are much more numerous than here represented) — 7. A fruit nearly full grown, cut transversely — 8, A detached seed — 9. The same longitudinally, showing the form and position of the embryo.
Fig. 4. Jossinia indica, (R. W.) 1. Young fruit, covered with its persistent calyx, natural size — 2. The same, the pericarp removed bringing into view a cluster of aborted ovules lying on the side of some considerably advanced — 3. The fruit cut vertically, showing several seed considerably advanced towards maturity — 4. An immature fruit cut transversely, 2-celled — 5. A seed — 6. The same cut transversely— 7. Cotyledons detached,
Fig. 5. Monoxora spectabilis, (R. W.) — 1. A flower side view, magnified — 2. The same, petals removed — 3. Stamens — 4. Ovary cut vertically — 5. Cut transversely — 6. A young fruit— 7. one nearly mature cut transversely, showing the nuts in situ—8. A nut detached — 9. The same cut lengthwise showing one of the cells with its enclosed seed — 10. Cut transversely 3-celled — The shell of these nuts is exceedingly hard.
Fig. 6. Pimenta acris, (R. W.)— I. A flower side view — 2. The ovary, after the fall of the petals and stamens, crowned by the limb of the calyx — 3. Stamens— 4. Ovary cut transversely, showing a portion of the broad free placenta — 5. Cut vertically showing the placentas and their attached ovules in situ — 6. A placenta and ovules detached — 7. A fruit not quite mature, natural size — 8. The same cut transversely — 9. A seed, nearly mature — 10. The same, the testa removed showing the spirally involute embryo — The glutinous albumen which surrounds this seed, I could not show in a drawing.
Fig. 7. Pimenta vulgaris, (Lind.) — 1. A flower side view — 2. The same, stamens and petals removed to show the lobes of the calyx — 3. Stamens — 4. Ovary cut vertically showing the pendulous solitary ovules — 5. Ovary cut transversely, 2-celled — 6. A fruit nearly mature — 7. A seed full grown — 8. The same, the testa removed to show the spirally involute embryo— 9. The embryo cut longitudinally.
Fig. 8. Eugenia (J.) hemispherica (R. W.) — 1. A flower about the period of expansion — 2. The same cut vertically, showing the iucurved stamens and position of the ovary— 3. Front view of the petals after the fall of the stamens — 4. Stamens — 5. Ovary cut vertically — 6. cut transversely.
Fig. 9. Eugenia (J) pauciflora (R. W.) — 1. A flower cut vertically, showing the position of the stamens in the bud — 2. Tube of the calyx cut longitudinally showing the place of the ovary (about the natural size) — 3. Stamens — 4. Ovary cut transversely — 5. A fruit some-what reduced — 6. Pericarp removed, showing the seed in situ — 7. The seed transversely 2-lobed.
Fig. 10. Nelitris puniculata ? (Lindlev) — 1. Flower side view— 2. The same, petals removed — 3. Stamens — 4. Ovary cut transversely, 8-celled— 5. Ovary cut vertically, showing the solitary reniform ovules — 6. A raceme of young fruit.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE 98.
Eugenia (Jambosa) Malaccensis — Jambosa Malaccensis, D.C.— 1. Flowering branch— natural size,
2. An Anther.
3. Ovary and calyx.
4. Ovary cut transversely.
5. A fruit, near maturity.
6. The same, cut transversely.
MYRTACEÆ. GENERA OF MYRTACEÆ.
MYRTACEÆ. JAMBOSA MALACCENSIS (DC)
Sub-order Barringtonieae.
This is a small tribe including:, according to Lindley, only seven genera, two of which Barringtonia and Careya are found in continental India. Respecting this sub-order Dr. Lindley remarks "No characters have yet been assigned to these plants by which they may be known from Myrtaceae, except their alternate leaves without semi -transparent dots, and the presence of stipules. The latter peculiarity which has been assigned to them by Von Martins does not exist in any of the species I have examined, so that the substantial distinction is reduced to the first mentioned. There is, however, something so peculiar in the appearance of these plants, that one can hardly doubt that some good characteristic mark will be one day added to those they already possess."
One such mark certainly does exist in the seed, which Roxburgh correctly describes as having a simple inverse embryo the length of the ample perisperm or albumen as it is now called, and pointedly remarks on the similarity existing between the seed of these plants and some Guttiferae; a very sufficient distinction between them and true Myrtaceae, in which no such structure is known to exist. Hence it appears that, however closely allied by the flower, they are essentially distinct as regards properties, structure of the seed, and mode of germination. These are powerfully aided by habit, that is, by their alternate often serrated leaves without pellucid dots and by their 4 rarely 2 -ceiled ovary, than which, it appears to me, distinctions of much less value have been allowed to divide as nearly allied families. This last, I am well aware, is an argument of no weight, as it does not necessarily follow, that, because we have fallen into one error another should be committed to keep it in countenance, and would not have been used, had I felt any doubt of their being distinct. On these grounds I view Barringtonia, Careya, Fcetidia (the ovary of which I have examined) and some others, as forming, if not a distinct order, at least a well marked sub order of Myrtaceae.
Geographical Distribution. Seven or eight genera have by different authors been referred here : three of these are of Indian origin, viz. Barringtonia, Careya, and Glaphyria, the last a native of the Moluccas, unknown to me. The other two are widely distributed over India. One (Gustavia) is common to tropical America and Java, and all the others doubtfully referred here, are entirely American or West Indian.
Properties and Uses. Little seems to be known respecting these. The bark of Barringtonia (Stravadium) racemosa is somewhat bitter and is said by Dr. Ainslie, on the authority of the vitians to have properties sbiiilar to Cinchona, while the root is considered valuable on account of its cooling aperient and deobstruent properties. Of Gustavia speciosa Dr. Lindley (Flora medica) remarks "according to Humboldt and Bonpland children are very fond of the fruit and become quite yellow after eating it, but in 24 or 48 hours they regain their natural colour without any remedy." The species of both Barringtonia and Careya are for the most part considerable trees. The former frequenting low moist grounds, the latter preferring more elevated and dryer situations, but I have not been able to learn that the timber of any of them is held in esteem, by either the carpenter or ship-builder.
Remarks on Genera and Species. On the two genera which compose the Indian portion of this sub-order there is but little room for remark. One peculiarity however I have observed, namely, that the number of cells of the ovary differ not only in different species but occasionally in different specimens of thdsame plant. When variations, in this respect, occur, I have found them indicated by the calyx, the lobes of which correspond with the cells. B. racemosa has usually a two-lobed calyx, and the ovary is 2-celled, but, sometimes, the calyx is three-lobed, and then I have found the ovary 3-celled. B. acutangula has a 4 lobed calyx and 4-celled ovary as Gartner describes : hence the generic character is neither ovary 4-celled as Gaertner has it, nor 2-celled as Roxburgh, correcting Gsertner, says it should be; but, ovary ​2 or 4-celled, sometimes but rarely 3-celled. I have from Ceylon what appears to be a small flowered variety of B. aculangula, it may however be a distinct species, but that, my specimens scarcely enable me to determine.
The number of cells of the ovary of Careya, like that of Barringtonia, seems to vary, as in the accompanying figure, which, though not prepared under my eye, I have every reason to believe a correct representation of the specimen, five are shown though four is the normal number.
EXPLANATION OF PLATES 99 & 100.
    Careya Arborea, Rosb. — 1. Flowering branch, slightly reduced, in size.
    2-3. Fasciculi of stamens, back and front views.
    4. Authors, back and front views.
    5. Ovary, cut vertically.
    6. Ovary cut transversely, but showing 5 in place of 4-cells, ihe usual number.
    7. A cluster of full grown fruit.
    8. One of them cut transversely, showing the seed imbedded in soft, loo-e, cellular matter, which occupies the whole interior of the fruit.
    9. A seed, detached.
    10. The same cut transversely, the central dark spot representing the form and position of the embryo in the midst of a copious albumen.
    11. The same, cut longitudinally — both from young specimens.
    12 & 13. The same parts, as seen in ripe seed.
Sub-order Philadelpheae.
Much difference of opinion seems to exist among Botanists as to the place this small tribe of plants should occupy in the Botanical system.
Jussieu originally referred them to Myrtaceae, Mr. D. Don, afterwards removed them thence and constituted them a distinct order, assigning as their nearest affinities Saxifrageae. DeCandolle so far adopted this view as to indicate Hydrangeaea tribe of Saxifiageae, as their nearest allies, but notwithstanding, stations Philadelpheae next Myrtaceae : Deutzia however he gives to Hydrangeae. Lindley and Arnott both adopt the order, both place it near Myrtaceae and both differ from DeCandolle in considering Deutzia one of its genera. Bartling on the other hand takes a totally different view and places the genera referred here among his Onagrariae, a station, in my opinion, most erroneous since it virtually reduces that order, by depriving it of its only really good character, the binary arrangement of all its parts, "every part of the flower being some regular multiple of two" a most valuable character but lost on the union of Philadelpheae which have a quinary arrangement. Deutzia, referred here by Lindley, Arnott, and Meisner, is excluded by D.C. and Bartling. Meisner, differing from these leading authorities, reverts to Jussieu's arrangement and replaces, as I have here done, the tribe among Myrtaceae, raising it to the rank of a suborder. I have the more readily followed Meisner, partly because I do not clearly see on what point, with the exception of albuminous seed, a good distinction can be established, but principally, because it affords me a convenient opportunity of noticing an Indian order, which, from its being confined to the northern regions and not admitted into our Prodromus, would otherwise have been passed over.
Whether or not I am correct in considering this a sub-order rather than an order is a question which may be left for abler Botanists, and enjoying better opportunities for its examination, to determine. In the mean time, I copy Dr. Lindley's character of the order, as given in the second edition of his natural system.
"Calyx superior, with a persistent limb, having from 4 to 10-divisions. Petals alternate with the segments of the calyx, and equal to them in number, with a convolute-imbricate aestivation. Stamens indefinite, arising in I or 2 rows from the orifice of the calyx. Styles either distinct, or consolidated into one, stigmas several. Capsule half inferior, with from 4 to 10-cells, many-seeded. Seeds scobiform, subulate, smooth, heaped in the angles of the cells upon an angular placenta; aril? loose membranous Albumen fleshy; embryo inverted, about as long as the albumen, cotyledons oval, obtuse, flat tish; radicle longer than the cotyledons, superior, straight, obtuse. Shrubs. Leaves deciduous, opposite, toothed, without dois or stipules. Peduncles axillary or terminal, in trichotouious cymes. Flowers always white. Fruit sometimes a little scurfy."
​Affinities. Whether an order or sub-order this tribe certainly forms, through Hydrangeae, the connecting link between Saxifrageae and Myrtaceae, and seems even to render it probable that a more natural distribution would be, to unite Hydrangeae with Philadelpheae, and thus form an order intermediate but distinct from both. This, in fact, has already been partly accomplished by DeCandolle, who has placed Deutzia among his Hydrangeas, while all others, with one exception, place it in Philadelpheae. Bartling places it among his genera incertae sedis. This is merely thrown out as a suggestion not being myself in possession of materials to follow out the enquiry.
Geographical Distribution. Deutzia is found in Japan and India, Decumaria is an American genus, and Philadelphus is indigenous in Europe, America, and the north of India — Nothing seems to be known of their properties.
SUBORD. BARRINGONEAE MYRTACEÆ. CAREYA ARBOREA (ROXB.)
SUBORD. BARRINGONEAE. MYRTACEÆ. CAREYA ARBOREA (ROXB.)