Page:Illustrations of Indian Botany, Vol. 2.djvu/173

ILLUSTRATIONS OF INDIAN BOTANY.

83 sible that the large coloured involucrum of cephaelis is, at least in some cases, formed by the excessive development of stipules and suppression of the leaves, for such is undoubtedly the case in a Sierra Leone plant in my possession, which I presume is the little known C. bidentata of Thumberg. These facts render it more probable than ever that Stellates and Cinchonads are essentially different Natural Orders; for they would seem to show that while the first has verticillate, foliaceous organs, the most imperfect of which have the greater tendency to disappear, the second has verticillate foliaceous organs, the most perfect of which have the greater tendency to become abortive. I need scarcely add, that after a full consideration of this point I retain my original conviction, that the apparent leaves of Stellates are really leaves, and not stipules, and that the Order is as distinct from Cinchonads as Nightshades from Figworts, Verbenes from Labiates, and I might even add, as Cinchonads themselves from Umbellifers. — Sec. Bot. Reg. 1838. 55. To be consistent, then, we must either com- bine Caprifoils with Cinchonads, or we must preserve Stellates separate. Properly speak- ing, the appellation Rubiaceas should be confined to the latter group, as it comprehends the genus Rubia; but that name has been so generally applied to the larger mass now comprehended under the name of Cinchonads, that I find it better to abolish that of Rubiaceae altogether.

Natives of the northern parts of the northern hemisphere, where they are extremely common weeds, and of high mountainous regions in Peru, Chili, and Australasia.

First among them stands Madder, the root of Rubia tinctoria, one of the most important dyes with which we are acquainted ; a quality in which other species of Stellates participate in a greater or lesser degree. The roots of Rubia cordifolia (Munjista, Roxb.), yield the Madder of Bengal, and form even an article of the export commerce to Europe, under the name Munjeeth. Rubia angustissima, from Tong Dong, has also highly-coloured roots, and Rubia Relboun, is the Madder of Chili. It has been remarked that the whole system of animals fed on Madder becomes stained red in consequence. Madder, in addition to its valuable dying qualities, passes for a tonic, diuretic, and emmenagogue. The torrefied grains of Galium are said to be a good substitute for coffee. The flowers of Galium vernum are said to curdle milk. An infusion of Asperula cynanchica has a little astringency, and has been used as a gargle. Asperula odorata, or Woodruff, is remarkable for its fragrance when dried; it passes for a diuretic. Rubia noxia is said to be poisonous. M. Miergues, a French physician, states that he has cured epilepsy with the extract of Galium rigidum, by employing it in doses of twelve grammes for an adult ; and he adds that G. Mollugo has been used with success in the same malady. 1 ' 1 — Lindley.

In the accompanying plate, 128-bis, I have endeavoured to throw all the light I am able on the question under discussion, and at the same time give a good idea of the Botanical peculiarities of this group when viewed as a distinct order. For this purpose I have introduced analyses of four genera, two of Indian, and two of European plants. I abstain from any further remarks on the question of separation, leaving the facts to speak for themselves.

In regard to Mr. Griffith's theory, mentioned in the Icones and Neilgherry Plants, that the apparent corolla is merely a coloured calyx, as in Nyctaginice and Loranthacece, it may be remarked that, in that case, the stamens should be opposite, not alternate with its lobes, unless we at the same time assume the abortion of one verticel of stamens as in Primulacece, of which there is no proof, but which, if such were the case, would establish a relationship with Lindley's Cortusal alliance. This I presume will scarcely be admitted.

I. Rubia cordifolia, Linn., or Munjista, Roxb. 8. Ovary cut transversely.

1. Flowering branch, natural size. , 9. A single mature seed.

2. Detached flower-bud. 10. A mature fruit cut vertically.

3. Expanded flower. 11. one-half cut transversely.

4. Detached corolla and stamen. 12. Detached embryo.

5. Anthers, back and front views. 13. Upper and under surfaces of the leaves.

6. Ovary. All more or less magnified.

7. cut vertically.