Fig. 584.—Cinchona calisaya. Flowering branch.
Order 1. Rubiaceæ. Leaves opposite (or verticillate), undivided and entire, with interpetiolar stipules (Fig. [586]). Flowers epigynous and hermaphrodite, regular, 4- or 5-merous with the usual arrangement (Figs. [585], [588–590]); corolla gamopetalous, in æstivation often valvate; ovary frequently 2-locular.
Fig. 585.—Cinchona calisaya. A entire flower; B after removal of the corolla; C longitudinal section of ovary; D fruit; E seed.
There are no external characters which at once distinguish this exceedingly large order, as in many other natural orders (Compositæ, Umbelliferæ, etc.), but the opposite leaves with interpetiolar stipules form an excellent mark of recognition. It is divided into many sub-orders and groups, especially characterised by the nature of the ovary (1 or several ovules in each loculus), and of the fruit (schizocarp, berry, drupe, capsule).—The corolla is bilabiate in 4 genera; its æstivation in some is twisted; in Capirona, etc., the filaments are of unequal size. The ovary is semi-epigynous in Henriquezia, etc. In Morinda all the fleshy fruits coalesce into one multiple fruit.
1. Cinchoneæ. The fruit is a 2-valved capsule, with many winged seeds (Fig. [585]). Cinchona (Quinine, Fig. [584]). Trees and shrubs with the foliage and inflorescence somewhat resembling Syringa; the corolla also being of a lilac colour, more or less salver- or funnel-shaped, and frequently edged with a fringe of hairs (Fig. [585]), is somewhat similar to that of Menyanthes. Their home is the Andes from Bolivia to Venezuela, varying in altitude from 1–3000 metres. There are now large plantations in Java and E. India. (The name “quinine” is of Indian origin; that of the genus “Cinchona,” is from the Spanish Duchess Cinchon, who in 1638 first introduced the bark into Europe.) The following are closely allied: Cascarilla, Remijia, Ladenbergia, Manettia, Bouvardia, etc.
2. Gardenieæ. Trees and shrubs, frequently having a many-locular berry. Randia, Gardenia, Genipa, Hamelia, etc.
3. Coffeeæ. Only 1 seed in each of the two loculi of the ovary; the fruit is a drupe with 2 stones. Coffea has an ellipsoidal fruit about the size and colour of a cherry; the two thin-shelled, parchment-like stones are enclosed by a thin layer of pulp; the two seeds are flat on the side turned to one another, which has also a deep, longitudinal groove curving to the sides. The endosperm is hard, horny and greyish (without starch); the small embryo lies in the lower end near the circumference. The Coffee-plant (C. arabica) is a small tree, or more frequently, and especially in plantations, a shrub with large dark-green leaves and scented, white flowers. Its home is in Tropical Africa; it is now cultivated in many tropical countries. C. liberica, W. Africa.—Cephaëlis (C. ipecacuanha, Fig. [586]; the roots are officinal).—Psychotria, Chiococca, Ixora, Hydnophytum, Myrmecodia, etc.
