XXXII.-HYPERICINEAE.
In proportion to the extent of its distribution over the surface of the earth this is a small order, about 160 or 170 species being all that is yet known, though found in every quarter of the globe. Its forms are about as varied as its distribution, consisting of herbs, shrubs, and trees. The juice is usually resinous, often yellow, resembling that of the Guttiferae : the stem in most, and the branches in nearly all, have swollen articulations, and are 4-sided in the intervals between the joints. The leaves are opposite, simple, entire, or crenulated; with marginal glands; sessile, or attenuated into the petiols, for the most part perforated with pellucid glandular points, the margins sometimes marked with black opaque dots. The flowers are regular, bisexual, often forming terminal dichotomous cymes, and usually yellow.
Calyx persistent of 4-5 sepals imbricated in aestivation. Petals hypogynous, twisted in aestivation, obliquely veined, as many as the sepals, alternate with them, usually withering, becoming, after anthesis (blowing) variously twisted or involute on the margin in different species. Stamens indefinite 3-5 adelphous, rarely monadelphous, or quite distinct. Anthers versatile, dehiscing longitudinally. Ovary solitary, consisting of 3-5 united carpels, 3-5 celled, cells with numerous ovules. Styles as many as the carpels, distinct or connate. Stigmas simple or capitate. Fruit baccate, or capsular with several valves, and a septicidal dehiscence, usually several celled with the placentse in the axis, sometimes 1-celled with the placentae, parietal. Seeds minute, indefinite, or few, in each cell, albumen none. Embryo straight, radicle next the hilum.
Affinities. The relationship existing between this order and Guttiferae seems to be universally admitted, as in all systems of Botany they are placed near each other, but yet the differences seem so manifest, that it appears next to impossible to confound them. This I am disposed to attribute to the circumstance of their most striking points of affinity appertaining lather to the products of vegetation and properties than to their botanical characters, i. e. the structure and arrangement of the parts of fructification: which are sufficiently distinct in the two orders. The capsular, few celled polyspermous fruit, of Hypericineae, can scarcely be mistaken for the baccate indehiscent few seeded pulpy orange-like fruit of the Guttiferae—exclusive of which the quinary, not dinary or quaternary disposition of the flowers, form another very marked distinction : in a word, considered with reference to the structure of their inflorescence only, the marked affinity found to exist between the two orders is only perceptible in extreme cases, while the differences observed in the character of the fruit of different genera, renders it difficult to say to how many other orders they approach.
Geographical Distribution. Few orders of the same extent have an equally general distribution over the surface of the globe ; every quarter partaking more or less extensively. India, and the adjoining islands, judging from Wallich's list participating, with the exception of North America, more largely than any other, 31 Indian ones being there enumerated, while 41 is the number set down for the whole of North America, and 19 for Europe. The Peninsular Flora however, so far as is yet known, boasts of very few, four or five species only having been discovered, and all from the more elevated regions. These, according to a recent exposition of the order by M. Spach, (Annates des Sciences JValurelles) are referred, and on good grounds, to two distinct genera, Norysca and Brathys, the former including our Hypericum mysurense. and Hookerianum, the latter H. japonicum and Wightianum, which for the future will respectively be called Norysca mysurensis and Hookeriana, and Brathy's japonica and Wightiana. The characters of these genera will be afterwards given.
Properties and Uses. These were formerly believed to be of the most valuable description, but modern experience does not confirm the ancient belief. One species, Hypericum androsaemum once enjoyed so prominent a reputation on account of its supposed sanative properties as to receive the name of All heal, and hence the English name Tutsan from Toute-saine, on the supposition that it cured all diseases and wounds, but, notwithstanding, has now fallen into total neglect. Many species when rubbed between the fingers exhale an aromatic resinous odour which is communicated by infusion to alcohol and oil, imparting to th«m a reddish colour; and appears referable to a resinous principle which they contain. They also contain a gummy matter in greater or less abundance. Some of the American species abound in a yellow juice, possessing more energetic properties "that obtained from Vismia guineensis, a Mexican and Surinam tree is known in commerce, and called American Gummi gutta (or gamboge )" Royle's Illustrations. So far as the Indian species are concerned nothing is known of their properties.
Remarks on Genera and Species. Previous to the investigations of M. Spach the number of genera referred to this order amounted to 12 only. These under his scrutiny have been augmented to 27 : species of 23 of which were formerly united under the large and very complex genus Hypericum. To give a complete view of this order as it now stands, would require more space than can be here devoted to the subject, I shall therefore content myself for the present with giving some of his sectional characters, and the generic characters of a few of the genera which we either already know, or may expect to find, in India. Species of both the Peninsular genera I have now figured, viz. Norysca mysorensis, Icones No. 53, and Brathys Wightiana, No. 43 of this work under the old name Hypericum.
M. Spach divides the order into two principal tribes under the names of Desmostemoneae and Hypericeae, which are again subdivided into sections. Of the first tribe, as only a few species seem referable to the Asiatic Flora and none of these strictly speaking Indian, being natives of the eastern islands or China, I shall only give the character with one of its sections, and one genus, which I have had an opportunity of examining, and pass on to the second, which, as being of more importance to the Indian Botanist will be more fully explained.
Tribe 1st.—Desmostemoneae.—Petals equal sided, within, above the base, very often furnished with a little pit or appendage. Stamens triadelphous or pentadelphous, the androphore (united portion of the filaments) longer than the filaments, or very rarely shorter : each alternating with a gland or hypogynous scale. Pericarp often fleshy or drupacious. Seeds usually compressed or winged, the radicle sometimes replicate.
Section 2.—Tridismineae Sp.—Stamens persistent, 3 adelphous; androphores polyandrous, longer than the filaments, with a coriaceous scale alternating. Ovary 3-celled, 3-styled, with the ovules definite, or indefinite in number, ascending, winged ! Pericarp capsular, (the central axis wanting or slender) often loculicidal ! Seeds cylindrical, broadly winged above; Embryo straight. Trees or shrubs, corolla often white or reddish.
Ancistrolobus Sp.—Sepals erect, persistent. Petals subpersistent, inappendiculate. Hypogynous scales convolute. Androphores strap-shaped, filamentiferous, nearly from the base; anthers reniform, eglandular. Ovary, cells with 5-6 ovules; ovules attached to the base of the cells. Style, thicker above. Stigmas capitate, papillose. Capsules coriaceous, oblong, roundish : cells few seeded, partitions cartilaginous, placentiferous at the base. Seeds oblong, smoothish : wings reticulated, margined with a nerve ; cotyledons as long as the radicle, hooked at the apex. Peduncles, axillary and terminal, 1-5 flowered.
Of this genus I have had an opportunity of examining one species from Mergui, for which I am indebted to W. Griffith, Esq. It is not improbable that it may prove new, but as I am unacquainted with the rest of the genus I refrain from naming it.
The plant is a tree or shrub with slender terminal branches, glabrous, the leaves oblong, elliptical, obtuse at the apex, slightly attenuated at the base, gradually tapering into the petiol, the larger ones from 3 to 4 inches long and about broad, those having flowers in their axils scarcely half the size. Flowers axillary, solitary, short petioled. Sepals and petals rounded and obtuse above, the petals slightly oblique at the base. The stamens very numerous, densely covering the back of the ligulate androphores, filaments short, slender, anthers minute. Hypogynous scales, cuniafce, saccate at the apex, from the contraction of their reflexed margins. Cells of the ovary with about six winged ovules, the mature fruit I have not seen—v. s. s. ex. Herb. Griffith, No. 1104.
Tribe 2d.—Hypericeae.—This tribe is characterized by having petals unequal, or rarely,, nearly equal sided, (without pits or appendages at the base) and usually contorted in aestivation. Stamens either altogether free, or monadelphous, or 3-5 adelphous at the base. Hypogynous scales or glands, sometimes wanting. Pericarp (very rarely indehiscent) a septicidal capsule, or sometimes composed of three deciduous indehiscent cocci. (vel rare dieresilis[1] tricocca) Seeds terete, wingless, often somewhat curved : radicle terete, elongated, obtuse, never replicate; cotyledons somewhat foliaceous, very short.
This tribe is divided into five sections, the characters of each of which I shall introduce.
Section 1.—Drosanthineae.—Calyx, 5-cleft or parted. Petals equal, or nearly equal-sided, unguiculate, marcescent (withering in the flower without falling o-ff) twisted after expansion, (anthesis). Ovary 3-celled, 3-coccus, 3-styled. Ovules horizontal or ascending, definite or indefinite in number, (6-12 in each cell) the mature cells 1-3 seeded, at length deciduous, along with the central placenta. — To this section two genera belong, neither of which however, has yet been found in India, all the species hitherto discovered, being from Persia or Asia Minor.
Section 2.—Hyperineae.—Calyx, 5-parted or cleft, (very rarely, five distinct sepals in a double series). Petals marcescent, unequal sided, convolute, or contorted after anthesis (blowing). Stamens 3 adelphous, persistent. Ovary 3-celled, many ovuled, 3-styled. Capsules septicidal : central placenta undivided, and with the valves persistent.—Three genera are referred to this section, but only one of them so far as I know, has representatives in India. To this section belongs the greater part of the European species of the order.
Section 3.—Androscemineae.—Sepals 5, most frequently in a distinct double series, and very unequal. Petals withering or deciduous, unequal sided, after anthesis contorted, or the margins convolute. Stamens pentadelphous, (very rarely, 4-6 or 8 adelphous, or monadelphous, at the extreme base) withering, or deciduous. Ovary, 3-5 (rarely 6-8) celled, many ovuled. Styles equalling the number of the cells, often united towards the base, or even nearly to the apex. Capsules septicidal, very rarely baccate, or indehiscent—To this section seven genera belong, all separated from the old genus Hypericum, one of these is Norysca.
Section 4.—Brathydineae Sp.—Sepals 5, (very rarely 4) petals deciduous or withering, and after anthesis, involute from the apex to near the middle, unequal sided. Stamens either altogether free and deciduous, or monadelphous at the base and then withering. Ovary, one or 3-celled, 3 (rarely 2) styled, sometimes the styles altogether concreted as if one styled, ovules numerous. Capsules 2-3 valved.
This section includes four genera, one of which is Brathys.
Section 5.—Ascyrineae Sp.—Sepals 4, distinct in a double series, cruciate ; the two exterior large, (one above the other below), during flowering, and after anthesis valvate : two interior (lateral) very small (sometimes scarcely conspicuous) included. Petals 4, cruciate unequal, and unequal sided. Stamens persistent, somewhat monadelphous at the base, ovary 1-celled, 2-4 styled.
To this section only one genus Ascyrum is referred.
The following genera are known to exist in India, on which account I shall introduce Spach's generic characters.
Hypericum.—Section Hyperineae. Calyx 4-5 parted, sepals equal or unequal, after anthesis, erect, very rarely reflexed. Petals marcescent, scarcely unguiculate, spreading horizontally during flowering. Androphores bearing from 5 to 30 stamens. Ovules in each cell, in two
or four series.. Stigmas pointed or subcapitate. Capsules cartilaginous or papery, (rarely coriaceous) for the most part tri-cephalous, placenta nerve-like, or pyramidal, 3-sided—Mr. Royle found Hypericum perforatum on the Himalayas, and it seems not improbable other species may be found.
Norysca Sp.—Section Androscemineae.—Sepals coriaceous, nearly equal, erect after anthesis. Petals somewhat knife-shaped, obliquely acuminated, deciduous. Androphores 5, very-short, deciduous. Ovary, 5-celled. Styles 5, often united to near the apex. Stigmas minute, suborbiculate. Capsule 5-celled, somewhat coriaceous, placenta pyramidal, 5 sided, 5 crested, (the crests bearing the seeds) persistent. Seed minute, straightish.
To this genus our Hypericum mysorense, Prod. 1, page 99, belongs (N. mysorensis, Wight's Icones, No. 56, N. myrtifolia ? Spach) and H. Hookerianum, perhaps also, several of the Himalayan species.
Brathys. Mutis and Spach.—Section Brathydineae.—Sepals 5, unequal, or about equal. Petals, hatchet-shaped (ddlabriformia), cuspidate, withering, involute after anthesis! Stamens somewhat definite in number, (9-30, rarely 5) or indefinite, (40-100) persistent. Ovary, 1-celled. Styles 3, (rarely 4-6) straight or recurved, distinct. Stigmas thickish, subcapitate. Capsules papery, or sub-coriaceous, 1-celled, 3 (rarely 4-6) valved, placentas filiform, or nerve-like.
To this genus our Hypericum japonicum and Wightianum, (the plant here figured) and an intermediate form, perhaps a species, lately found in Mysore by Lieut. Munro belong. Of this last, my specimen does not enable me to determine whether it is really a species or only a luxuriant variety of B. japonica. It appears to be a much larger plant, has two stipitate glands on each edge of the sepals, and the margins of the leaves are furnished with a row of black dots. In our characters of both B. japonica and Wightiana, it is particularly mentioned that the leaves have not black dots, which led Mr. Munro to conclude that this one was certainly new on account of its having them. On looking for them, I found that the black colour had faded in drying leaving very pale brown spots, only to be observed by the most careful examination, similar ones are sometimes, though not always found on the leaves of both the others, whence I conclude this is a character of no value from its not being constant even in the same species, nor even on all the leaves of the same plant : the stipitate glands of the calyx, I think, a better character. The minute and copious analysis of B. Wightiana in the accompanying figure will afford a correct idea of the characters of the genus, and if compared with those of Norysca, will prove, that, it is not without good reason the overgrown and polymorphous genus Hypericum is broken down. I acknowledge that, judging from characters only, I think some of M. Spach's genera are made to rest on points of perhaps too trivial importance, but generally, I believe, it will be found we are great gainers by his labours, for previously a more unsatisfactory genus to examine scarcely existed in the vegetable kingdom.
P. S.—After this account of Hypericineae was written and partly in type, I was led in the course of my examination of Guttiferae, to the very unexpected conclusion, that the genus Xanthochymus, could not be retained in that order, and that, with the exception of the seed alone it is much more justly referable to the tribe Desmostemonece of this order, than to Guttiferce. My reasons for adopting this opinion will be explained while treating of Guttiferce, and will I think fully establish its correctness, and at the same time still further prove the intimate relationship existing between these two orders.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE 43.
- 1. Brathys (Hypericum) Wightiana—natural size.
- 2. An expanded flower.
- 3. Anthers.
- 4. The ovary somewhat advanced cut transversely, showing it 1-celled with 3 parietal placentae.
- 5. A fruit nearly mature—natural size.
- 6. The same magnified.
- 7. The mature fruit after dehiscence, showing the manner in which the valves separate from the placentae.
- 8. A seed.
- 9. The same cut transversely.
- 10. The testa removed.
- 11. The embryo.
- 12. A portion of a leaf magnified, to show the pellucid dots—with the exception mentioned—ail more or less magnified.
HYPERICINEÆ.jpg)
HYPERICUM WIGHTIANUM (Wall.)
- ↑ I am uncertain about the exact meaning attached to this word, but presume the author wishes to express a fruit analogous to that of Geraniacece. That consists of a series of indehiscent carpels, which separata entire, with their seed inclosed at the period of maturity, leaving the central axis or gynobase to which they weie articulated in its place.