Order XXIII. Taxaceae, Lindl.—Taxads.
Botanical name:
Taxineae, Endl.
Characters.—Naked-seeded exogens, with repeatedly branched, continuous stems, simple leaves often fork-veined, solitary female flowers, 2-celled anthers opening longitudinally, membrane next the nucleus of the ovule inclosed, seed usually supported or surrounded by a succulent imperfect cap-shaped pericarp, embryo straightened, dicotyledonous, and albumen fleshy.
Properties.—The Taxaceae agree with the Pinaceae in the resinous quality of their juices, but abound more in bitter astringent, and some of them in narcotico acrid principles.
