Guttiferae

Guttiferae, or CLUSIACEÆ, a natural order of exogenous plants, consisting of trees and shrubs, natives of tropical countries, very generally secreting an acrid yellow resinous juice. A few are epiphytes. The leaves are opposite, destitute of stipules, leathery, and entire. In botanical characters this order is allied to Hypericæ. It contains about 150 known species, the greater part of them South American, although all tropical countries produce some. The resinous secretions of some are valuable, particularly of those trees which yield Gamboge (q.v.) and Tacamahaca (q.v.). See also CLUSIA.—A few species afford valuable timber. See CALOPHYLLUM.—The flowers of some are very fragrant; those of Mesua ferrea are found in a dried state in every bazaar in India, and are used as a perfume.—The fruit of some is very highly esteemed; the Mangosteen (q.v.) has been described as the finest fruit in the world. The Mammee Apple (q. v.) is another of the most celebrated tropical fruits.