Rhizanthææ

Rhizanthææ, one of the five classes into which Lindley divides the vegetable kingdom. There are three natural orders comprised in the class—viz. Balanophoraceæ, Cyrtinaceæ, and Rafflesiaceæ, but they have been placed widely apart in the botanical systems of other botanists. The species comprising them agree only in being destitute of true leaves, in having short amorphous stems or none, and in being parasitical on roots. The structure of the flowers, which are in some instances very large, is extremely diverse. Cynomorium (q.v.), belonging to the Balanophoraceæ, is a most interesting plant, the Fungus Melitensis of apothecaries, long celebrated for arresting hæmorrhages. Others likewise are used as styptics. Cytinus hypocistis (Cytinaceæ) grows on the roots of species of Cistus in the south of Europe; its extract is used as an astringent in hæmorrhages and dysentery. A species of Ombrophytum (Balanophoraceæ) springs up suddenly after rain in Peru, like a fungus. Various species of Balanophora abound in Northern India. They are found in the Himalayas at an elevation of 10,000 feet, producing great knots on the roots of maple trees, oaks, &c.