/ f [ 7 6 4 ]
LIGUSTRUM vulgare.
P riv et.
DIANDRIA Monogynia.
G en. Char. Cor. 4-cleft. Berry fuperior, o f 2 cells,
with 2 feeds, in each.
Spe c. Char. Leaves elliptic-lanceolate, obtufe, with
a little point. .
Syn . Liguftrutn vulgare. Linn. Sp. P I. 10. Sm. FI.
B rit. 12. Hudf. 3. With. 10. Hull. 4. Relh. 3.
Sihth. 4. Abbot. 2. Curt. Lond. fa fc. 5. t. 1.
D ick f.H . Sicc. fafc. 13. 2.
Liguftrum. Ran Syn. 465.
T h e Privet is often met with in hedges and thickets, particularly
where the foil is gravelly and rather moift. It alfo
grows in chalky fituations; and is very frequently planted for
hedges in gardens: for, being in mild winters almoft evergreen,
and at all times very hardy, and having fome refemblance to
the foliage of the Myrtle, it has been thought peculiarly eligible
for fuch a purpofe. It has alfo the advantage of bearing
the fmoke, even of London itfelf, better than moll fhrubs.
The whole plant is fmooth, bitter, particularly the berries.
Leaves oppofite, nearly feffile, entire, various in breadth, more
or lefs obtufe, but tipped with a minute point. Flowers produced
early in June, white, with a ftrong unpleafant fmell, and
growing in denfe terminal panicles. The corolla turns brown
before it falls. In fome others of the fame natural order, the
Jafminete, it alfumes a purple hue. Berries purplifh black,
with 4 feeds, enclofed in a mealy pulp.