Dru-pa'se-e. L. Drup-a + aceae, fr. Gr.

tree, +

ripen,

ripened on the tree - i. e., the stone fruit. Trees, shrubs. Distinguished by bark and seeds containing hydrocyanic acid (poisonous), the former exuding gum, bitter; calyx 5-lobed, campanulate; petals 5, on calyx, stamens many; pistil 1, ovary 1-celled, 2-ovuled; fruit drupe; temperate climates; tonic, astringent, sedative, nutritious, lumber. Genus: 1. Prunus.