XV] ERICOID TYPE 151 



Another distinct type is that of the Natural Order 

 Ericaceae, comprising the Heaths, Ling, Strawberry-tree, 

 Bilberry, Cranberry, Bearberry, Azalea, Rhododendron 

 and their allies. 



The general type is expressed 'in a gatnosepalous calyx 

 with five segments ; a gamopetalous corolla, usually 

 bell-shaped, or urn-shaped, with five lobes ; ten stamens, 

 inserted either on the axis or on the ovary just free 

 from the base of the corolla, and with the anthers 

 opening by pores and usually provided with two tail- 

 like appendages (awns)', the ovary composed of five 

 syncarpous carpels, with a single terminal style, and 

 ripening to a valvular capsule or to a fleshy indehiscent 

 fruit. 



In some genera the number 4 prevails throughout, in 

 which cases the stamens are 8 e.g. Erica, Calluna, 

 Menziesia polifolia, &c. 



There are three principal sub-types of this Ericoid 

 flower. 



In the Bilberry, Cranberry, Cowberry, and their allies 

 (Vaccinium) the ovary is completely inferior, the corolla 

 and stamens being epigynous : in other respects it con- 

 forms to the type. The flower is actinomorphic, diplo- 

 stemonous or, more strictly ob-diplostemonous, since the 

 outermost series of five stamens are opposite the lobes of 

 the corolla, not alternate with them and the fruit ripens 

 to a fleshy berry. 



In the Strawberry-tree, Bearberry, Azalea, Rhodo- 

 dendron, Heaths, and Ling, and their allies, the ovary is 

 superior, and the corolla and stamens hypogynous, but in 

 other respects conforming to the general type, except as 

 regards the following particulars. 



In the Heaths (Erica), Ling (Calluna), Strawberry- 

 tree (Arbutus), Bearberry (Arctostaphylos), and in Loise- 



