442 



DICOTYLEDOXES. 



In each of the 2 loculi of the ovary are 2 ovules. Embryo curved, 

 with thin, folded cotyledons. Endosperm absent The inflorescences 

 are racemes with a more or less elongated rnaiu axis and terminal flower (which 

 sometimes has 10 stamens); when the lateral branches are developed they are 

 similar to the main axis. In some species both corolla and petal- stamens are 

 suppressed. Acer is pollinated by insects, Nee/undo by the wind. 88 species ; 

 North Temperate zone. Acer in the Tertiary from the Oligoceue. The follow- 

 ing are native plants: Maple (Actr campestre), Sycamore (A. pseudoplatanus, 

 doubtful native). Important as avenue trees and timber. Sugar is obtained 

 from the spring sap of the Sugar Maple (N. Am.). 



Order 5. Malpighiaceae. A tropical (especially American) order closely 

 related to the Aceraceae, having often the same form of fruit (but 3-partite). 

 Some species are lianes with anomalous stem-structure Leaves opposite. The 

 flowers are regular or obliquely zygomorphic (the plane of symmetry passing 

 through sepal 3, with So, Po, A5 + 5, G3 ; 1 pendulous ovule in each loculus. 

 Important characteristics for identification are the numerous graudular struc- 

 tures on the sepals. Peculiar 2-spiued hairs are found in some. Malpigltia, 

 Bunchosia, Galphlmia, Tetnipterh, Heteropt<ris, etc. About 600 species. 



Order 6. Erythroxylaceae. Sepals 5, petals 5 (with a ligular corona), 10 

 stamens in one bundle. Gynceceum 3 locular. Fruit a drupe. Tropical 

 (especially American) trees ami shrubs, the Coca-plant (Erythroxylon coca) 

 being best known. Its leaves are considered by the inhabitants of Chili and 

 Peru to be one of the indispensable necessaries of life ; they are chewed, and 

 possess intoxicating, exhilarating properties, and contain the alkaloid cocaine, 

 which is frequently employed as a local anaesthetic. 103 species ; chiefly in 

 America. 



Vochysiaceae. Trees ; Trop. Am. 1 stamen. 140 species. 



Trigoniacese. Shrubs; Trop. Am. 30 species. 



Tremandraceae. Polygalaceaa with regular flowers. 27 species. 



Order 7. 



Order 8. 



Order 9. 



Australia. 



Order 10. Polygalacese. Herbs or shrubs (some tropical 

 species are lianes) with scattered (rarely opposite), simple a,nd 

 most frequently quite entire leaves, without stipules. The flowers 



are usually borne in terminal spikes or 

 racemes, and are strongly zygomorphio 

 (the plane of symmetry being median) ; 

 they have 5 free sepals, the 2 lateral 

 ones of which (4 and 5 in Figs. 475, 47b') 

 are very large, petaloid, and frequently 

 project on each side like the "wings" 

 of a Pea- flower ; petals 5, of which the 

 two lateral ones are wanting or rudi- 

 FIG. 475. Diagram of Poly- mentary (dotted on Fig. 475), and the 



gala : d a gland in the posterior anter i or the keel " (Fig. 476 c) is large, 

 side of the flower; a and the 



two caducous bracteoies. hollow and boat-shaped, and frequently 



