PRIMROSE FAMILY 



THE PLANT: weak and spreading, four inches to twelve 

 inches long, usually much branched; the stem four-sided. 



THE LEAVES: opposite, or rarely in threes; ovate or oval; 

 membranous; black dotted beneath; obtuse or acutish at 

 the apex; somewhat clasping at the base; entire. 



THE FLOWERS: star-shaped, usually with a darker centre. 

 Albinos have been found. 



THE FRUIT: a capsule. 



Even when it intrudes in the garden or lawn, this is 

 almost a welcome visitor, for the cheerful scarlet flowers 

 and ovate leaves are decorative. The corolla is wheel- 

 shaped, with a touch of purple at the centre surrounding 

 the upright stamens. 



The popular names, referring to the plant's apparently 

 being a weather-prophet, have arisen from its habit of 

 opening its flowers only in bright sunshine. 



From the plant is derived a drug, used in the treatment 

 of rheumatism. 



Four other members of the Primrose Family have been 

 reported. 



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