LARGE FLOWERING SPURGE. 424 
character is as follows. Umbel five rayed, three 
parted, dichotomous ; leaves and involucra oblong, 
obtuse ; segments of the calyx obovate, petaloid, 
coloured. The shape of the leaves is subject to 
variety, as is also their smoothness or hairiness, 
This plant has a large branching root which 
sends up a number of stems, frequently from two 
to five feet in height. They are erect, round 
and in most instances simple. The leaves are 
scattered, sessile ; oblong, obovate or linear, a 
little revolute at the margin, smooth in some 
plants, very hairy in others. The stem divides 
at top into a large five rayed umbel, supported by 
an involucrum of as many leaves. - Not unfre- 
quently a small axillary branch or two arise from 
the sides of the stem below the umbel. The 
rays of the umbel are repeatedly trifid or dicho- 
tomous, each fork being attended by two leafets 
and a flower. The top of the stem or centre of 
the umbel is turgid, and often bears a precocious 
flower. The calyx is large, rotate, white, with 
_ five obtuse petal-like segments, from which the 
name of the species has been taken. The nec- 
taries or inner. segments are five, very small, 
obtuse. projections situated at the base of the 
segments. Stamens a dozen or more emerging 
two or three at a time, with double anthers. 
