THE DICOTYLEDONS 511 
nodes from which spring alternate, cordate, reniform or ovate 
leaves. Flowers regular (Asarum, etc.) or irregular (Aristolochia), 
often offensively smelling. Sepals varying from 6 to rarely 5 
to more commonly 4 or 3; in Asarum, etc. forming a regular’ 
symmetrical cup with 3 teeth or lobes, in Arzstolochia divisible 
_ into a bowl, a tube and a limb. Stamens from 24 to 3, the fila- 
Fic. 381.—Aristolochia Serpentaria. (Sayre.) 
ments distinct or slightly fused with styles, in Asarum, or com- 
pletely fused, in Aristolochia, to form a gynostemium, the anthers 
separate. Pistil of as many carpels as stamens, the stylar por- 
tions more or less distinct from stamens in Asarum, fused in 
Aristolochia, the ovary semi-inferior to inferior in Asarum, com- 
pletely inferior in Aristolochia and as many celled as there are 
carpels. Fruit a capsule. Seeds with copious albumen and 
minute embryo. 
