THE DICOTYLEDONS 549 
fusely, the branches occasionally becoming geotropic or sub- 
terranean and bearing cleistogamous flowers. Leaves simple, 
often lanceolate or linear, exstipulate, alternate. Inflorescence 
a raceme, spike (Polygala Senega) or head (P. lutea). Flowers 
‘TD 
Fic. 417.—Polygala senega—Plant and rhizome. (Sapre.) 
irregular, hermaphroditic with 5 distinct sepals, the 2 lateral 
ones being large and petaloid, 5 petals of which the two lateral - 
are wanting or rudimentary and the anterior large and boat- 
shaped, eight stamens, and a bicarpellate pistil. Fruit a two- 
celled capsule (P. Senega), rarely a drupe or samara. Pollen 
grains barrel-shaped. 
