214 MADDER FAMILY 



erect stems, and small white or bluish flowers in terminal 

 clusters, are occasionally found in sandy soil. 



The flowers show the same peculiarity that has caused 

 English primroses to be known as '^pin-eyed" and "thrum- 

 eyed," according to whether the stigma or the anthers show 

 at the top of the flower — a device by which cross-pollina- 

 tion is effected. 



Houstonia rotundifolia. Flowers white, about ^/2 in. 

 across, tubular below, expanded and 4-lobed above, solitary 

 from leaf-axils. Stems creeping, 3-15 in. long. Leaves oval 

 or roundish, less than 1 in. long, often very small. Sandy 

 soil. Blooming chiefly in winter and spring. Fla. to S. C. 

 and La. 



Houstonia angustifolia. Flowers small, white or bluish, in 

 terminal clusters. Stems 4-20 in. tall. Leaves narrow, often 

 clustered, about 1 in. long. Dry soil. Fla. to Texas and 111. 



Shrubs (Several genera) 



Our most beautiful shrubs of this family are confined 

 to the warmest parts of the peninsula. The handsome 

 genipa, or seven-year apple, Genipa clusiifolia, with starry 

 white fragrant flowers, and leaves that glisten as though 

 freshly varnished, is found near the coast. The leaves, 

 two to six inches long, are broadened upward, and are 

 clustered at the ends of the branches; the pear-shaped 

 fruit, two to three inches long, contains flattened seeds 

 embedded in pulp that has the flavor of dried apples. 



The tropical Exostema cdribaeum has slender-tubed 

 white flowers, two inches long, that are tinged with rose. 

 The leaves are pointed. 



Hamelia, with cylindrical red flowers in terminal clus- 

 ters, and beautiful leaves that have an almost iridescent 

 sheen when winter changes them to red and bronze, is a 

 native shrub that is brought for ornament into Florida 

 gardens. 



Common but less attractive shrubs of the southern coasts 



