228 COMPOSITE FAMILY 



five oblong, prickly burs, each of which contains one 

 achene. 



Allied to this division is the little winter daisy, Chap- 

 talia, which is remarkable among our other plants of this 

 family, as the small disk flowers in the center of the head 

 do not have the usual form but are somewhat two-lipped; 

 a characteristic that is common among composites of 

 tropical America, but is rare in those of the United 

 States. 



GROUP III. All flowers strap-shaped. 



The beautiful rushweed, Lygodesmia, of this group is 

 common in pinelands, where it blossoms more or less all 

 the year. The naked, rush-like stems and large lavender 

 or pink flowering-heads are characteristics that distinguish 

 it from our other composites. 



The dwarf dandelion, Adopogon, with little orange-yel- 

 low heads on stalks only a few inches tall, begins to bloom 

 in winter ^nd the pretty false dandelion Sitilias, with 

 long-stalked heads of lemon-yellow flowers, begins to bloom 

 before winter has passed. 



Hawkweeds, Hieracium, identified by their small yellow 

 heads in a branched inflorescence above hairy basal leaves, 

 and by milky sap, are common through the state. Not only 

 in the English language but also in other languages this 

 genus is known by names that refer to an old belief that 

 birds of prey used these plants to increase their vision. 



KEYS TO THE COMPOSITE FAIMILY 



FAQE 



I. All Flowebs Tubular 229 



n. Inner Flowers Tubular, Outer Flowers Strap- 

 Shaped 233 



III. All Flowers Strap-Shaped 238 



