94 PLANTS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



Sempervivum. L. 12. 12. 



S. tectorum. L. Houseleek, or Live-for-ever. A well- 

 known plant of the gardens, with thick, fleshy, mucilaginous 

 leaves ; sends out runners with bulbs, and rather rarely flowering ; 

 native of Britain. The plant is so succulent, that a twig of it 

 will grow, if the end be only stuck fast under the shingles of a 

 roof; hence its generic, specific, and common name. In popular 

 use as an emollient, bruised or not, and a vulnerary. 



ORDER 148. FICOIDEiE. The Fig-Marigold Tribe. 



This order contains but few genera, but many species. One 

 species is cultivated. The plants are succulent, polypetalous, 

 with perigynous stamens, and superior ovary. The fruit of some 

 is fig-like, whence the name of the order. 



Mesembryanthemum. L. 12. 1. 



From the Greek, mid-day, because the flowers usually expand 

 at that time. No less than 290 species of this genus have been 

 described, of which many are rather beautiful, some only herba- 

 ceous. 



M. crytallinum. L. Ice-plant, from Greece ; has a nearly 

 prostrate stem, with ovate, acute leaves, appearing as if covered 

 with frost. In gardens. 



Only one genus is found in this country, Sesuvium, along the 

 seashore of the Middle and Southern States. 



ORDER 150. ILLECEBREiE. 



Calyx of 3 or 4, or oftener 5 sepals, sometimes cohering at 

 the base ; petals inserted on the calyx, minute, or none, with 

 perigynous stamens opposite the petals and equal in number ; 

 ovary superior ; styles 2 or 3 ; leaves sessile, often fascicled. 

 Properties of no interest. A considerable class, inhabiting the 

 South of Europe, and North of Africa. 



