DICOTYLEDONS. 257 



without albumen ; radicle superior. Dirca and 

 Daphne are examples. 



3. Protece. — Calyx four or five parted. Stamens four 

 or five, inserted into the segments of the calyx. 

 Germen simple, superior. Seed naked, or included 

 in a capsule of one cell. Embryo without albumen ; 

 radicle superior. This order embraces trees and 

 shrubs of tropical regions, with alternate persistent 

 leaves, and with flowers equally remarkable for 

 their variety and splendour. No example of this 

 order occurs in the United States. 



4. Lauri. — Calyx persistent, coloured. Stamens dis- 

 posed in two rows, and adhering to the base of the 

 calyx : anthers adnate. Germen superior. Fruit 

 a monospermous drupe. Embryo without albumen ; 

 radicle superior. Stems woody. Leaves alternate, 

 usually perennial and aromatic. Sassafras and Spice- 

 bush, both species of Laurus occur in the United 

 States. 



5. Polygonece. — Calyx coloured and deeply parted. 

 Stamens determinate, adhering to the base of the 

 Calyx. Germen superior. Seed naked, or enclos- 

 ed by the Calyx. Embryo surrounded by the farina- 

 ceous albumen. Polygonum and Rumex are com- 

 mon examples. 



6. Atriplices — Calyx deeply parted. Stamens attach- 

 ed to the base of the calyx. Germen superior. 

 Seed solitary, frequently naked. Embryo exterior 

 to the farinaceous albumen. Atriplex, Blitum and 

 Salicornia are examples. 



Class 3. Flowers apetalous. Stamens hypogynous. 



1. Amaranthi. — Calyx coloured, persistent, deeply part- 

 ed, and enclosed by scales. Stamens distinct, ©r 

 * 23 



