FLOWERS APETALOIJS. 271 



Class 11. Flowers apetalous, diclinious. 



This, which is the last class in the arrangement of 

 Jussieu, embraces five orders, whose flowers are usu- 

 ally separated and without petals. To many plants 

 however, which the learned author included under 

 this head, the essential character of the class does not 

 apply. 



1. Euphorbia. — Stamens inserted into the receptacle. 

 Germen superior. Cells of the fruit numerous, each 

 composed of two elastic valves, and enclosing one or 

 two seeds, which are attached to the central axis, 

 and partially invested by an arillus. Embryo plane, 

 surrounded by a fleshy albumen. Euphorbia, Cro- 

 ton, and Ricinus, are examples. 



2. Cucurbitaceoe. — Calyx (Corolla of Linnaeus and oth- 

 ers) superior, five-parted, coloured, and withering. 

 Filaments usually five, inserted into the calyx. Ex- 

 terior coat of the berry hard. Seeds (if numerous) 

 attached to the sides of the fruit. Embryo plane, 

 without albumen. This order embraces plants with 

 creeping, flexuose stems, axillary tendrils, and alter- 

 nate leaves, which are usually rough and cordate, or 

 palmate. Cucumis, Sicyos, and Bryonia are examples. 

 Among the plants allied to the preceding, are the 

 Passijlorce, which now constitute a distinct order. 



3. Urticce. — Flowers in a catkin, or enclosed in a com- 

 mon involucre. Stamens attached to the base of the 

 calyx. Germen superior. Seeds ari'llate, naked, or 

 enclosed in the pulpy receptacle or calyx. Embryo 

 without albumen. The Nettle, the Fig, and the 

 Mulberry, are examples. 



I. Amentacece. — Barren flowers in catkins ; fertile ones 3 

 solitary, aggregate, or in catkins. Germen superior. 



