THE DICOTYLEDONES 



1619 



the older parts of the parent plant. The flowers (Fig. 1474) are monoe- 

 cious, the anthers breaking oflF and floating up through the water, liberating 

 the pollen, which has the same specific gravity as the water. 7 he perianth 



Fig. 1474. — CerotophylliDii demeisiim. A, Female flower with mature 

 gynoecium. B, Section of fruit with embryo in seed. C, Male 

 flower. D, Single stamen. {After Le Maoiit and Decaisne.) 



segments and stamens are numerous but the female flowers have only one 

 carpel. The leaves are borne in whorls and are much divided. They are 

 obviously highly specialized plants whose systematic position is uncertain. 

 Eichler placed them in the Urticales. 



Ranunculaceae 



The family includes many common British plants, among which are 

 Ranunculus (Buttercup), Caltha (Marsh Marigold) (Fig. 1475), Clematis 

 (Traveller's Joy), Helleboriis (Christmas Rose), Anemone [e.g., Wood 



