1838 



A TEXTBOOK OF THEORETICAL BOTANY 



It is impossible in so large a family to consider in any degree of detail 

 all the various types of information available. Many of the genera are 

 of interest on account of their floral structure, others show abnormal 

 anatomical peculiarities, while many are of economic importance. From this 

 plethora of material we can only pick out some of the more striking features. 



In the Phyllanthoideae are included the greater proportion of the species, 

 and it is them which we must chiefly consider. The tribe Phyllantheae 

 includes a considerable number of genera, which possess cladodes, a 

 feature which makes them popular greenhouse plants in this country. Some 

 are quite small annuals, while others grow into trees. 



Fig. 1739. — Phyllanthus piilcher. Habit show- 

 ing branches of limited growth which have 

 the aspect of compound leaves but bear 

 flowers. 



Fig. 1740. — P/iyll.inthiis montamis (xylop/iylla). 

 Cladodes with marginal nodes, some bear- 

 ing fruits. 



The genus Phyllanthus (Figs. 1739 and 1740) is a large one containing 

 some 500 species which are found both in temperate and tropical regions. P. 

 cyclanthera is interesting because the filaments and also the anthers are 

 united into a ring, as in the genus Cyclanthera which belongs to the Cucur- 

 bitaceae. P. pulchra and P. glaucescens are frequently found cultivated in 

 collectors' greenhouses. 



In Wielandia, which is a monotypic genus found in the Seychelle 

 Islands, the flowers are pentamerous, the two outer whorls forming a calyx 

 and corolla. These are followed in the male flowers by a whorl of five 

 stamens, while in the female flowers there are five carpels. The genus 

 Petalodisciis is represented by five species, all occurring in Madagascar. 

 Bischufia is a monotypic genus found in Polynesia. The bark is 



