Beta. PENTANDRIA DIGYNIA. 59 



dentate-lobate, mealy while young. Panicles terminal, 

 erect, contracted, leafless, very minute. 



In India we have two varieties of this species ; one en- 

 tirely green ; the other with the angles of the stem and 

 branches of a beautiful purple colour, and the leaves, and 

 the mealy panicles somewhat reddish. The leaves of 

 both, as well as those of album are eaten by the natives, 

 and are very frequently cultivated by them for that end. 



3. C. laciniatum. R. 



Annual, erect, three or four feet high. Leaves long-petiol- 

 ed, multifid, mealy. Panicles terminal, erect, contracted. 



Common in the vicinity of Calcutta during the dry 

 season. 



BETA. Schreb. gen. n. 436. 



Calyx five-leaved. CoroZ none, ^eet/s reniform, within 

 the substance of the base of the calyx. 



B. bengalensis. R. 



Annual, erect ; inferior leaves, petioled and trowel- 

 shaped ; superior, sessile, and lanceolate. Flowers in 

 pairs ; leaflets of the calyx, equal and not toothed. 



Beng. Palwng. 



I cannot be certain whether this diflers from maritima 

 so much as to render it necessary to make it a distinct 

 species; however, I think it may, as it always grows 

 erect, and with its numerous branches nearly so. It is 

 much cultivated by the natives of Bengal and the north- 

 em Circars. The leaves they use in their stews, &c. 

 Flowering time the cold season. 



Root ramous, annual. Stem erect, ramous, furrowed, 

 smooth, pale green, the whole height from one to three 

 feet. Leaves alternate, the lowermost large, petioled, 

 trowel-shaped, and running down the petioles, smooth, 

 succulent, with waved margins ; the superior, or floral 



H 2 



