48-i GERANIALES. [Hypogynous Exogens, 



Alliance XXXVI. GERANIALES.— The Geranial Alliance. 



Diagnosis. — Hypogynous Exogens, with monodichlamydeous, symmetrical flowers, aanle 

 placenta, an imbricated calyx, a ttvisted corolla, definite stamens, and an embryo with 

 little or 'no albumen. 



If we seek for a positive character by which the present Alliance may be known 

 from its relations, we shall find it in the combination of three circumstances, viz : a 

 definite number of stamens, an imbricated calyx, and a twisted corolla. Malvals have 

 a t^^'isted corolla, but their stamens are usually indefinite and their calyx is always 

 valvate ; for which latter reason Indian Cresses are removed from the Geranial Alhance. 

 Rutals have definite stamens and an imbricated calyx, but their corolla is imbricated, 

 not twisted. 



The only doubtful Order of the Alliance is that of Chlenads, which in habit is like 

 some Stercuhads ; but it corresponds with Balsams in their imsj-mmetrical flowers, and 

 it has not a stronger relation to any Malval than to the Order of Geranials. Chlenads 

 may perhaps be regarded as a kind of approach on the part of Geranials to the Malval 

 Alliance. 



Natural Orders of Geranials. 



Flower's symmetrical. Styles distinct. Carpels longer than i57te\ jgo Linapf^ 



torus. Seeds with little or no albumen J 



Flotoers regidar, unsymmetrical, with a permanent cup-liJce *^'^o-1 ,04 CHT^\4rF^ 



hicre. Stamens moiuidelphous. Albumen abundant ... .J 

 Flowers symmetrical. Styles distinct. Carpels longer than ^^^Iiqc Oxalidace^ 



to7'us. Seeds with abundant albumen j 



Flowers vei^ irregular and timymmetrical, without an involucre. \\oa BALSAMiNAOEiE 



Stamens distinct. Albumen none j 



Flowers iisually symmetrical. Styles and carpels combined round 1 -i 07 CFRANiArE^ 



a long beahed torus J'lo/. vjeraniace . 



