566 SAXIFRAGALES. [Perigynous Exogens. 



Alliance XLIII. SAXIFRAGALES. — The Saxifragal Alliance. 



Diagnosis Perigynous Exogens, loiih monodichlamydeous jlowers, consolidated carpels, 



sutural or axile placentae, 00 seeds, a polypetaloiis corolla, if any is present, and a 

 small taper emhryo zvith a long radicle and little o?" no albumen. 



The transition from the Rosal to the Saxifragal Alliance has already (p. 539) been 

 sho^\'n to take place by way of Roseworts and Saxifrages. To the Rhamnal Alliance 

 Saxifragals pass by way of Brexiads, which are singularly like the genus Elseodendron 

 among Spindle-trees. The resemblance of the Orders included in tliis Alliance is so 

 great, that the first three are often regarded as mere forms of the Order of Saxifrages ; 

 Loosestrifes are less obWously similar, but if their herbaceous genera are compared 

 with Saxifrages, or their shrubs with Brexiads, the affinity becomes sufficiently striking. 

 Loosestrifes appear to furnish a lateral connection with ISIelastomads or Syringas. 



Natural Orders of Saxifragals. 



Styles distinct. Leaves alternate 214. SAXiFRAGACEiE. 



Styles distinct. Leaves opposite, without stipides ..... 215. Hydrangea CEiE. 

 Styles distinct. Leaves opposite, loith large interpetiolar stipules. 216. Cunoniaceje. 

 Styles consolidated. Calyx many-leaved. Albumen (i. LeavesX^y^ t> 



alternate \-^'' ^REXIace^. 



Styles consolidated. Calyx tubular, permanent, with the petaWXcy^^^ y 



in the margin. Albumen 0. Leaves opposite ..../"* ithra e^. 



