CONVOLVULACE^ 67 



sitic plants, in the former case containing a milky latex ; 

 chiefly tropical, with no alpine species. 



I. Convolvulus, L. 



Flowers large, axillary, fugacious; corolla twisted in 

 bud ; ovary 2-celled, with two seeds in each cell. Prostrate 

 or twining herbs, with undivided leaves and a milky 

 latex. 



C. sepiuni^ L. (Calystegia sepium, Br.), Larger Bind- 

 weed, with very large white flowers ; and C. arvensis, L., 

 Smaller Bindweed, with smaller white or pink flowers ; 

 both very common, the former in hedges, the latter by 

 road-sides. 



2. CUSCUTA, L. 



Leafless parasites, entirely destitute of leaves, with 

 very slender red stem, provided with *^ haustoria " or 

 sucking-organs, by which they are attached to the host- 

 plant, and dense clusters of small wax-like flowers. The 

 species of Dodder are difficult to distinguish, and are best 

 recognised by the plants on which they are parasitic, and 

 to which they are frequently very destructive. 



C. europcea, L., the species with largest flowers ; occa- 

 sional on stinging-nettle, hop, and other plants, especially 

 by water-sides. C. epithymuniy L., much the commonest 

 species; on gorse (in this country), thyme, and other 

 plants. C. Trifoliiy Bab., Clover Dodder ; on clover and 

 lucerne; very destructive. C. Epilinum, Weihe, Flax 

 Dodder; on flax; very destructive, C. suaveolens, Sen 

 [corymbosa^ R. and P., racemosa, Mart.), with flowers in 

 corymbose panicles; on lucerne. 



