2IO SOUTH AFRICAN FLOWERING PLANTS. 



E'chium, called Viper's Bugloss.in England, is irregu- 

 lar, with declinate stamens. The foliage is often very 

 rough, with stiff hairs arising from a thick base. 



Anchu'sa. — This genus has two or three South 

 African species. The one figured, called Alkanet, is 

 used for a purple dye. 



— Anchu'sa (Alkanet). (For description, see ^ext.) 



The inflorescence (Fig. 84) is characteristic of the 

 family. It is a scorpioid or coiled peduncle on which are 

 two rows of flower-buds ; as these open, they become 

 separated, and the stalk continues to elongate and 

 straighten itself. As a rule, the flowers of this family 

 have no bracts (as was the case with Crucifers, described 

 above) ; but sometimes they are present, as in Anchu'sa. 



