2i8 SOUTH AFRICAN FLOWERING PLANTS, 



The number of cords varies in different plants, 

 according to their requirements. 



Plectran'thus. — There are several species, herbs and 

 shrubs, of this genus, and the method of pollination 

 differs from the preceding, in that the stamens and 

 style lie along the Jwrizontal lip, instead of standing 

 erect, under the hood ; so that an insect gets dusted 

 with pollen hcloiu, instead of above, its body. It thus 

 resembles the flowers of Lcguminosce and some kinds 

 of Pelargo'nium. 



General Description of the Lahiate Family. 



Hcrhs or shruhs — With 4-angled stems; none 

 poisonous. 



Leaves — Opposite. 



Flowers — In short, whorl-like, axillary glomerules, 

 or in terminal clusters ; calyx, 2-lipped, persistent ; 

 corolla, irregular, labiate ; stamens, 4, didynamous ; 

 ovary, 4-lobed ; style arising from their base ; stigmas, 2. 



Fruit — Separating into 4 nutlets. 



DIVISION v.- INCOMPLETE. 

 Polygonaceae. 



The Dock Family. 



This order contains 600 species of 30 genera in 

 6 tribes. In South Africa there are only 4 genera. 



