THE MESEMBRIANTHEMUM FAMILY. 149 



Greek name. The illustrations will explain the 

 structure of the flower as follows : — 



The ovary is obviously inferior and the calyx 

 superior, consisting of five thick sepals (diagram IV.). 

 The petals and stamens are numerous, or indefinite, i.e. 

 more than twelve at least, being epigynous on the 

 top of the receptacular tube (IL). This secretes honey 

 within the stamens. These often have fringes at the 

 base (III.)- The pistil has from four to twenty carpels, 

 according to the species (V.-YIL), and as many cells 

 to the ovary. 



The fruit is a capsule (V.-VII.) bursting along the 

 stigmatic ridges on the top. The outer skin separates 

 from the inner tissue (or mesocarp), but the triangular 

 valves only rise up (VI., VII.) when the whole has 

 absorbed moisture, and by spreading themselves out, 

 they open little slits leading into the chambers wherein 

 are the black seeds (VII., VIII.). 



The great majority of capsules, i.e. of plants in 

 general, only burst in clnj iceathcr ,- but certain plants, 

 like those we are considering, and the so-called Eose 

 of Jericho, a little crucifer of the desert near Port 

 Said, do so Avhen they are moist — an appropriate 

 arrangement, as it is only at such time that the seeds 

 will germinate. The pods retain the power of opening 

 and closing for ever, so that the reader should procure 

 some dry capsules and place them in water. If he 

 watch tliem he will perceive how they open in about 



