NYMPHS A CEyE. 



55 



root of the common Tinospora (Gulancha) is also used in 

 medicine. 



6. Natural Order, Ny?nphceacece. — The Water-Lily Family. 



Aquatic herbs. Petals and stamens indefinite. 



Type — Lotus Water-lily {Nyiiiphcea Lotus). 



Representing distinct Sub-types are : — 



The Sacred Lotus {Nelumbiimi specioswn), Padma or 

 Pudma of the Hindoos, in which the carpels are separately 

 immersed in a top-shaped receptacle, and the seeds exal- 

 buminous ; and 



Brasenia, with small flowers, three (petaloid) sepals, three 

 petals, and free carpels. 



Observe the wide air-cavities in the petioles and pedun- 

 cles : the very gradual transition from sepals to petals, and 

 from petals to stamens, in the flowers : the receptacle which 

 developes around and adnate to the carpels, so that they 

 appear united into a syncarpous pistil, and the petals and 

 stamens seem as though inserted upon the ovary : the 

 arrangement of the ovules, which are spread over the sides 

 of the ovaries : the double albumen of the seeds of the true 



