l62 



CA PPA RID A CEM. 



[chap. 



Sepals 4. Petals 4. Stamens indefinite, 8, 6 (not tetra- 

 dynamous), or 4. Ovary often stipitate. Seeds usually 

 exalbuminous. 



Type^ Gynafidropis pentaphylla. 

 An erect, hairy annual, with alternate, quinque-foliolate 

 leaves, and terminal, bracteate racemes, of small white or 

 pale pink flowers. 



Observe the long stalk {gynophore) supporting the 

 stamens and ovary above the envelopes of the flower. 

 Compare the siliquiform fruit with the more or less 

 berry-like, often indehiscent fruit of Cadaba, Capparis (true 

 Capers), and Craiova. 



In Polanisia viscosa, a common Indian weed with yellow 

 flowers, the ovary is sessile. 



The Family is closely allied to the Crucifers, differing 

 from them chiefly in habit and in their stamens, which are 

 usually more numerous, and the ovary raised upon a stalk 

 {gynophore). Our type-species is a common weed of 

 cultivated land in India, where the leaves are used in 



