III. J 



ACANTHACE^. 



255 



A small but distinct Family of water and bog plants 

 widely dispersed both in tropical and temperate countries. 

 They are nearly allied to the Family last described, but 

 differ in their one-celled ovary, with a free central placenta, 

 similar to that of the Primroses, from which their irregular 

 diandrous flowers distinguish them. 



Observe the minute "bladders" attached to the sub- 

 merged leaves and radicular fibres of many species of Blad- 

 denvort ( Utricular ia). Several small Indian species, growing 

 on the ground, are leafless at the time of flowering. U. re- 

 ticulata, a species with large, beautiful purple flowers, is 

 common in rice-fields. It is a variable plant in its habit 

 and the size of its flowers. The larger forms of it are 

 twining; the smaller, rigid and erect. 



70. Natural Order, Acanthacece. — The Acanthus Family. 



Usually herbs or shrubs, with opposite, simple leaves. 

 Flowers irregular, usually bracteate. Ovary two-celled. 

 Seeds usually supported on cushions or hooks of the 

 placenta. 



TYYY.—Justicia Adhatoda (Bakas). 



A small tree, with opposite, entire leaves, and axillary 



