264 



PLANTA GIN A CEAl. 



[chap. 



simple leaves, and long, viscid-hairy spikes of regular white 

 flowers (or the Rose Plumbago, with rose-coloured, or Cape 

 Plumbago with pale blue, flowers). 



Observe the hypogynous stamens, opposite to the corolla- 

 lobes : the petals, in some species, nearly or quite free : the 

 one-celled ovary with a solitary ovule, suspended from a 

 slender cord {fwiide) rising* from the base of the cavity. 



The three species named above are common ornamental 

 species in Indian gardens. Of the other genera of this 

 small Family, many species are sea-coast or salt-marsh 

 plants, or natives of the sterile saline wastes to the north- 

 west of India. Some species are used in native medicine. 



76. Natural Order, PlantagiiiacecB. — The Plantain Family. 

 Herbs with small greenish, often spicate, flowers, with 

 scarious corollas. Stamens four, exserted. Style simple 



