266 CHENOPODIACEyE. [chap 



Or, in lieu of the above, the Marvel of Peru {Mirabilis)^ 

 frequent in gardens, with white, crimson, yellow, or varie- 

 gated flowers. 



Observe the opposite leaves, one ot each pair being 

 generally smaller than the other : the five-leaved involucre 

 of Mirabiiis, which must not be mistaken for a calyx : the 

 perianth contracted immediately above the ovary, to which it 

 is not adherent. The upper portion of the perianth separates 

 at the contraction after flowering, and the lower part of the 

 perianth persists, becomes more or less hardened, and, 

 enlarging, forms an outer envelope of the fruit. A similar 

 condition occurs in the Elceagnus Family. One or two 

 species of the South American genus Bougainvillea have 

 large membranous, beautiful rose-coloured bracts, which 

 render them favourite ornamental garden plants. 



78. Natural Order, Chenopodiacecs. — The Goosefoot Family. 



Usually herbs with alternate or opposite leaves, and 

 minute, herbaceous flowers. Ovary one-celled, uniovulate. 

 with two or three stigmas. 



Type — Common Goosefoot {Chenopodium albiwi). 



B'lG. 156. Vertical section of flower of Goosefoot {Chenopodium). 



An erect, annual, more or less mealy herb (two to eight 

 feet high), with alternate leaves, and leafy, interrupted 

 panicles of minute, clustered, greenish flowers. 



