196 THE STORY OF PLANT LIFE 



foots are frequently covered with small creeping 

 insects which may affect cross- pollination. 



Most of the Goosefoots are potherbs, as Mercury, 

 Spinach. The group also includes Beet for sugar, 

 Samphire, much used as a pickle. Mangel Wurzel 

 is allied to the Beet. Soda or barilla is produced 

 from Saltwort. 



The relationship of the group is with the Amaranth 

 group, but it differs in the presence of bracts, and the 

 scarious, membranous, or coloured perianth. 



Red Goosefoot [Chenopodium rubrum). 



Few of the Goosefoots are more handsome than 

 the Red Goosefoot, with its vinous tinged foliage. 

 Moreover, it is a tall, stately plant and a group of 

 individuals makes a brave array of colour. 



Found in England generally, it occurs in Scotland 

 more abundantly in the southern counties. It is 

 found also in Ireland and in the Channel Islands. 



Waste places form the principal habitat of this 

 plant, which appears to be more common near the 

 coast. It occurs also by the roadside, and in 

 cultivated fields, in ditches, in salt-marshes. 



Red Goosefoot is more succulent than many of 

 the other Goosefoots. It is quite smooth and often 

 shining. The habit is usually erect, sometimes 

 ascending. The stem bears leaves throughout. The 

 plant is red in colour, more especially in maritime 

 habitats, and possibly the abundance of red colouring 

 matter or anthocyan may serve to maintain a normal 



