224 THE STORY OF PLANT LIFE 



partially, or forms a border only. The perianth-lobes 

 are thick, two, four, six, or eight, superior, free, or 

 united into a tubular structure. The lobes are valvate 

 in bud. The stamens are as many as the perianth- 

 lobes, attached to the lobes, opposite to them. In 

 some the inner perianth-lobes are absent, when the 

 stamens are fewer, three, two or one. The anthers 

 are one- to two-celled and open by slits, or are many- 

 celled and open by pores. The pollen may be 

 developed in many cells, which are at first separate 

 though later continuous. The ovary is one-celled, 

 and is inferior, sunk in, or attached to, the receptacle. 

 The style and stigma are simple. There is a single 

 ovule reduced to a nucellus and embryo-sac, attached 

 to the ovary. The ovules are not distinct from the 

 placenta. There is more than one lengthened embryo- 

 sac. The fruit is a one-seeded pseudo-berry or drupe, 

 of which the receptacle constitutes the fleshy part. 

 The seed is erect, with a thin testa and abundant 

 fleshy endosperm and a layer of sticky fluid or 

 substance, viscin. The seed in the case of the 

 Mistletoe only germinates in contact with another 

 plant, as Apple, Poplar, etc. 



The flowers are pollinated by insects. Birds dis- 

 perse the fruit. 



No properties of economic importance are afforded 

 by the Loranthacese, but their botanical interest is 

 very great. A Chilian species of Loranthus yields 

 dye. 



