Classification of Plants 



325 



difference in the flowers will be brought out by comparing the 

 floral diagrams. Instead of a large standard at the back, the 

 Polygalaceae have two small petals. One large one in front 

 forms the keel. The two side petals are often absent, and the 

 wings are formed by the two broad coloured side sepals. The 

 stamens are usually 8, monadelphous. The fruit a bilocular 

 capsule, achene, or a 1-2-seeded drupe. 



Sepals very unequal, the two side ones wing-like. 



Polygala. — Fruit a 2-celled, heart-shaped capsule. 



Mundtia. — Fruit a juicy drupe. 



Securidaca. — Fruit a winged achene. 

 Sepals nearly equal similar. 



Muraltia.— Capsule flattened, usually horned. 



Polygala is a large genus of shrubs or herbs, with showy 



Fig. 303. — Floral diagram. Poly- 

 gala vulgaris, L. (after Engler). 



Fig. 304. — Polygala bracteolata, L. : «, 

 section of fruit ; b, stamens ; c, section 

 of flower. (After " Botanical Maga- 

 zine.") 



mauve or white flowers in racemes, spikes, or heads. The 

 stamens are concealed within the keel away from rain or 



