THE DOGBANE FAMILY 



79 



oranges and contain manj^ silky seeds resembling flat, round buttons. 

 The seeds are very poisonous, but yield a valuable medicine. 



The plants of the Gentian Family (Gentianacece) are common on 

 highlands, and known for the gaiety of their flowers. Such a beautiful 

 flower is that of Exacum hicoloVj having four white petals tipped with 

 blue and four large yellow anthers. Exceedingly pretty also are the 

 white, fringed flowers of the aquatic herb Limnanthemum indicum, 

 very common in tanks throughout India. Swertia chirata {Kan. 

 Kiriyatu; Tarn. Ciriyatu; San. Kiratanama) has bitter and tonic 

 qualities like many other Gentians. 



18. The Dogbane Family 

 (Apocynaceae). 



Mostly shrubs, often twining, generally abounding in milky juice. 

 Leaves opposite or whorled, entire. Flowers radial; sepals five; petals 

 five, contorted in bud; throat often 

 hairy ; stamens five, epipetalous, fila- 

 ments short; carpels tAvo, usually 

 free below. Fruit generally consist- 

 ing of two narrow follicles. Seeds 

 often with a tuft of hairs. 



The Rose Periwinkle 



{Vinca, rosea). 



(Kan. Sadamallige, Kem2)u Kasiganagilu.) 



1. This is a small shrub found 

 everywhere in Indian gardens. 

 It flowers throughout the year. 

 Drought stops the growth of plants, 

 hut it does not seem to affect 

 Vinca rosea, which remains green 

 and flourishing when everything 

 else is withering for want of water. 

 What makes this little plant so 

 hardy ? 



If you pull the plant up, you 

 will notice that its Roots are long 



Fig. 79. — The Rose Periwinkle 

 {Vinca rosea). 



