Cucurbitaceae. 933 
almost distinct styles; stigmas 3 (rarely 4 or 5), entire or lobed. 
Ovules 1 or more to each placenta. Fruit succulent or coriaceous, 
often with a hard rind, indehiscent or bursting irregularly or rarely 
opening in 3 valves. Seeds usually flat, often obovate or oblong, 
without albumen; testa coriaceurs or bony. Embryo straight; coty- 
ledons large, usually notched at the base, with a short radicle. — 
Herbs weak, prostrate or climbing by means of tendrils arising from 
the sides of the stems near the petioles, generally more or less 
scabrous or hispid. Leaves alternate, without stipules, usually pal- 
mately veined and angular, lobed or divided. Flowers unisexual in 
all the Australian genera, on axillary peduncles, the males usually 
in racemes or clusters, or sometimes solitary, the females generally 
solitary. 
A considerable Order, chiefly tropical, and more especially African, with, 
but very few species extending into Europe or northern Asia. It is very 
easily recognised, as well by its foliage and tendrils as by the structure of 
the flowers. The only Order at all allied to it is that of the Passifloraceae 
or Passion-flowers, almost all of them American, and chiefly tropical, but of 
which some species are well known among our greenhouse or stove plants. 
To the Cucurbitaceae belong the Cucumbers, Melons, Watermelons, Gourds, 
Pumpkins, Vegetable Marrows, &c., of our gardens, most of them of very 
ancient cultivation, but unknown in a wild state. 
A. Stamens 3. Ovary with usually 3 placentas. Ovules 
and seeds horizontal. 
I. Corolla-lobes free to the base or nearly so. Fila- 
ments usually free. 
a) Calyx-tube of the male flowers elongate. An- 
thers included in the Calyx-tube ..... . 1. Lagenaria. 
b) Calyx-tube of the male flowers mostly short. 
1. Calyx-tube without scales inside. 
a) Filaments long distinct, and anthers broad, 
wholly exserted ...... . 2. Luffa. 
8) Filaments short, inserted within the calyx- 
tube; anthers included on partially ex- 
serted. 
* Connective produced at the apex. . 3. Cucumis. 
** Connective not produced at the apex 4. Citrullus. 
2. Calyx-tube with 2—3 incurved scales inside 5. Momordica. 
Il. Corolla campanulate, lobed to above or about the 
pI GELS. Gy -ireeinete IE harle, Senics sdk blah <amacs! as! sng Oy CUCUrDIEA. 
IBiHStanionkS% . Wine? see he yelys Sights a slo. Bryonis. 
