POLYPETAL^ 6i 



In the former system four groups of the class 

 Dicotyledons are recognised, viz.: 



Sub-class I : Polypetalae. 



Series I or Sub-division I : Thalamifloras. 

 „ II ,, II : Calyciflorae. 



Sub-class II : Gamopetalae (= Corolliflorae) (or 

 Monopetalae). 



Sub-class III : Apetalae (or Incompletae or Achla- 

 mydese) (and Monochlamydeae). 



Bentham and Hooker also recognised a third 

 series, Disciflovce, amongst Polypetalae, which in- 

 cluded, amongst British groups, the Flax group, 

 Geranium group. Holly group, Spindle group, Maple 

 group. In this group the sepals are distinct or 

 united, free or parallel to the ovary, the disc usually 

 conspicuous as a ring or cushion, or spread over the 

 base of the calyx-tube, or confluent with the base of 

 the ovary, or broken up into glands ; stamens usually 

 definite, inserted upon, or at the outer or inner base 

 of, the disc ; ovary superior. 



Polypetalae. 



The Polypetaiae have the petals distinct, and the 

 perianth is double in both of its sections, Thalami- 

 florse and Calyciflorae. 



In Gamopetalae, where the perianth is also double, 

 the petals are, however, united, and the name Mono- 

 petalae expresses this as well as does Corolliflorae. 



In the Thalamiflorae the perianth is hypogynous 

 and situated below the ovary. In the Calyciflorae 



