68 THE STORY OF PLANT LIFE 



they do not burst, and in Pcroma, where they burst 

 inwards. 



Myosimis is included in Ranunculeae by some, 

 though the seed is pendulous (as in Anemonese). 



The Ranunculacese are allied to Berberidacese 

 and Papaveracese, and to Alismacese (amongst 

 Monocotyledons), and Rosaceas (amongst Calyci- 

 florae). 



The flowers are polygamous in Meadow Rue, the 

 sepals are persistent, and the carpels united in 

 HelleboruSf the stamens are few in Myostmcs, the 

 follicle is solitary in Delphinium, and there is a solitary 

 berry and a dilated stigma in Baneberry. 



The group includes plants with acrid properties, 

 and Aconitum is used medicinally to relieve pain in 

 nervous disorders. It is deadly poison, as are some 

 others, as Baneberry. The Buttercups have a 

 blistering effect. Hellebore was formerly employed 

 as an antidote for madness. Rammculus glacialis 

 possesses sudorific properties. The fruit of R. tJiora 

 is deadly poison. 



The following types of Ranunculaceae are described 

 in the introductory volume. 



Wood Anemone . {Anemone nemorosa). 



Water Buttercup . [Ranunculus florihnndus). 



Creeping Buttercup . ( „ repens). 



Lesser Celandine . ( ,, Ficaria). 



Marsh Marigold . (Caltha palustris). 



