THALAMIFLOR.^ 159 



17. The Lime Group (Summary). 



{Introductory Volume^ p. yo.) 



As a type of the Order Tiliaceae, which in the 

 British Isles is represented by three species (only 

 one of which — the Small-leaved Lime — is regarded as 

 truly native), the Common Linden, a much-planted 

 tree, was described {loc. cit.). 



The order consists of some three hundred and eighty 

 species and thirty-five genera. The Limes and their 

 allies are found in theTemperate and Tropical regions, 

 especially Asia and Brazil. From the Mallow group, 

 to which it is closely related, this order differs in the 

 petals overlapping in bud, not being twisted, the free 

 or united stamens (sometimes in bundles), the two- 

 celled anthers, and the carpels united into a many- 

 celled ovary. 



Mainly Trees or Shrubs, a few are herbaceous 

 plants. The leaves are alternate, entire or toothed, 

 with deciduous stipules in two ranks. The leaf may 

 be asymmetrical and twisted. The terminal bud does 

 not develop the next year. 



The flowers are in axillary, corymbose cymes, with 

 a flowerstalk enlarged into a membranous bract, and 

 are usually complete, regular, with the parts in fives 

 or fours. The calyx is polysepalous, inferior, with 

 five sepals, distinct or united below, valvate in bud. 

 The corolla is polypetalous, with five petals, or 

 apetalous, with sometimes a small gland at the base. 



