212 THE STORY OF PLANT LIFE 



having a definite number of stamens (five or ten, 

 etc.), and no stipules. The carpels are united into a 

 single ovar}^ separating the group from the Stone- 

 crop group, and in the distinct styles and more 

 adherent ovary the Saxifrage group differs from the 

 Loosestrife group. The Saxifrages are also related to 

 the Sundew group. 



Included in this group, which is divided into 

 seven divisions, are some favourite garden or green- 

 house flowers, as Francoa, Philadelphus (= Mock 

 Orange), Deutzia, Hydrangea, Escallonia. Amongst 

 British types are the Saxifrages, Golden Saxi- 

 frages, Grass of Parnassus, Currant and Goose- 

 berry. 



There are some six hundred species and seventy 

 genera found throughout the world, the Saxifrages 

 ranging into high latitudes and growing at alpine 

 altitudes. Most of these plants grow in the Northern 

 Temperate or Arctic regions, a few in the Andes and 

 Southern Temperate zone. 



The group consists of a few trees or shrubs, but 

 chiefly herbaceous plants. The leaves are opposite 

 or alternate. The Saxifrages have the rosette or 

 cushion habit. Most of the plants are perennial. 

 There are no stipules as a rule, or, if so, they are 

 adnate to the leaf-stalk, which is often swollen. 



The inflorescence is either a raceme or a cyme. 

 The flowers are usually regular, hermaphrodite or 

 complete, cyclic, with the parts in fives except the 

 carpels. The receptacle may be either flat or 



