SYNOPTICAL 

 FLORA OF NORTH AMERICA. 



CLASS I. DICOTYLEDONES ANGIOSPERME^. 



Division L POLYPETALOUS DICOTYLEDONOUS PLANTS. 



Perianth of l^oth calyx and corolla, the latter of separate petals. 

 (Exceptions numerous, especially by the absence of the petals, rarely by 

 their union.) 



General Key to the Orders. 



* Thalamiflor^. Stamens free from the calyx and ovary, hypogynous 

 (epigynous in some Nymphceacece ; perigynous in some Resedacece, and in 

 the genus Eschscholtzia) : ovary superior : receptacle usually small, rarely 

 developed into a discoid expansion {Pceonia, and some Capparidacece), or 

 glandular {Resedacece), occasionally elongated and columnar or (in Nym- 

 phceacece') much enlarged, cup-like, and enclosing the carpels. 



•i- Stamens free, usually indefinite, when definite opposite the inner divisions 

 of the perianth. Carpels solitary or distinct (cohering in the Magnoliacece, 

 and embedded in the fleshy receptacle or sometimes connate in the Ny7n- 

 phceacece). 



1. RANUNCULACE.E, Sepals 3 to 5 (rarely more numerous or indefinite), often 

 petaloid. Petals as many, alternating with the sepals, or wanting. Stamens 

 usually numerous ; anthers innate. Carpels distinct, often numerous, sometimes 

 solitary, in fruit achenial, follicular, or rarely baccate. Ovules 1 to several, anat- 

 ropous. Seeds not arillate ; albumen tough or horny ; embryo minute. Herbs 

 or shrubby climbers. 



2. MAGNOLIACE^. Leaves simple, alternate, pinnately veined. Flowers usually 

 large. Sepals and petals imbricated in 3 or, more series, usually indefinite and 

 passing into each other. Stamens with rare exceptions indefinite. Carpels coher- 

 ing in a conical dry or somewhat fleshy fruit. Embryo small. Trees and shrubs, 

 rarely climbing. 



