Classification of Plants 2 1 1 



Order Loranthace^. 



The order consists of partially parasitic plants, which attach 

 themselves, by means of haustoria or modified roots, to other 

 plants. The leaves (when present) and stems possess chloro- 

 phyll. Perianth either sepal-like or petaloid. Stamens joined 

 to the perianth, and as many as its lobes. Fruit a berry, sunk 

 in the fleshy receptacle. Around the seed is a very sticky 

 substance, which prevents it from being swallowed by birds. In 

 freeing its bill from the seed the bird sows the seed on the tree. 



Loranthus. — Flowers perfect ; .showy style long. 

 Viscum. — Flowers imperfect ; style none, or very short. 



Loranthus. — Shrubby plants, with opposite or alternate 

 leaves. Flowers in umbels, axillary, orange, scarlet, or white 

 with dark tips (see p. 128). Parasitic on Acacia, Rhus, and 

 other plants. Eastern. 



Viscum (Mistletoe). — Shrubs with forked, jointed green 

 stems, leafy or leafless. Berries white or reddish. Parasitic 

 on Euphorvia, willows, Crassula, etc. Several species, both 

 Eastern and Western. 



Order Hydnorace/e. 



Fleshy, scaly-coloured parasites, becoming very woody. 

 Calyx 3-parted. Fruit indehiscent, many-seeded. 



Hydnora is an ill-scented parasite on the roots of 

 Euphorbia. 



Order Ficoide^. 



Herbs, usually succulent, with calyx or stamens petaloid. 

 The ovary may be few- or many-seeded, superior or inferior. 

 The most familiar orders are Mesembryanthemum and 

 Tetragonia. 



Mesembryanthemum (Hottentot Fig genus). — The 

 species of this genus are well fitted for their life on the hot, 

 dry sands or sea coast, where they flourish. The leaves store 

 an abundance of moisture, and stand erect, face to face, at the 

 growing point to protect the bud. The leaves of M. Crystallijium 



