430 RANUNCULACEA. 
(fig. 870) distinct petals, regular ( fig. 870) or irregular (fig. 496) ; 
zestivation imbricate (jig. 870), sometimes absent (fig. 792). 
Stamens numerous (figs. 792 and 870), or very rarely few, 
hypogynous (figs. 542 and 871, e); anthers adnate (fig. 872), 
bursting longitudinally. Carpels generally numerous (figs. 542 
and 871, p), or rarely few or only 1, usually distinct and one-celled 
(fig. 875, 0), or very rarely united so as to form a compound 
many-celled ovary ; ovary with one (fig. 875, g) or many ovules ; 
ovules anatropous, attached to the ventral suture (jig. 875); 
styles simple (fig. 871, p). Fruit various, either consisting of 
a number of dry achenes, or of one or more whorls of follicles 
(fig. 873), which are sometimes united below, or sometimes 
Fie. 870. Hie. Sil. Fic. 872. 
Fig. 871. 
Fig. 870. Diagram of the flower of a species of Ranunculus. 
Vertical section of the flower of Ranunculus acris. c. Calyx. pe. Petals. 
e. Stamens. p. Carpels. Fig, 872. Adnate anther of a Ranunculaceous 
plant. Fig. 873. Numerous follicles of J7'rollius europceus. Fig. 874. 
Vertical section of the seed of the Monkshood (Aconitum). sp. Coverings 
of the seed. emb. Embryo. alb. Albumen.—Fiy. 875. Vertical section 
of a carpel of Ranunculus acris. o. Ovary. g. Ovule. s. Stigma, 
there is only one follicle ; or very rarely the fruit is baccate, 
with one or more seeds. Seeds solitary or numerous, when 
solitary, erect or pendulous ; embryo minute (fig. 874, emb), at 
the base of homogeneous horny albumen, alb. 
Diagnosis.—Herbs or rarely shrubs, with a colourless, watery, 
and usually acrid juice. Sepals, petals, and stamens distinct, 
hypogynous. Corolla with an imbricate estivation. Stamens 
usually numerous; anthers adnate, bursting longitudinally. 
Carpels, except in a very few instances, more cr less distinct. 
