626 CONVOLVULACES. 
coiled in a small quantity of mucilaginous albumen, with 
foliaceous crumpled cotyledons; or in Cuscuta the embryo (fig. 
1014) is filiform, spiral, and the cotyledons scarcely perceptible ; 
radicle inferior. 
Diagnosis.—Generally twining or trailing milky herbs, with 
alternate exstipulate leaves ; or parasitic and leafless. Calyx of 
5 imbricate sepals, inferior. Corolla regular, 5-plaited or 5- 
lobed. Stamens 5, alternate with the lobes of the corolla. 
Ovary 2—4-celled. Fruit 2—4-celled, capsular, septifragal. 
Embryo curved, coiled, or spiral, in albumen; radicle inferior. 
Fie. 1010. 
Fra. 1011. 
Fie. 1013. 
=> Fie. 1014. 
“lll / LS 
Fig. 1011. 
Fig. 1010. Flower of Great Bindweed (Convolvulus sepium). 
Diagram of the same flower, showing two bracts ongthe outside of the 
calyx.— Vig. 1012. Vertical section of the seed of the same.—Fig. 1013. 
Corolla of Dodder (Cuscuta) laid open to show five epipetalous stamens 
and the scales in its tube.—/%g. 1014. Spiral embryo of a species of 
Cuscuta. 
Distribution and Numbers.—They are chiefly found in the 
plains and valleys of hot and tropical regions. A few occur in 
temperate climates, but they are altogether absent in the coldest 
latitudes. Illustrative Genera :—Convolvulus, Linn.; Ipomeea, 
Linn. ; Cuscuta, Linn. There are about 750 species. 
Properties and Uses.—They are chiefly remarkable for the 
presence of an acrid milky purgative juice in their roots, hence 
the order includes some important medicinal plants. The pur- 
