CAETOPHTLLACE^. 107 



stems, wliicli are decumbent at the base and erect at the extremities, 

 2 to 8 incbes high, forked and giving off axillary branches ; upper 

 part of the stem and branches densely leafy, less so towards the 

 base. Leaves decussate, sessile, ^ to f inch long, very fleshy, 

 somewhat keeled below, bordered with a jiellucid waved line. 

 Peduncles compressed, very short. Flowers solitary in the foi'ks 

 of the stem and in the axils of the upper leaves, greenish white, 

 J inch across ; those of the male plants much moi-e conspicuous 

 than those of the female from the petals being larger. Sepals 

 fleshy, with membranous margins and only the median nerve dis- 

 tinct. Stamens 10, 5 longer than the other 5, the filaments alter- 

 nating with the yellow oblong knobs or glands developed from the 

 fleshy disk which surrounds the conical ovary, which is almost 

 always abortive in the flowers with perfect stamens. Styles 3 to 5. 

 Capsule about the size of a small pea, between leathery and fleshy 

 in its consistence, roundish, obtusely lobed, with only the base 

 embraced by the sepals ; valves as many as the styles, entire. 

 Seeds 2 (or sometimes only 1) to each valve, resembling small pear- 

 pips, but of a redder chestnut colour and concavo-convex, with 

 the convex side outwards. Plant deep green, shining and quite 

 glabrous. 



It seems highly probable that there is only one species of this 

 genus ; for although a second has been described under the name 

 of H. oblongifolia, from the shores of the northern part of the 

 Pacific Ocean and Eehring's Straits, yet there appears to be a 

 complete gradation between this and H. peploidcs, so that at the 

 utmost it ought to be regarded only as a sub-species. 



Sea Purslane. 



French, Honckenye Poii/rpier. German, Dichhldltrige Salzmiere. 



la Yorkshire this little plant is frequently used as a pickle, and is said to have a 

 pleasant pungent taste. 



GENUS XL— A L S I N E. JFaM. 



Sepals 5 (very rarely 4), somewhat spreading in flower. Petals 

 5 (very rarely -i), sometimes abortive. Stamens twice as many as 

 the sepals (rarely fewer), all perfect, or sometimes abortive in some 

 of the flowers. Styles usually 3 (rarely 4, 5, or 2) ; in some 

 species the pistil is abortive in some of the flowers. Capsule about 

 as long as, or longer than the sepals, ovoid-conical, or globose, 

 dry, opening by as many yalves as there are styles. Seeds usually 

 numerous, roundish reniform, slightly compressed, generally rough 

 with small points or tubercles. 



Small plants with the general habit of Arenaria, Avith which 



