THALASIIFLOR^. 



465 



usually 5 {figs. 456 and 877), rarely 3 or 4; more or less coherent 

 at their base {fig. 456) ; (estivation valvate. Petals hypogynous, 

 equal in number to the divisions of the calyx (fig. 877), with a 

 twisted sestivation, either attached to the column formed by the 

 united stamens (fig.^ 878), or free. Stamens hypogynous, nume- 

 rous, monadelphous (figs. 537 and 878); anthers 1-celled, reni- 

 form, with a transverse dehiscence (fig. 523). Ovary consisting 

 of several carpels (figs. 877 and 879), which are apocarpous 

 (fig. 879), or united so as to form a compound ovary, with as. 

 many cells as there are carpels ; placentas attached to the ventral 

 sutures or axile (fig. 880 pt) styles equalling the carpels in 

 number (fig. 879), united or distinct. Fruit either consisting 



Fig. 877. 



Fia. 878. 



Fig. 879. 



Fig. 880. 



Fig.STT. Diagram of the flower of a species of Mallow. The three external lines 

 represent bracts, and form an epiealyx or involucre Fig. 87(<. Vertical sec- 

 tion of the flower of a Mallow Fig. 879. Pistil of Mallow Fig. 880. Hori - 



zontal section of the fruit of Malva sylvestris. a. Axis. pi. Placenta. ?. An 

 empty cell. c. Embryo. 



of a number of 1-celled, indehiscent (figs. 689 and 880), 1 or 

 many-seeded carpels ; or a capsule with loculicidal (fig. 657) or 

 septicidal dehiscence, and numerous seeds. Seeds sometimes 



