COROLLirLOR^. 



597 



Pharbilis Nil — The seeds are known in India under the names of mirchai, 

 and kala dana. They possess similar medicinal properties to those of jalap. 



Natural Order 152. Cuscutace^. — The Dodder Order {figs. 

 972, 973). — Diaynosis. — Tliis is a small order which is gene- 

 rally regarded as a sub-division of ConvoMilacea. The plants 



Fig. 972. 



Fig. 973. 



Fig. 992. Corolla of Dodder {Cuscuto) laid open, to show the scales, and 

 stamens Fiy. 973. Spiral embryo of a Cuscuta. 



composing it are distinguished from that order by their para- 

 sitic habit (fig. 238) ; by the absence of leaves (fig. 238) ; by 

 the tube of their corolla being furnished with scales (fig. 972), 

 which alternate with its segments; and by having a filiform 

 coiled embryo (fig. 973), with almost obsolete cotyledons. 



Distribution, ^c. — Chiefly natives of temperate climates. 

 There are 4 genera, and 50 species. 



Properties and Uses. — They are said to be purgative in their 

 action. They are often very destructive to Flax, Clover, and 

 other crops. 



Natural Order 153. Polemoniace^. — The Phlox Order. — 

 Herbs. Leaves opposite or alternate. Cahjx 5-parted, persistent, 

 generally regular. Corolla 5-lobed, with contorted, or occa- 

 sionally imbricated aestivation. Stamens 5, alternate with the 

 segments of the corolla; pollen usually of a blue colour. Ovary 

 3- celled; style 1; stigma trifid. Fruit capsular, 3-celled, 3- 

 valved; placentas axile. Seeds few or many; embryo straight in 

 the axis of copious horny albumen; cotyledons elliptical, folia- 

 ceous. 



Distribution, Sfc. — They abound most in the temperate parts 

 of North and South America. They are far less abundant in 

 Europe and Asia, and altogether unknown in tropical countries. 

 Examples: — Phlox, Collomia, Polemoniura, CobaBa. There 

 are 17 genera, and 104 species. 



Properties and Uses. — Of no importance except for the 

 prettine^s of their floAvers. The seeds of Collomia and some 

 other plants of this order have their testa covered with hair-like 

 QQ3 



