604 



SYSTEMATIC BOTANY. 



are 5 species ; these inhabit sea-shores in tropical regions, and root 

 from their seed-vessels into the mud, like Mangroves. The 

 genus jEgice7-as differs from INIyrsinacere in its anthers dehiscing 

 transversely ; in having a folHcular fruit ; and in the seeds 

 being without albumen. 



Natural Order 161. Primdlace.e. — The Primrose Order. 

 {Jigs. 982— 984).— Herbs. Leaves (Jig. 371) simple, exstipulate. 



Fig. 982. 



Fig. 983. 



Fig. 984. 



F('(7. 982. Flower of ylj?af7«7?(s. c. Calyx, p. Petals, s. Sta- 

 mens Fi'o- 083. Vertical section of tlie flower of Pim- 

 pernel (J[>iaj/a?Zis). 73?. Free central placenta. «. Styleaud 



capitate stigma Fig. 984. Vertical section of the seed of 



the Primula elatior. t. Integuments, p. Albumen., e. 

 Embryo, h. Hilum. 



Floivers regular, perfect (Jigs. 467 and 982). Calyx (Jigs. 443 and 

 467) 4 — 5-cleft, persistent, inferior (fig. 983), or partly superior. 

 Corolla (figs. 467 and 982) 4 — 5-cleit, very rarely absent. Sta- 

 mens (fig. 982, s) equal in number to the segments of the corolla, 

 and opposite to them. Ovary superior (fig. 443), or rarely partly 

 inferior, 1-celled (fig. 983); placenta free central (figs. 620 qnd 

 983); style I (figs. 443 and 983); stigma capitate (fig>i. 567 and 

 983). Fruit capsular (fig. 692), Mith transverse or valvular dehis- 

 cence. Seeds (fig. 984) numerous, with fleshy albumen; 

 embryo placed transversely to the hilum. 



Distribution^ Sfc. — ^They principally inhabit cold and tempe- 

 rate regions in the northern parts of the globe. They are rare 

 in the tropics, Avhcre they are only found on the sea-shore or 

 in mountainous districts. Examples: — Primula, Cyclamen, 

 Glaiix. Anagallis, Ilottonia, Samolus. 



Properties and Uses. — Of no i)articular importance except for 

 the beauty of their flowers. The flowers of the Cowslip (Pri- 

 mula veris), arc sedative and diaphoretic, and are sometimes 

 employed in the nianufacturc of a soporific wine. The roots of 

 Cyclamens arc acrid, especially those of Cyclamen hederccfoliuni, 

 which have been used as a drastic purgative and cmmenagogue. 



