COROLLIFLOE^. 



605 



The Cyclamens are commonly known under the name of Sow- 

 breads from their laeing eaten by wild boars in Sicily. 



Natural Order 162. PLuaiBAGiXACE^. — The Leadwort or 

 Thrift Order {figs. 985, 986). — Herbs or under-shrubs. 

 Leaves entire, exstipulate. Flowers regular {fig. 985). Cahjx 



Fig. 98; 



Fig, 986. 



J"/*?. 985. Diagram of the flower of a 



Plumbago Fig. 086. Essential 



organs of Plumbago. 



tubular, plaited persistent, 5 -partite (fig. 985). Corolla (fig. 

 985) membranous, 5-partite, or of 5 petals. Stamens (figs. 

 622, 985 and 986) 5, opposite the petals, to which they are 

 attached in the polypetalous corolla, or hypogynous and oppo- 

 site to the divisions of the monopetalous corolla. Ovari/ 1 -celled 

 (figs. 622 and 985) ; ovule solitary, suspended from a long cord 

 which arises from the base of the cell (fig. 622); styles (fig. 986) 

 usually 5, sometimes 3 or 4. Fruit utricular, or dehiscing by 

 valves at the apex. Seed solitary; embryo straight; albumen 

 mealy, and small in quantity. 



Distribution, Sfc. — Chiefly found growing on the sea-shore and 

 in salt marshes in various parts of the globe, but the mass of the 

 order inhabit temperate regions. Examples -. — Statice, Armeria, 

 Plumbago. There are 11 genera, and 231 species. 



Properties and Uses. — Of little importance, but acridity and 

 astringency appear to be the most remarkable properties of the 

 order. 



Plumbago. — The roots of several species are acrid and vesicant when 

 fresh, as those of P. europcea, Toothwort, P. zeylanica, scandens, and roso.a. 

 P. toxicaria is used as a poison in Mozambique. 



Armeria vulgaris. Common Thrift.— The dried flowers are diuretic. 



Statice carohniana is called Marsh Rosemary in the Uii;ted States, where its 

 root is much employed as an active astringent.' 



