606 



SYSTEMATIC BOTANY. 



Fig. 987. 



Natural Order 163. Plant agin a ce^. — The Ribwort Order 

 {figs. 987 and 988). — Herbaceous plantsfi generally without 

 stems {fig. 987). Leaves commonly 

 ribbed and radical (^^. 987). Flowers 

 usually spiked {fig. 390) and perfect, 

 {fig. 988), or rarely solitary, and some- 

 times unisexual. Calyx persistent, 4- 

 partite, imbricated (fig. 988). Corolla 

 dry and membranous, persistent, 4-par- 

 tite {fig 988). Stamens equal in num- 

 ber to the divisions of the corolla, and 

 alternate with them {fig. 988) ; fila- 

 ments long and slender; anthtrs versa- 

 tile. Ovary simple, 2 or 4-cened from 

 the prolongation of processes from the 

 placenta; style (fig. 988). 1. Capsule 

 membranous, with transverse dehi- 

 scence ; placenta free central. Seeds 

 1, 2, or more, with a mucilaginous 

 testa ; embryo transverse, in fleshy al- 

 bumen 



Distribution, Sfc. —They abound in 

 cold or temperate climates, but are 

 more or less diifused over the globe. 

 Examples ; — Littorella, Plantago. 

 There are 3 genera, and 120 species. 



Properties and Uses. — Unimportant. 

 The seeds of Plantago Psyllium, are- 

 naria, and Cynops are demulcent, and 

 have been used like those of Linseed 

 in the preparation of mucilaginous 

 demulcent drinks. The leaves and 

 roots of P. lanceolata and some other 

 species are slightly bitter and astrin- 

 gent. 



Natural Order 164. Hydkophyllace^. — The Hydrophyllum 

 Order. — Herbs, bushes, or small trees. Leaves usually hairy, 

 lobcd, and alternate. Flowers either solitary, stalked, and axil- 

 lary; or arranged in circinate racemes or spikes. Calyx persistent, 

 5-partite. Corolla regular, 5-cleft. Stamens equal in number 

 to, and alternate with the segments of the corolla. Ovary simple, 

 1 — 2-ccllccI, with 2 parietal placentas ; styles and stigmas 2; 

 ovules 2, or many. Fruit capsular, 2-valved, 2 or 1 -celled, 

 with a large placenta filling the cell. Seeds netted; albumen 

 hard, abundant. 



Distribution, Sfc. — Chiefly natives of the northern and most 

 southern parts of the American continent. Examples: — Hy- 



Fig. 987. Plant of a species 

 of Rib-grass (Plantago^, 

 witli radical ribbed leaves. 



Fig. 988. Flower of 



Plantago. 



