COROLLIFLOR^. 



607 



Fig. 08ft. Vertical section of the fruit of 

 Mi/osotis. Two achsenia are seen, and 



two have been removed Fig. i)W. 



Diagram of the flower of Comfrey {Sym- 

 hytum officinale). 



drophjllum, Nemophila, Eutoca, Hydrolea. There are 18 

 genera, and 77 species. 



Properties and Uses. — Unimportant, except as showy garden 

 plants. 



Natural Order 165. Boraginace^. — The Borage Order 

 {figs. 989 and 990). — Herbs or shrubs, with more or less 

 rounded stems. Leaves 

 {fig. 416, a) alternate, en- Fig. 989. 

 tire, usually rough. In- 

 florescence scorpioid {figs. 

 416—418). Flowers re- 

 gular, symmetrical {figs. 

 416, a, and 990). Calyx, 

 {figs. 989 and 990) persis- 

 tent, 4 — 5-partite. Corolla 

 {figs. 468and990)regular 

 or nearly so, 4 — 5-partite, 

 usually with scales in its 

 throat, {fig. 468, r);cestiva- 

 tion imbricated. Stamens 

 {fig. 990) equal in num- 

 ber to the lobes of the 

 corolla and alternate Avith 

 them. Omr?/ deeply 4-lobed {fig. 595), with a solitary o\-ule 

 in each lobe ; style 1 {fig. 595), basilar ; stigma simple or bifid. 

 Fruit consisting of 2 or 4 distinct achaenia, placed at the bottom 

 of the persistent calyx {figs. 685 and 989). Seeds exalbuminous ; 

 embryo straight, with a superior radicle. 



Distribution, ^c. — Chiefly natives of temperate regions in the 

 northern hemisphere. Examples : — Cerinthe, Echium, Borago, 

 Alkanna, Cynoglossum, Kochelia. There are 54 genera, and 

 683 species. 



Properties and Uses. — The plants of this order are chiefly 

 remarkable for their mucilaginous properties ; hence they are 

 mostly harmless, and possess little value as medicinal agents. 

 Several species have roots of a reddish colour which renders 

 them useful as dyeing agents. 



Borago officinalis. Borage The root is mucilaginous and emollient. The 



herb imparts coolness to beverages in which it is steeped owing to the pre- 

 sence in it of nitrate of potash. 



Si/mphi/tum officinale, Comfrey, is reputed vulnerary, The young leaves 

 and shoots are sometimes eaten'as vegetab'es. This plant contains a good 

 deal of starch and mucilaginous matters, and Mr. Squire informs me, that 

 when bruised, it forms an excellent bandage for broken limbs, &c. S. anperri- 

 mum has been recommended for cultivation in this country as food for 

 pigs, &c. 



Anchusa tinctoria, Alkanet, has a dark blond-red root, which is chiefly 

 used to give colour to oils, &c., which are used in perfumery, and for dyeing 

 woods, &c. 



Natural Order 166. Ehretiace.e. — The Ehretia Order. — 



