456 SYSTEMATIC BOTANY. 



aestivation {figs. 430 and 880). Petals hypogynous, equal in 

 number to the divisions of the calyx {fig. 880), with a twisted 

 aestivation {fig. 431), either attached to the column formed by 

 the united stamens {fig. 881), or free. Stamens hypogynous, 

 numerous, monadelphous {figs. 535 and 881); anthers 1-celled, 

 reniform, with a transA-erse dehiscence {fig. 521). Ovary con- 

 sisting of several carpels {figs. 880 and 882), which are either 

 apocarpous {fig. 882), or united so as to form a compound ovary, 

 with as many cells as there are carpels ; placentas attached to the 

 ventral sutures {fig. 883, pi), or axile ; styles equalling the car- 

 pels in number {fig. 882), united or distinct. Fruit either con- 

 sisting of a number of 1-celled, indehiscent {figs. 691 and 883), 

 1 or many-seeded carpels ; or a capsule with loculicidal {fig. 658) 

 or septicidal dehiscence, and numerous seeds. Seeds sometimes 

 hairy ; albumen none or in small quantity ; embryo curved ; coty- 

 ledons much twisted {fig. 883, c). 



Diagnosis. — -Leaves alternate, simple, stipulate. Regular 

 flowers. Calyx valvate in aestivation. Petals twisted in aestiva- 

 tion. iSia^^e/zs hypogynous, numerous ; anthers 1-celled, reni- 

 form, opening transversely; filaments united so as to form a 

 column. Carpels distinct or imited. Seeds with very little, or 

 no albumen; embryo curved; cotyledons twisted. 



Division of the Order, and E.xamples of the Genera. — The order 

 has been divided into three tribes as follows : — 



Tribe 1. Malvecs. — Flowers furnished with an involucre or 

 epicalyx {fig. 880). Fruit consisting of separate carpels 

 (apocarpous) (^V/. 883). Examples: — Malvu, Altha?a. 



Tribe 2. Hibisaa. — Flowers furnished with an involucre {fig. 

 454). Fruit formed by the union of several carpels (syncarpous) 

 {fig. 658). Examples: — Hibiscus, Gossypium. 



Tribe 3. Sidecs. Flowers without an involucre. Fruit apocar- 

 pous or syncarpous. Example: — Sida. 



Distribution and Nitmbers. — The plants of this order are 

 chiefly natives of the tropics and the warmer parts of temperate 

 regions. They diminish gradually as we "approach the north, 

 and are altogether absent in the frigid zone. There are about 

 1,000 species. 



Properties and Uses. — No plant of this order possesses any 

 deleterious properties. The order is generally characterised by 

 mucilaginous and demulcent qualities. From*the liber of many 

 species strong and tough fibres are obtained, and the hairs cover- 

 ing the seeds of certain species constitute cotton. Among the 

 more important plants of the order, we may mention the 

 following : — 



Ahelmoschus.—T\\e unripe fiiiit of Ahelmoschus (Hibiscus) esculentus, known 

 in the East and West Indies under the names of Ochro, Gombo, Gobbo, 

 Bandikai, &c., is used, on account of the abundance of the mucilage it con- 

 tains, to thicken soups, &.C., and in Western Africa in various ways in the 



