604 



Fig. 910. 



SYSTEMATIC BOTANY. 



Fig. 911. 



Fig. 912. 



Fig. 913. 



Fig. 910. A portion of the flowering stem of Geranium sylvaticnm. 



Fig. 911. The stamens and pistil of the same. Fig. 912. The pistil 



partially matured, surrounded by the calyx. Fig. 913. Transverse 



section of the seed. 



arranged around an elongated axis or carpophore {fig. 912) ; 

 styles corresponding in number to the carpels, and adhering to 

 the carpophore. Frwit consisting of 5 1 -seeded carpels, which 

 ultimately separate from the carpophore from below upwards by 

 the curling up of the styles, which remain adlierent at the 

 summit {fig. 626). Seeds without albumen ; cotyledons foliaceous, 

 convolute {fig. 913). 



Diagnosis. — Herbs or shrubs, with simple leaves, membranous 

 stipules, and articulated swollen joints. Flowers usually sym- 

 metrical. Sepals 5, imbricate. Petals twisted in aestivation. 

 Stamens generally somewhat monadelphous. Fruit consisting of 

 5 carpels attached by means of their styles to an elongated axis 

 or carpophore, from which they separate when ripe from below 

 upwards by the curling up of the styles. Seeds 1 in each 

 carpel, exalbuminous ; embryo convoluted. 



Bistrihntion, ^-c— Some are distributed over various parts 

 of the world, but they abound at the Cape of Good Hope. 

 Ea-amjjles of the Genera: — Erodium, Geranium, Pelargonium. 

 There are nearly 550 species. 



Froperties and Uses. — Astringent, resinous, and aromatic 

 qualities are the more important properties of the plants of this 

 order. Many are remarkable for the beauty of their flowers. 



Erodium. — The species are reputed to be astringent. E. moschatum is re- 

 markable for its musky odour. 



(j eraniiim. —The root of G. maculatum is a powerful astringent, for which 

 purpose it is niucli used in North America, where it is called Alum-root. 

 It contains much tannin. G. parvifloruiii produces edible tubercular roots, 

 which are known in Van Diemen's Land under the name of native carrots. 



Pelargonium. — The species of this genus are favourite objects of culture 

 by the gardener on account of the beauty of their flowers. They are chiefly 



