604 



SYSTEMATIC BOTANY. 



simple, exstipulate. Flowers regular, perfect {figs. 465 and 984). 

 Calyx {figs. 441 and 465) 4 — 5-cleft, persistent, inferior {fig. 985), 

 or partly superior. Corolla {figs. 465 and 984) 4— 5-cleft, very 

 rarely absent. Stamens {fig. 984, s) equal in number to the 

 segments of the corolla, and opposite to them. Ovary superior 

 {fig. 441), or rarely partly inferior, 1-celled {fig. 985 ) ; placenta 

 free central {figs. 621 and 985); style 1 {figs. 441 and 985); 

 stigma capitate {figs. 565 and 985). Fruit capsular {fig. 693), 

 with transverse or valvular dehiscence. Seeds {fig. 986) nume- 

 rous, with fleshy albumen; embryo placed transversely to the 

 liilum. 



Distribution, ^-c. — They principally inhabit cold and tempe- 

 rate regions in the northern parts of the globe. They are rare 

 in the tropics, where they are only found on the sea-shore or 

 in mountainous districts. Examples of the Genera : — Primula, 

 Cyclamen, Anagallis, Samolus. There are about 250 species. 



Properties and Uses. — Of no particular importance except for 

 the beauty of their flowers. The flowers of the Cowslip {Pri- 

 mula veris) are sedative and diaphoretic, and are sometimes 

 employed in the manufacture of a soporific wine. The roots of 

 Cyclamens are acrid, especially those of Cyclamen hedcr a folium, 

 which have been used as a drastic purgative and emmenagogue. 

 The Cyclamens are commonly known under the name of Sow- 

 breads from their being eaten by wild boars in Sicily. 



Natural Order 162. Plumbaginace^. — The Leadwort or 

 Thrift 0rder(^_^5. 987 and 988). — Character. — Herbs or under- 

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



Fig. 987. 



Fig. 988. 



Fig. 987. Diagram of the flower of a 



Plumhagn. Fig. 988. Essential 



organs of the same. 



