606 



SYSTEMATIC BOTANY. 



branous, persistent, -i-partite {fig. 990). Stamens equal in num- 

 ber to tlie divisions of the corolla, and alternate with them 

 {fig. 990) ; filaments long and slender ; anthers versatile. Ovary 

 simple, but spuriously 2 or 4-celled from the prolongation of 

 processes from the placenta ; style and stigma simple {fig. 584). 

 Capsule membranous, with transverse dehiscence ; placenta free 

 central. Seeds 1, 2, or more, with a mucilaginous testa; embryo 

 transverse, in fleshy albumen. 



Distribution, <^c. — They abound in cold or temperate climates, 

 but are more or less diffused over the globe. Examples of the 

 Genera: — Littorella, Plantago. There are above 100 species. 

 Properties and Uses. — Unimportant. The seeds of Plantago 

 Ispaghula, P. Psyllium, P. annarla, and P. Cynops are demulcent, 

 and have been used like those of Linseed in tlie preparation of 

 mucilaginous demulcent drinks ; those of the first species are 

 officinal in the Indian Pharraacopceia. The leaves and roots of P, 

 lanccolata and some other species are slightly bitter and astringent. 

 Natural Order 164. Hydrophvllaceje. — The Hydrophyllura 

 Order. — Character. — Herbs, biishes, or small trees. Leaves 

 usually hairy, lobed, and alternate. Flowers either solitary, 

 stalked, and axillary, or arranged in circinate racemes or spikes. 

 Calyx persistent, o-partite. Corolla regular, 5-cleft. Stainens 

 equal in number to, and alternate with, the segments of the 

 corolla. Ovary simple, 1 — 2-celled, 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, cfr. — Chiefly natives of the northern and most 

 southern parts of the American continent. Examples of the 



Genera : — Hydrophyllum, 

 Nemophila, Eutoca. There 

 are about 80 species. 



Properties and Uses. — 

 Unimportant, except as 

 showy garden plants. 



Natural Order 165. Bo- 

 rag inaceje. — The Borage 

 Order {figs. 991 and 992). 

 — Character. — Herbs or 

 shrubs, with more or less 

 rounded stems. Leaves 

 {fig. 414) alternate, entire, 

 usually rough. In flores- 

 cence scorpioid {figs. 414- 

 416). Flowers regular, sym- 

 metrical {figs. 414 and 

 992). Calyx {figs. 991 and 992) persistent, 4— 5-partite. Corolla 

 {figs. 466 and 992) regular or nearly so, 4 — 5-partite, usually 



Fig. 991. Vertical section of the fruit of 

 Myusotis. Two aclifBtiia are seen, and 



two have been removed. Fig. 992. 



Diasram of ti)e flower of Coiiifrey iSym- 

 •plxytwm ojfflcinale). 



