GENTIAN FAMILY 



333 



the water or wet ground in which it grows, but is overtopped by 

 the large, ternate leaves, which in shape and colour somewhat 

 resemble those of the Windsor Bean, and have sheathing bases to 

 their petioles, opposite to one of which rises a long-stalked raceme 

 of exceedmgly beautiful flowers. These, when in bud, are pink, 

 and when fully expanded have the inner surface of the 5 fleshy 

 petals thickly covered with a white, lace-like fringe. — Spongy bogs ; 







NYMPHofoES peltAtum (JVoter VilLarsia). 



common. — The rhizome is intensely bitter, and is said to be the 

 most valuable of tonics. — Fl. May — July. Perennial. 



7. Nymphoides (Villarsia). — Aquatic plants with simple, 

 orbicular, floating leaves ; -flowers yellow, 5-merous, in umbels ; 

 corolla rotate, induplicate in bud, fringed at the base only, de- 

 ciduous. (Name signifying having the form of a water-lily.) 



I. N. peltdtum (Water Villarsia). — The only British species, 

 with the habit of a Water-lily ; the leaves nearly round, deeply 



