DICOTYLEDONOUS PLANTS 51 



icings. This is found in the interior, in alkaline valleys. It is a 

 valuable forage plant. 



(The species of Atriplex are numerous and difficult, also 

 somewhat local, so the rest will be omitted.) 



AMARANTA'CE^. Amaranth Family 



Herbs, with small papery flowers surrounded with persist- 

 ent papery bracts. Perianth persistent of from 1 to 5 papery 

 divisions. Stamens as many as the divisions of the perianth, 

 sometimes fewer. Ovary 1-celled and 1-seeded, forming a 

 fruit, w^hich opens like the lid of a box. Seed always ver- 

 tical. Stigmas 2-3, sessile. 



AMARAN'TUS. Amaranth 



Flowers generally monoecious. Perianth of from 3 to 5 

 divisions. Bracts 3 to each flower. Stamens with filaments 

 spreading at base. Stigmas generally 3, forming 3 beaks on 

 the fruit. Seeds brown or black, dropping readily when ripe. 



a. A. retroflex'us L. Pigweed. Stems stout, erect. Leaves ovate, 

 1-3 in. long, on petioles almost as long. Flowers green, in thick, 

 erect, crowded spikes, either terminal or axillary. Divisions of the 

 perianth 5. A common weed. 



h. A. al'bus L. Tumbleweed. Stems light green, hrancJiing 

 diffusely from the hase, forming a mound-like plant. Leaves spatulate 

 or obovate, often wavy-margined, on slender petioles. Divisions of 

 the perianth 3, pointed, shorter than the fruit. Bracts awl-shaped 

 with stiff points. This forms a tumbleweed, and will often be found 

 caught in fences and bushes. Common everywhere. 



NYCTAGINA'CE^. Four-o'clock Family 



Herbs with fragile stems and swollen joints. Leaves 

 opposite, entire, unequal at base. Flowers perfect, several 

 in an involucre resembling a calyx. Perianth corolla-like, 

 showy, the base hardening around the 1-seeded ovary. 



