DICOTYLEDONOUS PLANTS 65 



D. rig'ida Benth. This shrub is generally found on gravelly or 

 clayey hills, growing to a height of from 2 to 8 ft. It is conspicuous 

 on account of its numerous large yellow flowers, which may be found 

 at aU seasons. The bark is whitish. It is wddely distributed. 



m. PLATYSTE'MON, Cream Cups 



Low, branching herbs. Stem leaves opposite or whorled, 

 entire. Sepals S-6, cream-color, often with a yellowish spot 

 near the base. Stamens numerous, with flat filaments. 

 Stigmas linear, separate, one to each of the necklace-like pods, 

 which at first are soineivhat united ; but luhen ripe they sepa- 

 rate and break apart betiveen the seeds. 



P. Califor'nicus Benth. Stems branching from the base, from 6 in. 

 to 1 ft. high. Leaves light green, hairy, broad-linear. Flowers not 

 quite 1 in. in diameter. ' Pods from 6-25, forming an oblong cluster. 

 This is common in early spring throughout California. 



IV. PLATYSTIG'MA, Cream Cups 



Stamens few or many, with narrow filaments. Pod with 

 S angles, splitting into 3 parts luhen ripe. 



a. P. linea're Benth. This resembles Platystemon, but can be 

 distinguished by the 3 stigmas and the 3-angled pods. 



b. P. Califor'nicum Benth. & Hook. Stems long and slender, with 

 branches 2-forked, smooth. Flowers small, ichite. Stamens about 

 12 in 2 circles. Pod about 1 in. long, narrowly linear. This is less 

 common, and generally growls in the shade. Santa Barbara County 

 to Oregon. 



V. ARGEMO'NE, Prickly Poppy, Mexican Poppy, Thistle Poppy, 

 Chicalote 



Herbs with stout pale-green stems, and foliage more or less 

 covered with spines or prickles. Sap yellow. Leaves thistle- 

 like. Flowers large, white. Sepals 3, each with a sp)ine- 

 like beak, forming a 3-horned bud. Petals 4-6. Stamens 

 numerous, on slender filaments. Pods 1-celled, opening at 

 the top into 3-6 parts, the ribs remaining fastened to the 

 united stigmas. 



