130 DICOTYLEDONOUS PLANTS. 



with the petals irregularly into the base of the calyx, variable 

 in number, all fertile, sometimes opposite the petals ; filaments 

 distinct ; anthers versatile, with 2-cells, opening lengthwise. 

 Ovary superior, l-celled ; style single, or none"; stigmas sev- 

 eral, much divided. Capsule l-celled, dehiscing either trans- 

 versely or by 3 valves, occasionally 1-seeded and indehiscent. 

 Seeds numerous, if the fruit is dehiscent; attached to a cen- 

 tral placenta ; albumen farinaceous ; embryo curved round 

 the circumference of the albumen, with a long radicle. 



Succulent shrubs or herbs. Leaves alternate, seldom oppo- 

 site, entire, without stipules, or sometimes with membrana- 

 ceous ones on each side at the base. 



1. PORTULACCA. Linn. 



Calyx inferior, 2-parted. Petals 46, equal, inserted into 

 the calyx. Stamens 8 15. Style 1, 3 6-cleft at the apex, 

 or style none, and stigma* 3 8-elongated. Capsule subglo- 

 blose, l-celled, many-seeded, opening circularly. 



Polyandria. Monogynia. 



P. oleracea Linn. : leaves cuneiform, fleshy, smooth ; axils genicu- 

 late, naked ; flowers sessile. 



HAB. Near gardens, &c. N. S. May Aug. . Stem spread- 

 ing, succulent. Flowers yellow. Introduced. According to 

 Mr. Nuttall it is indigenous on the plains of the Missouri. 



Purslane. 



2. TALINUM. Sims. 



Calyx of 2 ovate deciduous sepals. Petals 5, distinct, or 

 somewhat concreted at base. Stamens 10 20. Style fili- 

 form, cleft at the apex. Capsule 1-relled, 3-valved, many- 

 eeeded. , Polyandria. Monogynia. 



T. terctifolium Pursh. : leaves terete, subulate, fleshy ; cyme terminal, 

 dichotomous corymbose ; flowers pedunculate, polyandrous. 



HAB. Rocks. Penn. to Virg. July Sept. If. Root of a. firm 

 and fleshy consistence. Stem 4 10 inches high. Leaves crowd- 

 ed, cylindrical, incurved, 1 2 inches long. Flowers reddish- 

 purple. A figure and detailed description of this handsome little 

 plant are given by Dr. Darlington in his Florula Cestrica. 



3. CLAYTONIA. Linn. 



Calyx of 2 ovate or roundish persistent sepals. Petals 5, 

 obcordate or obovnte, unguiculate. Stamens 5, inserted into 

 the claws of the petals. Ovary sessile. Style 3-cleft. Cap- 

 fuk l-celled, 3-valved, 3 5-seeded. 



Pentandria. Monogynia, 



