PENTANDRIA. 1 1 9 



CLASS V. PENTANDRIA. Stamens 5. Orders 7 



This is the most extensive of the Lin- . Fig. E. 

 naean classes, and contains about a fifth 

 part of all phenogamous plants, that is, 

 such as have visible pistils and stamens. 

 It contains many of the most valuable spe- 

 cies, on account of their relation to the 

 arts and medicine. It also includes the 

 umbelliferous tribe, among which are at 

 once found some of the most deadly poi- 

 sons, such as the Hemlock, (Cicuta,) and some of the most 

 agreeable spices, as the Coriander and Caraway. Among 

 others of this class, which are well known, we may notice 

 the Potato and Egg Plant, (Solarium,) Peruvian Bark, (Chin- 

 chona,) the Coffee tree, the Guelder Rose, the Elder, Milk- 

 weed, Tobacco, Mandrake, Grape Vine, Thorn Apple. (Da- 

 tura,) Mullein, Hen-bane, Red Pepper, (Capsicum,) Currant, 

 Goose-berry, Violet, Primrose, Morning Glory, Wild Honey- 

 suckle, Cardinal Flower, (Lobelia,) Touch-me-not, Cocks- 

 comb, Gentian, Beet, Elm, Carrot, &c. &c. 



The word Pentandria comes from the Greek pente, five, 

 and aner, a stamen, and merely signifies, in Botany, five 

 stamens. 



In this class, the stamens are five in number, and all sepa- 

 rate, as at figure E. By this circumstance, flowers belong- 

 ing here, may be distinguished from those of Class 19, Syn- 

 genesia, in which the stamens are also five, but are all united 

 by their anthers, which adhere together. The Syngene- 

 sious flowers are also compound ; that is, a number grow to- 

 gether on the same receptacle. 



ORDER I. MONOGYNIA. Stamens 5. Styles 1. 



This is the most extensive order in the class, and as it con- 

 tains a variety of plants which differ from each other, in vari- 

 ous respects, it is divided into many sections, depending on 

 some circumstance peculiar to one or more parts of the 

 flower ; to the kind of pericarp or its number of cells, and 

 sometimes on the shape of the fruit, &c. As we can give 

 only an illustration or two, of each order, it is not necessary 

 to insist on these divisions. 



How many stamens has the class Pentandria ? What is said of the ex- 

 tent of this class ? What important genera are mentioned as belonging 

 to this class ? How are plants of this class distinguished from those of 

 class 19 ? What is said of the extent of the order Monogynia, of this class 1 



