128 



CARYOPHYLLACE^:. 



[CLASS 



10. Natural Order Caryophyllaceae. The Pink 

 Family. 



DISTRIBUTION. Represented in both hemispheres 

 from the Arctic zone to the Equator, though rare between 

 the Tropics, and chiefly confined to great elevations. 

 Most numerous in Europe and temperate Asia. British 

 genera 14, species 45. 



Herbs. Leaves opposite. Flowers regular. Stamens definite. 

 Placenta free-central. 



Type Bladder Campion (Silene inflatd], 

 An herbaceous perennial, with ascending stems, oppo- 

 site entire leaves, definite dichotomous inflorescence, and 

 regular flowers. 



OBSERVE the free central placenta, characteristic of 

 the Order. Inside and at the base of the ovary traces of 



FIG. 83. Transverse section of an ovary, showing free central 

 placentation. 



arrested dissepiments may be found, indicating that the 

 placenta results from the axile cohesion of the carpels. 



