198 



PLANTAGINE^E, 



[CLASS 



OBSERVE the dry and membranous (scarious) corolla : 

 the transverse dehiscence of the capsule. 



Some of the species are subject to a monstrous condi- 

 tion of the inflorescence, the bracts becoming foliaceous, 

 or flowering branches being substituted for some of the 

 flowers. 



The seeds of Plantain are a favourite food of cage- 

 birds ; Ribwort Plantain (P. lanceolata) is a common 

 plant of pastures. 



SUB-CLASS, Incomplete. Division, Monochlamydeos. 



52. Natural Qrder Chenopodiaceae. The Goosefoot 

 Family. 



DISTRIBUTION. Generally diffused through both hemi- 

 spheres, though many of the genera affect saline situa- 

 tions, especially in temperate Asia. British genera 6, 

 species 19. 



Herbs. Stipules o. Stamens opposite to the perianth-segments. 

 Ovary i -celled with I erect ovule. 



Type White Goosefoot (Chenopodium album). 



An erect somewhat mealy annual, with alternate toothed 

 or entire leaves, and dense interrupted spikes of small 

 green flowers. 



