MALLOW TRIBE 49 



is distinguished from the preceding by its somewhat broader and 

 more distant leaves, by its stems being mostly solitary, instead of 

 several from the same root, by its notched petals, and by its larger 

 size. Fl. Summer. Annual. 



Leaves opposite 



4. L. Catharlicum (Cathartic Flax). Leaves oblong, lower ones 

 broader ; sepals pointed. Very different in habit and size from 

 any of the preceding ; stems slender, usually erect, rarely exceeding 

 6 inches in height, and bearing numerous small white flowers, which 

 grow in loose panicles and droop before expansion. Dry pastures, 

 abundant. Fl. June, July. Annual. 



2. Radiola {Flax Seed) 



1. R. millegrana (All Seed, Thyme- 

 leaved Flax Seed). Petals 4, same 

 length as sepals ; leaves minute, oppo- 

 site. The only British species. One of 

 the most minute of British flowering 

 plants, never exceeding 3 inches in 

 height. Stems repeatedly forked, and 

 bearing a large number of small white 

 flowers, which, as the plants generally 



grow many together, often prevent its Radiola Millegrana 

 being overlooked. Damp heaths, not {All Seed, Thyme-leaved 



uncommon. Fl. July, August. Annual. Flax Seed) 



Natural Order XVI 



MALVACEiE. The Mallow Tribe 



Sepals 5, more or less united at the base, valvate in bud, often 

 enclosed in an involucre of tracts which have the appearance of an 

 outer calyx ; petals equalling in number the sepals, twisted when 

 in bud ; stamens numerous, united by their filaments into a tube ; 

 ovary formed of several carpels united in a radiate manner ; styles 

 equal in number to the carpels, either distinct or united ; capsules 

 (in all the British species) one-seeded, arranged in a whorl round the 

 styles. A large and important family of herbaceous plants, shrubs, 

 and trees, with divided alternate leaves, which are furnished with 

 stipules and axillary flowers. They are most abundant in the tro- 

 pical regions, where they form a large proportion of the vegetation, 

 and gradually decrease towards the poles. According to Lindley, 

 the number of species hitherto discovered amounts to about a thou- 

 sand, all of which agree in containing a large quantity of mucilage, 

 and being totally destitute of unwholesome qualities. In some 



