5o MONOCHLAMYDE.E 



8. P. Persicaria (Spotted Persicaria). Stem erect, branched ; 

 leaves narrow, tapering, often spotted ; flowers in spikes ; stamens 

 6 ; styles forked ; stipules fringed. A common weed, 1-2 feet 

 high, distinguished by its rather large leaves, stained with a purple 

 blotch, and numerous oblong spikes of greenish- or pinkish-white 

 flowers. Waste and damp ground ; abundant. Fl. July, August. 

 Annual. 



9. P. lapanthifolium (Pale-flowered Persicaria). Closely re- 

 sembles the last, and by some considered only a variety. Dis- 

 tinguished by having 2 distinct, instead of forked styles, and by 

 not having the stipules fringed ; in both species the leaves are 

 sometimes white with silky down. Waste and damp ground ; 

 not uncommon. Fl. July to September. Annual. 



10. P. hydropiper (Water- Pepper). Stem erect ; leaves narrow, 

 tapering ; flowers in loose, drooping spikes ; stamens 6. Well 

 distinguished by its slender drooping spikes of greenish flowers. 

 The fresh juice is acrid, but not of an unpleasant flavour, and is 

 said to cure pimples on the tongue. Ditches and places where 

 water has stood during winter ; abundant. Fl. August, September. 

 Annual. 



11. P. minus (Slender Persicaria). By some classed as a variety 

 of the last. Distinguished by its smaller size, close, slender, up- 

 right spikes, narrower leaves, nearly undivided styles, and lack of 

 acrid taste. Not common. Fl. July to September. Annual. 



2. Rumex (Dock Sorrel) 



Flowers having both stamens and pistils ; herbage not acid 



1. R. hydrolapathum (Great Water-Dock). Leaves narrow, 

 elliptical, tapering at both ends, the lower ones heart-shaped at 

 the base ; enlarged segments of the perianth bluntly triangular, 

 tubercled. A picturesque plant, 4-6 feet high, with exceedingly 

 large leaves, and several stems, which bear numerous green flowers 

 in almost leafless whorls. River banks ; frequent. Fl. July, 

 August. Perennial. 



There are about ten other species of Dock, some of which are 

 rarely to be met with, others far too common. The most abundant 

 kind is R. obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock), too well known to need 

 any description. R. crispus (Curled Dock) has acute curled leaves, 

 and is also common. R. sanguineus (Bloody-veined Dock) has 

 the veins of its leaves tinged of a beautiful crimson. The other 

 species are less frequent, and unlikely to interest beginners. 



