PUESLANE TRIBE. 227 



inserted with the petals ; ovary 1 -celled ; style 1 or ; 

 stigmas several ; capsule 1 -celled, opening transversely, 

 or by 3 valves ; seeds usually more than 1. Herbs or 

 shrubs, with juicy stems and leaves, and irregular 

 flowers, which open only during sunshine. The most 

 remarkable plant in this Order is the common Purslane, 

 which has been used from all antiquity as a pot-herb. 

 Many species have large, showy flowers, but the only one 

 which occurs in Britain is a humble plant, with very 

 inconspicuous flowers. 



1. MONTI A (Water Blinks). Calyx of 2 sepals ; co- 

 rolla of 5 petals, 3 smaller than the others, and all 

 united at the base ; tube of the corolla split to the base ; 

 capsule 3-valved, 3-seeded. 



MONTIA FONTANA (Water Blinks). 



1. MONTI A (Water Blinks). 



1. M. fontdna (Water Blinks). The only species; 

 abundant in wet places. An unpretending little plant, 

 well marked by its 2-leaved calyx, irregular corolla, the 

 tube of which is split in front, and by its capsules con- 

 taining 3 dotted seeds. Fl. June August. Annual. 

 Q 2 



