532 CHENOPODIACE^!. 



angular outline, the margin being variously lobed and 

 toothed. 'The characters of most are difficult of discri- 

 mination, so that botanists are agreed neither as to the 

 number of species nor names. 



2. SU^DA (Sea Elite). 



1. S. maritima (Annual Sea Elite). Styles 2 ; stem 

 herbaceous. Muddy sea-shore, common. A low, strag- 

 gling plant, with short, fleshy, semicylindrical leaves ; 

 and small, inconspicuous, green flowers. FL July, 

 August. Annual. 



2. S. fruticosa (Shrubby SeaBlite).- Styles 3 ; stem 

 shrubby. A much rarer plant than the last, growing 

 2 3 feet high, with a shrubby stem, and having 3 styles 

 in each flower. 



3. ATRIPLEX (Orache). 



1. A. pdtula (Spreading fruited Orache). Stem 

 spreading, often with the central branch erect ; leaves 

 triangular, with 2 spreading lobes at the lower angles, 

 toothed, the upper leaves narrow, entire ; flowers in tufted 

 spikes ; perianth of the fruit warty at the back. Culti- 

 vated and waste ground, and on the sea shore ; abundant. 

 A common weed, with straggling, furrowed stems, often 

 tinged with red ; distinguished from the Goose-foot 

 family by the solitary seed being shut in between 2 

 triangular, leaf-like valves. The main stem is usually 

 erect, the rest are prostrate, appearing as if they had 

 been bent down by force. FL July, August. Annual. 



2. A. lacinidta (Frosted Sea Orache). Stem spreading; 

 leaves with three angles, wavy at the edge, and toothed, 

 mealy beneath. Sea shore, frequent. Distinguished 

 from the preceding by its mealy leaves, and the whitish 

 hue of the whole plant. FL July, August. Annual. 



* Several other species are described by botanists, 

 but the remark annexed to the preceding family applies 

 equally well to this. 



