ELjEAGNACE^E. OLEASTER TRIBE. 543 



* * Stamens and pistils on different plants ; herbage 

 acid. 



2. R. Acetosa (Common Sorrel). Leaves oblong, 

 slightly arrow-shaped at the base. Meadows, abundant. 

 A slender plant about 2 feet high, with juicy stems and 

 leaves, and whorled spikes of reddish-green flowers. Well 

 known for the grateful acidity of its herbage. Fl. June, 

 July. Perennial. 



3. R. Acetosella (Sheep's Sorrel). Leaves tapering to 

 a point, produced at the base into long arrow-shaped 

 barbs. Dry gravelly places, abundant. Much smaller 

 than the last, and often tinged, especially towards the 

 end of summer, of a deep red hue. Fl. May July. 

 Perennial. 



3. OXYRIA (Mountain Sorrel). 



1. 0. reniformis (Mountain Sorrel). The only species. 

 Damp places near the summits of high mountains, 

 frequent. Approaching the Common Sorrel in habit, 

 but shorter and stouter. The leaves are all from the 

 root, fleshy, and kidney-shaped ; the flowers are green, 

 and grow in clustered spikes : the herbage has a grateful 

 acid flavour. Fl. June August. Perennial. 



ORD. LXXI EL^EAGNACE^E. OLEASTER TRIBE. 



Stamens and pistils on separate plants. Barren flowers 

 in catkins ; perianth tubular ; stamens 3 8, sessile on 

 the throat of the perianth ; fertile flower solitary, 

 tubular, not falling off; ovary 1 -celled ; style short; 

 stigma awl-shaped ; fruit a single nut, enclosed within 

 the fleshy perianth. Trees or shrubs, with leaves which 

 have no stipules, but are covered with scurfy scales. 

 They are found in all parts of the northern hemisphere. 

 The fruit of several species of Elseagnus is eaten in the 

 East, and the flowers are highly fragrant, and abound 

 in honey, which, in some parts of Europe, is considered 



