772 



THE SUBDIVISIONS OF THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM. 



in the form of switch-shrubs, and several Asclepiadaceae, e.g. the species of the genus 

 Stapelia, have cactiform stems. In these the assimilation of carbon is effected by 

 the green cortical tissue. The Orobanchaceae are parasites destitute of chlorophyll 

 (see vol. i. p. 183). Amongst Convolvulacese, and more especially amongst Scrophu- 

 lariacese, there are many species which live as parasites and saprophytes, and are 

 partially deficient in chlorophyll (see vol. i. pp. 171-183). An account has already 



Fig. 434. Acanthacese. 

 Acanthus mollis on the coast of Dalmatia. 



been given of the way in which the Lentibulariacese, e.g. the species belonging to 

 the genera Utricularia and Pinguicula, derive a portion of their food from the 

 bodies of insects which are caught by them (see vol. i. pp. 120, 140). In Gentianacese, 

 Oleaceae, Apocynacese, Asclepiadaceae, Convolvulacese, and many Boraginacese and 

 Solanaceae the corolla is actinomorphic. The Labiatse, Scrophulariacese, Verbenaceae, 

 Acanthaceae, Lentibulariaceae, and some genera of Boraginacese and Solanaceae bear 

 Jtmctly zygomorphic flowers. In the Ash genus (Fraxinus), which belongs to the 

 family of Oleaceae, the corolla is often entirely suppressed. Most Labiatae have four 



