SEED-BEARING PLANTS 



459 



407. Lizard's-tail Family (Saururaceae). The lizard's 

 tail (Saururus cernuus) , typical of this family, has apetalous 

 but perfect flowers, borne sessile on a moderately long, 

 common axis, called a spike (Figs. 342 and 343). There 

 are three to five more or less united ovaries. The plant 

 is commonly found in swamps and marshes. 



FIG. 342. Lizard's- tail (Saururus cernuus). 



POLYPETAL^E 



408. Crowfoot Family (Ranunculaceae). The Latin 

 name Ranunculus (little frog) was applied to the butter- 

 cups by the ancient Roman naturalist Pliny, because they 

 are common in wet places where frogs abound. The name 

 of the family is derived from this generic name, but the 

 family comprises about 35 genera, 28 of which occur in 



