CURVEMBRY2E. 



365 



tions of reduction which have become constant, and by a gradual series of steps, 

 lead to the most reduced form, which has only 5 sepals and 5 (or even as far as 

 only 1) sepal-stamens (Fig. 361 D, E, F). The 

 PETALS in the Alsinea are often deeply bifid. The 

 sepal-stamens are most frequently the longest, and 

 bear nectaries at the base (Fig. 363 st). In the 

 most complete forms the ovary has partition-walls 

 in the lower portion (Fig. 360) ; these do not, 

 however, reach to the top, and generally soon dis- 

 appear. The ovules, when numerous, are situated 

 on the placenta in as many double rows as there 

 are carpels. In the number of ovules a reduction 

 from many to 1 takes place (Fig. 361). A com- 

 parison proves that the " free, centrally placed " 

 placenta is formed by the ventral portion of the carpels. The single basal ovule 

 in Herniarin (Fig. 364), Scleranthux, and others, is also borne on the carpels. 



The vegetative branching is characteristic. One of the leaves in a pair is 

 formed before the other, and has a more vigorous axillary bud ; these stronger 

 leaves stand in a J-spiral, the fifth above the first one, and the branches are 

 consequently arranged in the same manner. In the inflorescence, however, it 

 is the upper or second bracteole (/3) whose axillary bud (w in Fig. 361) is most 

 advanced. The bud of the first bracteole (a) becomes sometimes entirely sup- 

 pressed, or in some this bracteole itself is suppressed. 



FIG. 360. Diagram of Lych- 

 nis : a, (3 bracteoles. 



FIG. 361. A-F Diagrams of flowers of the Caryophyllaceaa : A Agrostemma ; B Sagina; 

 C Stellaria; D Corci'g/ola j E Paronychia; F Herniaria. 



The most original type appears to be represented by the Alsineas. From this 

 form on one side the Sileneaa, adapted in a higher degree for insect-pollina- 

 tiou, are developed, and on the otber side the Paronychiese, with various re- 

 ductions 



i. ALSINE^:, STITCHWORT GROUP. Sepals free, and connected 

 with them stellately expanded, slightly unguiculate (white or in- 



