CURVEMBRYJ;. 



367 



plants. The leaves, in the majority, are opposite, with membran- 

 ous stipules. The flowers are most frequently arranged in small 

 dichasia ; they are small and insignificant, perigynous (Fig. 364) 

 or hypogynous. The corolla is in most cases wanting, and when 

 present is very small ; in general the calyx-stamens are developed, 

 but the corolla-stamens may be represented by small scales (Fig. 

 364). Ovary most frequently with 1 ovule. Fruit, a nut, rarely a 

 capsule ; it is enclosed by the strongly perigynous floral axis 

 (torus). 



Scleranthus (Knapwell) is perigynous with bell-shaped torus ; 

 no corolla; corolla-stamens are wanting or rudimentary; some 

 calyx-stamens may also be absent. Corrigiola (Fig. 361 _D) ; 

 Illecebrum; Paronychia (Fig.. 361 _E7); Herniaria (Figs. 361 F, 364). 



3. SILENE^E, PINK OR CARNATION GROUP. 

 This has a gamosepalous calyx and un- 

 guiculate, white or red, petals, with out- 

 growths (ligule, corona, paracorolla) at the 

 throat of the corolla. These structures 

 are not found in the other groups, and 

 are merely outgrowths at the junction of 

 the limb and claw. The corolla, stamens 

 and ovary are frequently raised above the 

 calyx, upon a lengthened internode (gyno- 

 phore). The flower has S5, P5, A5 + 5; 

 fruit a capsule with many seeds. 



a. 5- (rarely 3-4) carpellate ovary. 

 Lychnis (Campion, Fig. 360). The corolla 

 is longer than the calyx ; corona present. 

 The capsule is 10- or 5-toothed, completely 

 1- chambered or 5 -chambered at the 

 base, the genus has been divided accord- 

 ingly into several genera : Melandrium 



Lychnis, Viscaria. Some species are unisexual by the abortion of stamens 

 or carpels (L. vespertina, diurna). Agrostemma (A. githago, Corn-cockle, 

 Fig. 361 A) has a long- toothed calyx, the teeth exceeding the 

 corolla; corona absent ; o-toothed capsule. 



b. Tricarpellate. Silene (Catch-fly). Six-toothed capsule ;. 

 corona present in the majority. Cucubalus has berry -like fruits which. 

 finally become dry but do not dehisce. 



C. Bicarpellate (2 styles, 4-toothed capsule). Dianthus (Pink) ;. 

 at the base of the calyx 1-several pairs of floral-leaves are situated j 



FIG. 364. Herniaria glalra : 

 (^flower; b 1 longitudinal gec- 

 tion through the flower; c 1 stig- 

 ma with two pollen-grains. 



W. B. 



BB 



