NUCUL1FER.E. 



537 



the centre of the lobes and at their base, " gynobasic " (Figs. 575, 

 579). A ring-like, often crenate, nectary surrounds the base of 

 the ovary (Fig. 575 G, H). The embryo in this order, as in the 

 Verbenacece, is directed downwards (Fig. 575 7) (it is directed up- 

 wards in the Boraginacece, which have an entirely similar fruit). 

 Endosperm absent. 



FIG. 575. Thymus vulgaris. 



The 142 genera are mainly distinguished according to the form of the calyx 

 and corolla, the number, direction, and length of the stamens, the forms of 

 the nuts, etc. 



I. AJUGEJ:, BUGLE GROUP. Calyx 10-nerved ; the upper lip 

 is small ; 4 stamens. The ovary is not so strongly lobed as in the 

 following group, so that it is most nearly allied to the Verbenacece. 

 The nuts are reticulately wrinkled. Ajuga (Bugle) has a very 



