112 FAMILIAR WILD FLOWERS. 



the short stock giving forth a number of small tubers. 

 The knotted fig-wort much resembles in its general habit 

 the plant we have figured, though an inspection of the two 

 together would sufficiently illustrate their specific distinc- 

 tion. Its leaves are much more acutely heart-shaped than 

 those of the water fig-wort, and the calyx has only a very 

 narrow margin to the lobes. The stem, too, has not the 

 decided projections at its angles that we see in the plant 

 more especially before us ; and the plant, though found in 

 rather moist, cultivated, or waste ground, and in damp 

 woods, is not distinctly an aquatic, like the water 

 fig-wort. 



The water fig-wort varies so far in foliage and other 

 respects that a variety called the 8. Ehrharti has been 

 recognised; while other writers give it full specific value, 

 and recognise its claim to independent existence as a true 

 species. The rare balm-leaved fig-wort, S. Scorodonia, is 

 another species of the genus that in many respects resembles 

 our plant : in fact, a strong family likeness runs through 

 all the different kinds of fig-wort. 



