454 



ASCLEPIADACE^E. 



in North America. The emetic properties of Asclepias curassavica 

 have secured for it the name of Wild Ipecacuanha, in the West Indies. 

 The leaves of Solenostemma (Cynanchum) Argel, are used to adulterate 



Figs. 643-651. Organs of fructification of Asclepias nivea, to illustrate the natural order 

 Asclepiadacese. 



Fig. 643. Diagram of the Flower, with five divisions of the calyx, five segments of the corolla, 

 five stamens, and two ovaries. 



Fig. 644. The entire flower, p, Corolla, with five lobes, a, Appendages forming the staminal 

 crown (corona). 



Fig. 645. The flower viewed from above, p p, Gamopetalous corolla with its five lobes. 

 a a, Appendages forming the corona or crown, g g, Glandular bodies attached to the stigma, 

 and bearing the pollen-masses (pollinia). 



Fig. 646. The flower cut vertically, c, Calyx, p, Corolla, a a. Coronal appendages, e, Sta- 

 mens, o, Ovary, s, Styles which are united at the upper part by means of the large stigma, 

 at the base of which, towards the points p p, the pollen tubes enter. 



Fig. 647. Two pollen-masses, m. attached by two prolongations, q, in the form of a caudicle 

 or tail, to another body, g, formed by the union of two stigmatic glands, p, Pollen-grains with 

 tubes beginning to escape from the masses. 



Fig. 648. One of the pollen-grains, with its tube separated and highly magnified. 



Fig. 649. Fruit at the period of dehiscence. //, Two follicles, p. Placenta, which is de- 

 tached, g, Comose seeds. 



Fig. 650. One of the comose seeds separated, a, The hairy appendage at the hilum. 



Fig. 651. Seed separated from the hairs and cut vertically, t e. External integument. ( i, In- 

 ternal integument, p, Perisperm or thin albumen, e, Embryo, with leafy cotyledons and 

 superior radicle. 



