KEY TO FAMILIES 



The perianth is altogether wanting (A) ; or consists of a 

 single series (a calyx which is sometimes corolla-like) (B) ; or of 

 a double series (calyx, and corolla of separate petals) with superior 

 ovary (C). 



[The figures refer to the number of the family.] 



A. Perianth wanting. 



Flowers hermaphrodite : 1. 

 Flowers unisexual. 

 Perianth wanting in both male and female flowers.* 

 Flowers on globose receptacles with peltate bracts : 8 (Brosimum). 

 Flowers in catkins. Fruit a capsule : 3a. 

 Flowers in spikes. Fruit a drupe, waxy outside : 4. 

 Perianth wanting in female flowers only. 

 Fungus-like fleshy herbs, without chlorophyll, parasitic on roots : 12. 

 Flowers in strobiles : 6. 

 Flowers in axillary clusters with large ferruginous bracts, female 



flower with long filiform persistent style : 9 [Phenax). 

 Flowers in axillary clusters, female flower enclosed by 2 bracts : 



15 [Atriplex). 

 Flowers in clusters in spikes, female flower surrounded by the 

 persistent bract and bracteoles : 16 {Acnidd). 

 Perianth wanting in male flowers only. » 



Male flowers in heads surrounded by involucral bracts : 8 {Psevdol- 



media). 

 Stipules united into a sheath enclosing the stem : 2. 



B. Perianth of a single series (the calyx, which however is sometimes 

 coloured like a corolla, or the corolla in some Loranthacese). 



Flowers hermaphrodite. 

 Flowers large, or of moderate size, and showy. 



Perianth large, coloured, irregular, tubular, constricted above the 



ovary, prolonged into a limb : 13. 

 Perianth large, coloured or white, regular. 

 Herb : 17 (Mirabilis). 

 Woody climber : 25 {Clematis). 



* An inconspicuous perianth occurs in the female flower of 2, and in 

 8 (Dorstenia). 



