Polygonum 



POLYGONACE/E 



109 



2. POLYGONUM L. 



Herbs, sometimes shrubby at base. Leaves alternate. Flowers 

 clustered on spike-like racemes, sometimes panicled [or capitate 

 in corymbs]. Perianth deeply 5-lobed, coloured. Stamens 8-6, 

 inserted on the perianth. Styles 2 or 3 united below ; stigmas 

 capitate entire. Nut small. Embryo excentric in endosperm ; 

 cotyledons narrow. 



Species about 150, widely dispersed through the whole world. 



A, Leaf and flower-spikes. 



B, Portion of flower-spike 



C, Perianth cut open. 



D, Seamen. 



Fig. ZZ.— Polygonum punctatum'RW. . 



E, Nut. 



F, Do. in transverse section ; e, endo- 

 spemi ; e, embryo. 



§ 1. Flower-clusters in spike-Uke racemes. 

 Stipules setose-ciliate. 



Glandular-punctate on calyx and stipules. 



Stipules puberulous 1. P. punctatum. 



Not glandular. Stipules hispid 2. P. acuminatum. 



Stipules not setose-ciliate. 



Glandular-hispidulous on young branches and 

 peduncles. Leaves linear or linear-lanceo- 

 late 3. P. m£xicanum. 



Glabrous. Leaves lanceolate 4,. P. gldbrum. 



[§ 2. Flowers capitate in corymbs P. chinense.] 



