330 



THE CROWFOOT FAMILY 



102. The vegetative organs compared. Let us begin by 

 comparing the marsh-marigold as a type of the family with 

 the other representatives here illustrated. This plant we 



Fig. 283. — Christmas Rose and Mouse-tail (Hcllcborus niger and Myosurus 

 minimus. Crowfoot Family, Raiiunculacece). 1, Flowering plant of 

 Christmas rose, J. 2, flowering plant of mouse-tail, §, with flower, en- 

 larged, above. (Kerner.) — -The Christmas rose is a perennial herb, 

 about 30 cm. tall; leaves evergreen, glossy; flowers white or pinkish; 

 fruit dry. Native home, Europe. The mouse-tail is an annual with 

 greenish flowers and dry fruit. Native to Eurasia, Northern Africa, 

 Australia, and North America. 



know to be an herb (see page 198) because the i)arts above 

 ground are too tender and succulent to live through the 

 winter. The roots do persist however, and serve as store- 

 houses for food which the plant uses in the following spring. 



