DICOTYLEDONOUS PLANTS 51 



wings. This is found in the interior, in alkaline valleys. It is a 

 valuable forage plant. 



(The species of Atriplex are numerous and difficult, also 

 somewhat local, so the rest will be omitted.) 



AMARANTA'CEJE. AMARANTH FAMILY 



Herbs, with small papery flowers surrounded with persist- 

 ent papery bracts. Perianth persistent of from 1 to 5 papery 

 divisions. Stamens as many as the divisions of the perianth, 

 sometimes fewer. Ovary 1-celled and 1-seeded, forming a 

 fruit, which opens like the lid of a box. Seed always ver- 

 tical. Stigmas 2-3, sessile. 



AMARAN'TUS. Amaranth 



Flowers generally monoecious. Perianth of from 3 to 5 

 divisions. Bracts 3 to each flower. Stamens with filaments 

 spreading at base. Stigmas generally 3, forming 3 beaks on 

 the fruit. Seeds brown or black, dropping readily when ripe. 



a. A. retroflex'us L. PIGWEED. Stems stout, erect. Leaves ovate, 

 1-3 in. long, on petioles almost as long. Flowers green, in thick, 

 erect, crowded spikes, either terminal or axillary. Divisions of the 

 perianth 5. A common weed. 



b. A. al'bus L. TUMBLEWEED. Stems light green, branching 

 diffusely from the base, forming a mound-like plant. Leaves spatulate 

 or obovate, often wavy-margined, on slender petioles. Divisions of 

 the perianth 3, pointed, shorter than the fruit. Bracts awl-shaped 

 with stiff points. This forms a tumble weed, and will often be found 

 caught in fences and bushes. Common everywhere. 



NYCTAGINA'CEJE. FOUR-O'CLOCK FAMILY 



Herbs with fragile stems and swollen joints. Leaves 

 opposite, entire, unequal at base. Flowers perfect, several 

 in an involucre resembling a calyx. Perianth corolla-like, 

 showy, the base hardening around the 1-seeded ovary. 



