246 



POLYPETALOUS OKDEES. 



none. Stamens numerous, distinct. Carjpels numerous, 1-celled, 

 distinct, or united into a single, many-celled carpel. Seeds nu- 

 merous, erect or pendulous ; albumen horny ; einbryo minute, 

 at the base of the albumen, cordate. 



* a. Properties : Plants of this order are acrid, and more or less poisonous. The 

 acridity is frequently volatile, and disappears when the plants are dried or heated. 

 Some are valuable as dyes, and some ai-e beautiful as ornamental flowers. 



Genera. — Clematis, Thalictrum, Anemone, Hepatica. Hydrastis, Adonis, Myo- 

 suros, Ranunculus, Caltha, Trollius, Helleborus, Coptis, Nigella, Aquilegia, Delphi- 

 nium, Aconitum, Acttea, Macrotrys, Cimicifuga, Xanthorhiza, Paeonia, Podophyllum, 

 Jeffersonia, Nectris, 



Fig. 166, a. Ranunculus 5i(Z6ow5 (bulbous crowfoot); 6, Pistil of Ranunculus 

 rcptans ; c, a perpendicular section of one of its carpels ; d, a similar section of its 

 ripe achajuium. 



Fi-. 166. Fig. 167. 



Fig. 167, a, Aquilegia vulgaris {gSLrden columbine); 6, a pistil magnified, the 

 ovary divided longitudinally ; c, a seed magnified ; d, a vertical section of the same 

 ■towing the cordate embryo at the base of the albumen. 



Fi?. 168. 



Fig. 169. 



