SECT. II 



PHANEROGAMIA 



577 



C. vitalba is one of our few native lianes. The achenes of the species of Clematis 

 and of many kinds of Anemone are provided with hairy or feathery appendages, 

 which facilitate their distribution by the wind. The floral axis in the Mouse-tail 

 (Myosurus) is greatly elongated and the spiral arrangement of the small achenes 

 upon it is very evident. ThaMctrum has large, showy stamens, and the perianth 



is readily shed (on apogamy in this 

 genus, cf. p. 514). Caltha pulustris, 

 the Marsh Marigold (Fig. 561), is 

 one of the most conspicuous sjiring 

 flowers in damp meadows. Perianth 

 simple, bright yellow. Leaves cor- 

 date or reniform, short-stalked, with 

 erect sheathing base. Fruit com- 





Fig. 561. — Caltlia ^xilustris (§ nat. size 

 Poiso.vora. 



Fig. 562. — HeUchoius foetidus (J uat. size). 

 Poisoxous. 



posed of follicles. Relleborus foetidus (Fig. 562) has firm palmately divided 

 leaves. The prominent inflorescence bears in January or February greenish 

 flowers which stand in the axils of the broadly sheathing, three -toothed 

 bracts, and are spirally constructed throughout. The five large sepals persist 

 until the fruit is ripe. The petals, which are usually thirteen in number, have 

 the form of tubular, two-lipped nectaries. Numerous stamens. Carpels 3-5, 

 developing into follicles. Hellehurus niger, from the south-eastern Alps, flowers in 

 autumn and winter and is commonly cultivated. Hellehorus viridis. All three 



2 F 



