WHITE FLOWERS 



31 



pairs, ovate and bright green : the flowers occur singly in the 

 leaf axils, as well as in little groups at the tips of the stems ; 

 they are small, and the petals, which are hidden in the calyx, 

 are cleft in two almost to the base : flowers throughout the year. 



46. Greater Stitchwort. 



47. Pearlwort. 



46. Greater Stitchwort, Stellaria Holostea, Pink family. A 

 handsome, early summer plant : the weak stems, about 1 to 2 ft. 

 long, generally grow in the rough grass 

 of hedges and banks, which supports 

 them : the leaves are in pairs, lance- 

 shaped, drawn out, and rough ; flowers 

 large, white, in terminal groups : the 

 Lesser Stitchwort is a more slender plant 

 flowering in summer : the Marsh Stitch- 

 wort is found in wet places, and has quite 

 small flowers. 



47- Pearlwort, Sagina nodosa, Pink 

 family. The steins occur in a group, are 

 at first prostrate, and then rise to a height 

 of 3 to 4 ins., bearing each 1 to 3 flowers : 

 the flowers are large, delicate, and white : 

 the leaves are short and narrow, and oc- 

 cur 2 to 4 together on the stems : a fresh 

 little plant, common in moist places, 

 flowering in summer : it has one or two 

 similar relatives, with inconspicuous 

 flowers having only 4 stamens, 



48. Spurrey, Spergula arvensis, Pink family. The stem is 

 about 1 ft. high, with whorls of long narrow leaves, each with a 



48. Spurrey. 



