DICOTYLEDONES 



451 



genera e.g. Lysimachia (Fig. 439, D), Dodecatheon (Fig. 439, A), Cyclamen, 

 and others. Plumbago Capensis is sometimes cultivated. 



Order III. Ebenales 



The third order of isocarpous Sympetalse comprises, for the most part, only 

 tropical forms. The Persimmon (Diospyros Virginiana, Fig. 440) represents 

 the Ebony family, Ebenacese. The other native representatives of the order are 

 confined to a few southern types e.g. species of Bumelia, Symplocos, and 

 Styrax. 



yy 



E 



FIG. 441. A, B, Chionanthus Virginica. C, D, Spigeliu Marylandica. E, F, 

 Gentiana crinita. G, H, Apocynum androsaBmifolium. I, J, Asclepias Cornuti. 

 I, section of the flower. J, pollinia. an, stamens; p, pollinium; gy, stigma. 



Order IV. Contortae 



The Contortse include several families of anisocarpic forms, all having the 

 carpels two in number, and united into a compound ovary, which may be supe- 

 rior, but is more often inferior. The flowers are commonly pentamerous, but 

 may have the parts varying from two to six. The corolla lobes are commonly 

 convolute in the bud (hence the name), but may be valvate or imbricate. Ex- 

 ceptionally, the flowers may have the petals free, or even wanting. The flowers 

 are almost always actinomorphic, and often very showy. The plants are either 



