XIX 



THE CLASSIFICATION OF PLANTS 



249 



Ranunculus. All species are more or less poisonous. The Celery - 

 leaved Crowfoot is probably most poisonous. K. acris frequently 

 causes poisoning in cattle. The Marsh Marigold is a source of danger 

 to children, who are attracted by its large yellow flowers. 



All species of Anemone and Helleborus are poisonous. 



FIG. 240. Monkshood (Aconitum). (One-third nat. 

 size). (S.) 



FIG. 241. Floral 

 diagram of Cruciferae. 



Natural Order : Cruciferae. (Wallflower Family). The 

 plants of this order have either radical or cauline leaves, which 

 are exstipulate. The flowers are in racemes and are cruciform. 

 Sepals 2 + 2, the two lateral ones saccate. Petals 4, Stamens 

 6, tetradynamous. Pistil syncarpous, carpels 2. Ovary two- 

 celled. Ovules numerous, parietal placentation. Fruit either 

 a siliqua or silicula. 



NOTE. This is the only order with tetradynamous stamens. 



Floral formula. -K2 + 2, C4, A2 + 4,6(2). 



