XIX 



THE CLASSIFICATION OF PLANTS 



253 



Ovary. One-celled ; ovules axile placentation. 



Fruits. A capsule which opens by valves. Seeds with 

 perisperm. 



Pollination. Honey is produced in five nectaries, forming 

 small knobs outside the stamens. The flowers are cross-pol- 



FIG. 245. Stitchwort (Stellaria). A, branch, with inflorescence; B, longitudinal 

 section of flower ; C, corolla, as seen from above ; D, petal ; E, stamen ; F, 

 pistil. (One-fourth nat. size.) 



linated by insects. Some of the flowers never open and are 

 self-pollinated. These are not cleistogamic. 



NOTE. This plant is most variable. In some cases the 

 sepals may be 6. The stamens opposite the petals may be 

 absent, and in a few cases all the stamens may be wanting. 

 The flowers of the Pink, Catchfly, and Campion have the calyx 

 gamosepalous and the petals are clawed. 



Properties. A few plants of this order possess poisonous properties. 

 The most dangerous plants are : Lychnis githago^ the Corn Cockle, 

 which grows in cornfields. Its leaves are very narrow, flowers violet- 



