xx THE CLASSIFICATION OF PLANTS 267 



Fruit. The fruit is a one-sided indehiscent achene and 

 carries a pappus of hairs, which is a modified calyx. 



Pollination. The description of the pollination of the Daisy 

 holds good for the Dandelion. 



FIG. 256. Dandelion (T. Dens-leonis). i, Two inflorescences and a leaf; 2, a 

 flower ; 3, fruit ; 4, receptacle, with one fruit. (S.) 



Properties of Compositae. Many are used in medicine, and a few 

 only are poisonous. Lactuca virosa> the Lettuce, contains an ill- 

 smelling latex which is slightly poisonous. 



Further remarks on the Compositae. This order is the largest in 

 the vegetable kingdom, and the best defined of all the natural orders. 

 There are some 12,000 species, all agreeing in having their flowers in 

 heads and their stamens syngenesious. A few plants of this order are 



