XX 



THE CLASSIFICATION OF PLANTS 



273 



Corolla. Gamopetalous, 5 lobed, hypogynous ; the lower lip 

 of corolla is longer than the upper lip. 



Andrascium. Free, 4 stamens, didynamous, epipetalous, fila- 

 ments various, anthers 2 lobed. 



Gyncecium. Syncarpous, 2 carpels, superior, style terminal ; 

 stigma 2-fid ; ovary 2-celled ; ovules numerous : axile placenta- 

 tion. 



Fruit. A two-valved capsule. 



Pollination. The flower is protandrous, and is pollinated 

 by humble-bees, which creep into the flower and are dusted 

 with pollen on their backs. 



EXCEPTIONS TO THE ABOVE TYPE. 



Speedwell ( Veronica) Leaves. Opposite ; Inflorescence. Either an 

 axillary or a terminal raceme ; Corolla. Petals 4, lobes unequal ; 



Stamens. 2 only. 



Mullein ( Verbas- 

 cuni ) Stamens. 5 



Properties of 

 Scrophularineae. 

 Several of the plants 

 of this order are 

 poisonous, and are 

 used in medicine. 

 The most poisonous 

 is the Foxglove, all 

 parts of which are 

 poisonous. 

 o 



FIG. 262. Speedwell (Veronica). A, flowering branch ; 

 B, flower ; C, flower, viewed from above ; D, petal ; 

 E, stamens ; F, section of flower. 



FIG. 263. Floral 

 diagram of 

 Speedwell." 



Many of the plants are root -parasites, and are provided with suckers 

 which penetrate into the roots of the host plant, e.g., Yellow Rattle, 

 Cow-Wheat, Eye-bright, and Lousewort. 



