xx THE CLASSIFICATION OF PLANTS 277 



Perianth. The male flower possesses no perianth ; the 

 stamens are fixed on a bract. 



The female flower possesses a minute gamophyllous perianth 

 inserted on the ovary and therefore epigynous. 



Androecium. Male flower free, 4, united to bract, each 

 anther is deeply lobed, so that there appear to be eight 

 stamens. 



Gyncedum. Female flower syncarpous, carpels 2, inferior 

 style long, stigmas red ; the ovules develop after pollination. 



Frtdt. -A nut. 



Pollination. The Hazel and its relations are pollinated by 

 the wind. That this may take place without difficulty the 

 flowers are produced before the foliage leaves. The Hazel 

 flowers in February, March, and early April. 



Properties of Cupuliferae. The bark of a few species of Oak, and 

 acorns, are used in medicine. The plants of the order are harmless, and 

 their properties are unimportant. 



Economic importance of Cupuliferae. This order is of great economic 

 value. The wood of the Oak is used very largely because of its hard- 

 ness, density, and durability. Its bark and acorn cupules are used for 

 tanning. Cork is also obtained from the Oak. The Beech produces 

 seeds Beech Nuts from which oil is obtained. The Hazel produces 

 nuts which are largely used for food. The seeds of the Chestnut 

 are edible, and form a most important article of food in die South of 

 Europe. 



Class : MONOCOTYLEDONS. 

 Sub-class : Petaloidese. 



Natural Order : Liliacese (Lily Family). The plants of 

 this order are succulent herbs with perennial bulbs or rhizomes. 

 The leaves are generally long, narrow, and entire. The 

 inflorescence may be solitary or a raceme. The flowers are 

 large, actinomorphic and coloured. The perianth consists of 

 six leaves arranged in two series. The 6 stamens are arranged 

 in two series. The pistil is syncarpous, carpels 3, ovary 

 superior, style unbranched, stigmas 3-fid, ovules in axile 

 placentation. The fruit is a capsule. 



Floral Formula. [V $ + 3, A3 -f 3] 6(3). 



Description of a Typical Flower of the Order 

 Liliacese. (Hyacinthus Nonscriptus, Wild Hyacinth or 

 Bluebell.) 



