484 GERANIALES. [Hvpogynous Exogens. 





Alliance XXXVI. GERANIALES.— The Geranial Alliance. 



Diagnosis.— Hypogynous Exogens, with monodichlamydeous, symmetrical flowers, axde 

 placenta, cm imbricated calyx, a twisted corolla, definite stamens,and an embryo with 

 little or no albumen. 



If we seek for a positive character by which the present Alliance may be known 

 from its relations, we shall find it in the combination of three circumstances, viz : a 

 definite number of stamens, an imbricated calyx, and a twisted corolla. Malvals have 

 a twisted corolla, but their stamens are usually indefinite and their calyx is always 

 valvate ; for which latter reason Indian Cresses are removed from the Geranial Alliance. 

 Ratals have definite stamens and an imbricated calyx, but their corolla is imbricated, 



not twisted. . . ,,.,.,., 



The only doubtful Order of the Alliance is that of Chlenads, which in habit is Una 

 some Sterculiads ; but it corresponds with Balsams in then- unsymmetrical flowers, and 

 it has not a stronger relation to any Malval than to the Order of Geranials. CMenadfl 

 may perhaps be regarded as a kind of approach on the part of Geranials to the Mahal 

 Alliance. 



Natural Orders of Geranials. 



Flowers symmetrical. Styles distinct. Carpels longer than lhe\ lg3 LlNACE/E . 



torus. Seeds with little or no albumen • • -J 



Flowers regular, unsymmetrical, with a permanent cup-like *»w-~l i84. Chl.exaci: : . 



lucre. Stamens monadelphous. Albumen abundant . . . .] 

 Flowers symmetrical. Styles distinct. Carpels longer than the] lg5 Oxalidack.k. 



torus. Seeds with abundant albumen ......... J 



Flowers very irregular and unsymmetrical, without an involucre. \^q^ Balsaminace.c. 



Stamens distinct. Albumen none .J 



Flowers usually symmetrical. Styles and carpels combined round \ ^ Geraniace.e. 



a long beaked torus • • • J 



Note —Many observations "and suggestions respecting the limits of 

 M. Planchon, will be found in the London Journal of Botany, Vols. VI. and VI 



of these Orders, by 

 I. 



