342 



NATURAL HISTORY OF PLANTS. 



ranean as generically distinct, under tlie name of Jrcmonia} (figs. 

 3S5-337). Its fiowers have often only five alternipetalous stamens, 

 and are surrounded by a membranous sac, with laciniate edges, 

 embracing the summit of the pedicel, closely applied to the floral 

 receptacle (fig. 387), and formed of two connate bracts accompanying 



Agrimonia (Aremonia) agrimonioidea. 



Fio. 387. 

 Longitudinal section of flower. 



each of the flowers. These are borne on pedicels arranged in a 

 short small cluster, terminated by a fiower. Thus we see that 

 authors have been justified in restoring' Aremonia to the genus 

 Ar/riiiionia, of which it only constitutes a small section. From its 

 rliizome arise in spring small herbaceous branches, bearing several 

 trilolioliite leaves, each with two lateral stipules. The inik)rescence 

 is terminal in the first instance, but from the axils of the loaves 

 may spring younger and ])oorer clusters of flowers. 



Thus constituted, the genus A(jrimonia consists of only about half 

 a do7.en species. These plants may be considered as closely related 

 to the Hoses in the general organization of their flowers and fruits ; 



' Nkck., Elev>., n. TOK.— DC, Vrudr., 11. 

 r,HH. — Kndl., Oen., n. <>:W'i!). — Si'acii, A'urV. « 

 liuffitn, i. 453. — PaYKU, Orgnnog., 507, t. ci., f. 

 13-20. — Amonia Nkhtl., J^ot., 17. — SjmUmt- 



zania POLI-., /'/. Sor. Hurt. J'rroii., l(t; (ilurit. 

 Fu.rar. (IHIO), 187. ic 



* SiiiTH., Fl. Urac, t. 15S.— U. H.. Uen., 

 Cl'3, n. :,'2. 



