220 



SYSTEMATIC BOTANY. 



Distribution. An Order consisting of several genera and a large number 

 of species, for the most part natives of temperate and cold climates, extend- 

 ing to the Arctic regions and to almost the extreme limit attained by 

 flowering plants on mountains. 



Qualities and Uses. The plants of this Order are generally devoid of 

 active properties some of them containing more or less of a deleterious 

 principle, called saponine^ as Saponaria, Af/rostemma, Silene, &c. ; and 

 Gypsophila Struthium, the Egyptian Soap-root, derives its name from its 

 saponaceous properties ; this substance is generally most abundant in 

 the roots. The genus Dianthus, or Pink, is remarkable for the beauty of 

 its flowers ; D. barbatus is the Sweet William ; J}. plumarius is the parent 

 of the varieties of Garden Pink ; D. Caryophyllus (the Clove-Pink) of the 

 Carnation and its varieties. Lychnis and Silene also aftbrd handsome 

 garden plants. A large proportion of the Plants of this Order are insig- 

 nificant weeds. 



MALVACEAE. THE MALLOW ORDER. 



CoJi. Malvales, Benth. et Hook. 



Diciynosis. Herbs or shrubs with alternate stipulate leaves often 

 covered with soft down and regular flowers ; calyx valvate, and 



Fig. 358. 



Fig. 358 a, flower of Mallow, longitudinal section; b, andrcecium; c, calyx and fruit; </, 

 carpel detached ; e, carpel cut open to show embryo ; /, diagram of flower, with 

 three bracteolee, five sepals, five petals, five compound stamens, and ten carpels. 



corolla convolute in aestivation ; stamens numerous, monadelphous 

 in a tube which is adherent below to the short claws of the petals ; 

 anthers ultimately 1-celled, or always 2-celled. 



