130 DE CANDOLLE'S SYSTEM. 



acid pulp, on account of which they are served up at dessert. 

 The root of the first species is emetic and narcotic ; and simi- 

 lar properties are ascribed to that of P. rubra, which is called 

 in Jamaica Dutchman's laudanum. P. foetida has some 

 reputation as an emmenagogue. 



TYPICAL GENERA. Passiflora, Tacsonia. 



70. Turnemcea. Herbaceous plants. Leaves alternate, 

 without stipules, with occasionally two glands at the apex 

 of the petiole. Calyx often cploured, with 5 lobes, imbri- 

 cated. Petals 5, equal, twisted. Stamens distinct. Ovary 

 with 3 placentae; ovules indefinite; styles 3 or 6, cohering 

 more or less. Capsule 3-valved, the valves bearing the pla- 

 centas in the middle. Seeds with a thin aril on one side ; 

 embryo in the middle of fleshy albumen. 



USES. Unknown. 



TYPICAL GENUS. Turnera. 



71. Portwlacacea. Succulent shrubs or herbs. Leaves 

 without stipules, or sometimes with membranous ones. Flow- 

 ers usually ephemeral. Sepals 2. Petals generally 5. Sta- 

 mens inserted irregularly into the calyx, or hypogynous, 

 variable in number. Ovary 1 -celled ; style single, stigmas 

 several. Capsule 1-celled. Seeds attached to a central pla- 

 centa. Embryo curved round the albumen. 



USES. Insipid plants, occasionally employed as esculents, 

 as in the case of Portulaca oleracea, the common Purslane. 



TYPICAL GENERA. Calandrinia, Montia. 



72. Illvcebracea. Herbaceous or half shrubby plants, with 

 scarious stipules. Flowers minute, with scarious bracts. Se- 

 pals 3, 4, or 5. Petals minute. Stamens definite. Ovary 

 superior; styles 2-5. Fruit dry, 1-3-celled. Seeds upon a 

 central placenta ; embryo on one side of the albumen. 



USES. Unimportant weeds ; said to be slightly astringent. 



TYPICAL GENERA. Herniaria, Illecebrum. 



73. Scleranthacea. Small herbs. Leaves opposite, with- 

 out stipules. Flowers axillary, sessile, minute, hermaphro- 

 dite. Calyx 4- or 5-toothed. Stamens from 1 to 10. Ovary 

 simple, superior, 1-seeded. Fruit a utricle enclosed within the 



