244 



WEEDS AXD USEFUL PLANTS. 



355 



3. ECHINOSPER'MUM, Swartz. STICKSEED. 



[Greek, Echinos, a hedgehog, and sperma, seed ; from the prickly nutlets.] 



Corolla salver-form, about the length of the calyx ; lobes rounded ; the 

 throat closed with 5 short scales. Stamens included. Nutlets erect, fixed 

 laterally to the base of the style or central column, triangular or com- 

 pressed, the back armed with 1-3 rows of prickles which are barbed at 

 the apex, otherwise naked. Rough-hairy greyish herbs, with small blue 

 flowers in bracted racemes. 

 1. E. Lap'pula, Lehm. Stem paniculately branched above ; leaves lanceo- 



FIG. 155. Corn Gromwell (Lithospermum arvense). 156. The fruit of 4 smooth nutlets, 

 enlarged. 



