TAXONOMY 



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growing also in any alkaline soil, more rarely shrubs (Atriplex) or 

 low trees (Haloxylon). 



Among them are several garden vegetables (Spinach, Beets, 

 Mangels) and a number of weeds. Leaves alternate to opposite 

 sometimes reduced to teeth, entire or lobed. Inflorescence spikes 



FIG. 183. Phytolacca decandra (in foreground), growing in damp woodland. 



or short racemes of condensed cymes. Flowers regular, usually 

 small and greenish. They are either perfect (Beta), monoecious 

 (Cheno podium), dioscious (Atriplex sp.), or polygamous (Kochia). 

 Fruit a utricle. Seed albuminous. 



