ROSALES 



501 



Stamens inserted on the calyx, stipulate Rosaceae 



Calyx more or less coherent with the compound ovary Rosaceae (Pomeae) 



Fig. 251. Red Gum (Liquidamber Styraciflua). Furnishes 



wood. 



commercial 



CRASSUI.ACEAE DC. Orpine Family 



Succulent herbs; leaves generally sessile without stipules; flowers small, 

 symmetrical, usually cymose; petals and sepals equal in number, from 3-20; 

 stamens as many or twice the number ; pistils distinct, fewer than the sepals ; 

 receptacle usually with small scales 1 back of each carpel ; fruit a dry dehiscent 

 follicle ; usually many seeded. This is a small family of about 50 species, many 

 being found in dry soils, rocks, etc. in North Temperate regions. A few of the 

 species are cultivated for ornamental purposes, among these being the Rochea 

 coccinea of the Cape of Good Hope, whose flowers have narcotic properties; 

 poisoning sometimes resulting from smelling them. Some of the Crassulaceae 

 contain crassulacic and malic acids. The Cotyledon ventricosa of South 

 Africa is said to produce the Xenta disease of that region, although this is 

 usually ascribed to some members of the Pulse family and is probably identical 

 with loco disease. The leaves of wild tea (Catha edulis), according to Bull. 

 Miscellaneous Information of Kew Gardens, when chewed are said to have 

 great sustaining powers. 



Sedum (Tourn.) L. Stone Crop 



Flesh)', smooth herbs, mostly perennials, with alternate leaves; flowers 

 cymose, perfect or dioecious; calyx 4-5-lobed; petals 4-5, distinct; stamens 8-10, 

 perigynous; pistils 4-5, distinct or united at the base; styles short; follicles 

 many-seeded. About 150 species, mostly of temperate and cooler regions of the 

 northern hemisphere. A few are cultivated for ornamental purposes. There 

 are several somewhat weedy species as S. purpureum and mossy stone crop (S. 

 acre), the latter native to Europe but escaped to roadsides in the East. It has 

 acrid properties, which is also true of the live-forever, a plant of the Rocky 

 Mountains. 



