78 MALVACEAE, TILIACE^E. [CHAP. 



MALVACEAE. 



Of this order we have three British genera, Lava- 

 tera, Althaea and Malva, with respectively one, two, 

 and three specific forms. In the intoductory chapter, 

 I have already called attention to the structure of the 

 Mallow, with especial reference to the differences 

 existing between Malva sylvestris (Figs. 43 and 45) 

 and M. rotundifolia (Figs. 44 and 46). The honey 

 glands are five in number, at the base of the flower. 

 Althaea and Lavatera are said to agree in general 

 structure with Malva. 



TILIACE^E. 



Of this order we have in England only one species, 

 the Common Lime ( Tilia Europcza), which, however, 

 is not a native species. The flowers are very sweet, 

 and great favourites with bees. Their abundance 

 and the size of the tree render colour unnecessary. 

 The honey is secreted by the sepals, and is accessible 

 even to short-lipped insects ; while, as the flowers 

 hang down, it is completely protected from rain. 

 The stamens are numerous, but, as Hildebrand has 

 pointed out, they have shed their pollen before the 

 stigma is mature, and the flower is therefore incapable 

 of self-fertilisation. The visits of insects are very 

 numerous, and yet in this country the Lime seldom 

 produces ripe seed. 



