58 



NATURAL HISTORY OF PLANTS. 



IV. PODOPHYLLUM SEEIES. 



The genus Podophyllum} (figs. 70, 71) has been placed by various 

 authors in very different orders, and is in fact as closely allied to 

 Berberidacea as to Ranunculacea, and perhaps to Papaveracece through 

 Sanguinaria and Jefersonia. Several authors have attempted to cut 

 the knot by making a distinct group Podopliyllaceae. In any case, 

 even if it be made an abnormal series of Berberidacea, it has regular 



Podophyllum peltatum {May Apple). 



Fig. 70. 

 Habit &). 



hermaphrodite flowers. On the conical receptacle are inserted s 

 calyx, a double corolla, two verticils of stamens, and a gynseceum 

 The calyx consists of from three to six free imbricated caducou; 

 petals. With these alternate the three imbricated petals oftheoute 

 corolla. The inner corolla consists of from four to six petals. J 

 six be the number, each of the petals is replaced by a pair of leaves; 



1 L., Gen., n. 646.— Adans., Fam. des PI., ii. n. 4806.— B. H., Gen., 45, 965, n. 18.— H. T., 



432. — J., Gen., 235.— Lamk., Bid., v. 445 ; III., in Adansonia, ii. 275, 282, 284, 289. — +a- 



t. 449.— DC, Syst., ii. 33 ; Prodr., i. 111. — podophyllum T., Inst., 239, t. 122. 

 Spach, Suit, a Suffon, viii. 70. — Endl., Gen., 



