28 KEY TO PLANTS. 
longitudinal stigmas or 8 sessile stigmas. 
Stipules usually connate in a tubular 
sheath. Stamens usually 6-9. Ovule 
basal or with a basal funicle. 
Polygonaceae. 
(b) Style 1, undivided (with 1, 2, or more 
stigmas), or 2-partite with longitudinal 
stigmas (on the inner face of the 
branches), or 1-2 sessile stigmas. 24. 
24 (a) Flowers hermaphrodite. Herbs or under- 
shrubs. 25. 
(b) Flowers unisexual, more rarely poly- 
gamous, but then shrubs or trees. 26. 
25 (a) Leaves large, alternate. Flowers race- 
mose. Stamens hypogynous, as many 
as perianth-leaves (4), or more frequently 
more numerous. Style lateral or want- 
ing. Stipules small. Stamens inserted 
upon a small disc. Stigma 1, Ovule 
erect. Phytolaccaceae. 
(>) Leaves small, opposite, rarely the upper- 
most alternate. Flowers solitary or 
cymose. Stamens perigynous, as many 
as perianth-leaves (usually 5) or fewer, 
very seldom more numerous. Style 
terminal. Stipules scarious. Ovule 
upon a basal funicle. Lllecebraceae. 
