42 RANTJNCULACE/E. 



testa conformed to the nucleus. Embryo minute at the base 

 of the fleshy albumen : radicle next the hilum. 



Herbs, with upright and usually branching stems, alter- 

 nate and palmately five-parted or bi - triternately dissected 

 leaves, and showy flowers, commonly in a terminal raceme 

 or panicle. Petioles dilated at the base. Pedicels often 

 bracteolate. Roots annual, biennial, or perennial, then fre- 

 quently fasciculate-thickened. 



Etymology. The ancient name, from 8e\<f>lv, a dolphin ; in allusion to 

 the shape of the flowers. 



Properties. Acrid and bitter, especially the seeds. — The active prop- 

 erties are owing to a peculiar principle, called delp/nnia, which especially 

 abounds in D. Staphysagria, L., of Southern Europe. The seeds of this 

 species, under the name of stavesacre, have long been used as a popular 

 remedy against parasitic vermin. — Several very ornamental species of Lark- 

 spur are common in cultivation. 



Geographical Distribution. A genus of about 70 known species, dis- 

 tributed throughout the northern temperate zone, chiefly in the warmer and 

 unwooded portions. 



PLATE 15. Delphinium tricorne, Michx. (from Ohio) ; — natural size, 

 but shortened ; showing both flowers and fruit. 



1. Flower with the sepals detached and displayed. 



2. One of the upper petals, a little enlarged. 



3. One of the lower petals ; inside view. 



4. A stamen, enlarged. 



5. The pistils and receptacle, magnified. 



6. Transverse section of an ovary, magnified. 



7. Vertical section of the same. 



8. A seed, magnified. 



9. Vertical section of the same, displaying the minute embryo at the base 



of the albumen. 



