230 PORTULACACK.E. 



Etymology. An unexplained name. 



Geographical Distribution, &c. A genus evidently allied to Portu- 

 laca, notwithstanding the 5-sepalous calyx, &c, composed of a few spe- 

 cies of strictly maritime plants, which arc principally tropical ; but two or 

 more species inhabit the coast of the Southern States, and even extend 

 northward, it is said, as far as New Jersey. The species figured is re- 

 markable for having the minimum number of stamens. 



PLATE 100. Sesuvium pentandrum, Ell. ; — New Orleans, Drummond. 



1. Diagram of the flower. 



2. Calyx, with the stamens, detached and laid open ; magnified. 



3. A magnified stamen, inside view. 



4. Pistil, magnified. 



5. Vertical section through the ovary and calyx, &c. 



6. Capsule (pyxis) magnified, the persistent calyx spread open, the lid 



raised up, showing the seeds. 



7. A seed, more magnified. 



8. Section of the same, showing the embryo curved around the albumen. 



