42 CARYOPHYLLACE^. 



Herbs of diverse habit, with opposite or rarely verticil- 

 late leaves, and variously cymose flowers. Stipules none. 

 Petals white, rose-color, or purple. 



Etymology. The name is said to be derived from alaXov, saliva, in allu- 

 sion to the viscid exudation of many species ; — from which the English 

 name of Catch-fly is also derived. 



Geographical Distribution, &c. The Mediterranean basin is the great 

 focus, not only of this large genus, but of the whole pink tribe : a few be- 

 long to the warmer temperate region of North America, but a greater number 

 of them are Western. Some are arctic or alpine. Silene is, also, the sole 

 genus of its tribe indigenous to the United States : but several species of 

 Lychnis, Saponaria, and Dianthus ornament our gardens ; and one, the 

 Lychnis Githago ( Corn- Cockle), is a well-known weed in grain-fields. 



Properties. The root of Silene Virginica, a species allied to that here 

 figured, has some reputation as an anthelmintic. Some species are homely 

 weeds ; others bear handsome flowers. 



PLATE 115. Silene Pennsylvanica, Michx.; — of the natural size. 



1. Diagram of the flower, with a section of the ovary towards the base. 



2. Vertical section of the flower enlarged, displaying its organs. 



3. A detached pistil entire, enlarged. 



4. A magnified stamen, seen from the outside. 



5. The same, seen from within. 



6. An ovule detached and more magnified. 



7. Dehiscent capsule, in the calyx, of the natural size. 



8. Vertical section of the same enlarged, showing the stipe, seeds, &c. 



9. A magnified seed. 



10. Vertical section of the same through the embryo, albumen, &,c. 



