62 MALVACEAE. 



of the cell. Albumen little, miicilaginous or fleshy. Em- 

 bryo abruptly bent (the curvature inferior) so that the flexu- 

 ose-biplicate foliaceous cotyledons are incumbent on the 

 RADICLE, which lies next the inner angle of the carpel and 

 points to its apex ! 



Herbs, or sometimes shrubby plants, with usually undi- 

 vided alternate leaves, narrow stipules, and axillary solitary 

 or clustered flowers. Peduncles articulated. Petals yellow, 

 white, or rarely purple. 



Etymology. An unexplained name, used by Theophrastus and the 

 early botanists. 



Geographical Distribution. Chiefly tropical or subtropical plants, the 

 greater number American. Several species are indigenous in the Southern 

 United States, especially in Texas ; one or two of them occur as weeds in 

 the Northern States, but were probably introduced from the South. 



Note. In the Planta Fendlerianm I have indicated three sections of the 

 genus, but I have not at present the means of ascertaining whether they will 

 embrace all the genuine species known. 



PLATE 12.3. SiDA SPINOSA , Linn. ; — branch in flower, of the natural size. 



1. Diagram of the aestivation of the sepals and petals, and section of the 



ovary (the cells of which are opposite the petals.) 



2. A petal enlarged. 



3. Vertical section of the flower, magnified, displaying the union of the 



base of the petals with the column of stamens, the resupinate- 

 pendulous ovules, capitate stigmas, &.c. 



4. An anther, more magnified. 



5. An ovule detached, more magnified. 



0. Fruit with the persistent calyx, enlarged. 



7. Back view of one of the carpels (dehiscent at the apex). 



8. Vertical section of the same, and of the suspended seed. 



9. Seed entire, magnified. 



10. Embryo detached entire, magnified. 



