166 VITACE^. 



quinquefoliolate ; the leaflets oblong, acuminate, coarsely 

 serrate. Peduncles and tendrils opposite the leaves. Flow- 

 ers perfect, small, greenish, in paniculate cymes. Berries 

 dark-colored. 



Etymology. The name is compounded of cifiTreXos, the Greek name of 

 the Vine, and o\//tj, likeness. 



Geographical Distribution, &c. This genus, as here restricted, em- 

 braces only a single species, the well-known Virginian Creeper, which is 

 common throughout the originally forest region of Eastern North America, 

 from Canada to Florida and Texas. It is distinguished equally from Vitis 

 and from Cissus (if the latter be admitted as a genus) by the total absence 

 of any hypogynous disk or glands. 



Properties. This common vine is used in this country as a substitute 

 for Ivy, to mantle walls, &c., over which it spreads rapidly and luxuriantly. 

 The bright green foliage, as well as the pedicels of the fruit, turn to a deep 

 crimson in autumn. The berries are eaten by birds. 



PLATE 162. Ampelopsis quinquefolia, Mkhx.; — a flowering branch, 

 of the natural size. 



1. Diagram of the flower. 



2. A flower-bud, enlarged. 



3. An expanded flower, enlarged. 



4. A stamen, more magnified, inside view. 



5. The same, seen from the outside. 



6. Vertical section of a flower, magnified. 



7. Two berries, with their stalks, of the natural size. 



8. Vertical section of a berry, magnified, dividing one seed. 



9. A detached seed, more magnified. 



10. A transverse section of the same. 



11. An embryo, highly magnified, the cotyledons a little opened. 



