222 FLOWERS OF GARDEN AND GREENHOUSE 
CHILI NETTLES 
Natural Order Loaszea. Genus Loasa 
Loasa (authorities differ as to the significance of the ea: eee: pee: 
variously stated to be derived from the name of a Spanis ae ) i: 
the South American native name, and to be of unknown ee a 
genus includes about fifty species of climbing or pee - harecll 
with stinging hairs. The leaves may be simple or eee i kc 
opposite or alternate. The flowers are somewhat singu eh 1 witha 
The calyx is five-parted ; the petals five, hooded, alterna Fi. fe 
large scales which have three filaments at the back and be pe 
Processes within. Stamens numerous, in bundles opposite 5 a ing 
The ovary is one-celled, ending in a three-lobed stigma, and pie a 
into a large capsule opening by valves. The species are res 
tropical America. ‘ 
ade. 
ollow and conveying some irritating fluid to the wounds they ao ae 
For this reason they are not altogether desirable species for the 
48 some tender-skinne 
and appear in May. Iti 
generally grown as an annual. Half-hardy. talked 
PENTLANDI (Pentland’s). Stems 4 feet high. Leaves s weil 
opposite, sub-erect. Flowers 2 inches across; petals orange tipped V 7 
white, spreading ; May and June. Annual. omee 
L. PRostRATA (prostrate), Stem trailing, flexuous. Leaves 80 is 
