14 THE TASMANIAN FLORA. 



1. CLAYTONIA. 



Petals 5. Stamens 5, opposite and. somewliat adhering to the petals. Pistil 

 quite superior. Fruit capsular. . 



A common genus of the Northern Hemisphere, but one species in the 

 Southern. 



C. AtrsTBALASiCA, ^. A Small Creeping and tufted perennial. Leaves alternate,, 

 linear to spathulate, often fleshy in alpine swamps, 1-3 inches long, insertion 

 broadened, scarious, and sheathing. Tlowers solitary or few, pink or white, long 

 stalked. Petals 2-4 lines long, spreading. 



Yery common marsh plant ; also extra-tropical Australia and New Zealand. 

 Fl. spring and summer. 



2. CALANDRINIA. 



Petals usually 5. Stamens usually exceeding the petals in number, and when 

 they agree they do so inconsistently. 



A large genus of the warmer parts of both Hemispheres. Artificially 

 distinct from Claytonia, with which von Mueller unites it. 



Flowers on comparatively long stalks. Sepals broad, 



but pointed ... ... ... ... ... ... 1. C. calyptrata. 



Flowers short-stalked. Sepals blunt... ... ... 2. C.pygmaea. 



1. 0. CALTPTEATA, H . A small annual, decumbent or ascending, 2-8 inches. 

 Leaves succulent, linear to spathulate, alternate, |-2 inches long, base not 

 sheathing. Flowers long-stalked, not numerous, in long irregular racemes. 

 Sepals broad, pointed. Petals 1-2 lines long, erect, persistent, often 5, but not 

 consistently so. Stamens variable in number, often 5. Claytonia calyptraia, 

 F. V. M. 



Common in dry but somewhat shaded places, apparently preferring basaltic 

 rocks ; also throughout extra-tropical Australia. Fl. spring and summer. 



2. 0. PYGMOBA, F. V. M. A small decumbent or ascending annual, seldom 

 exceeding 1 inch. Leaves very fleshy, oblong, 2-4 lines long. Flowers few, short- 

 stalked, appearing terminal. Sepals fleshy, obtuse, enlarging round the fruit. 

 Petals 1-2 lines long, erect, usually 5-7. Stamens .varying in number, 

 usually more numerous than the petals. Claytonia 'pygTnoea, F. v. M. 



Pleasant-Boat Harbour, near George's Bay ; also Victoria, South and West 

 Australia. Fl. Oct.-Nov. 



3. MONTIA.. 



Petals 6, united at the base, except at one place. Stamens usually 3, inserted 

 on the corolla. 



. M. FONTANA, Linn. A small succulent, spreading annual, 1-4 inches. Leaves 

 mostly opposite, oblong to spathulate, 2-6 lines long, narrowed, and semi-stem- 

 clasping. Flowers axillary, stalked. Sepals very obtuse, under 1 line. Corolla 

 slightly longer. 



Common in damp situations in many parts of the Island, but overlooked • 

 also occurs in Victoria, New South Wales, Ne^w Zealand, and most temperate 

 localities in both Hemispheres. Fl. Oct.-Feb. 



Orbbb XUI.—ELATINACE^. 



Pistil of three blended carpels, but each ovarian cavity closed. Ovules many 

 on axillary placentas. Flowers regular, the members hypogynous. Sepals 2-5'. 

 Petals similar. Stamens the same, or twice as many. Fruit capsular. 



