176 CLASSIFICATION 



(fig. 146). Nigella sativa or kala-jira is cultivated for 

 its seeds, which are largely used as a condiment and 

 also as a preservative of clothes against the attack 

 of vermin. The common Buttercups of English 

 pastures are a species of Ranunculus, found in Dar- 

 jeeling. The Order is mostly entomophilous. In 



Figr. 146.— Kat-bish or Monkshood {Aconitttm heterophyllum) 

 r, Root. /, Head of follicle. 



Ranunculus sceleratus the yellow flowers make the 

 plant conspicuous in spite of the smallness of the 

 individual flowers. 



Nat. Order 2. DilleniacecB. — Trees or shrubs with 

 alternate leaves, sometimes climbing. Sepals 5 or 

 4, persistent. Petals 5 or 4. Stamens and carpels 

 many and free. 



This is a tropical order, of which one example is 

 very common, namely, chalta {Dillenia indica). The 

 large handsome white caducous fragrant petals of the 



