SAXIFRAGACE^ 143 



S. arachnoideum sometimes covers the rocks in immense masses, 

 and the rosettes are often quite white with ' spiders' webs.' 



Disiribuiion. — Carpathians, Eastern, Central, and Western Alps, 

 Pyrenees, Central Plateau of France, Cevennes, CorbiSres, Apen- 

 nines. 



Semfervivum montanum L. 



Rosettes with lanceolate - wedge - shaped, shortly acuminate 

 leaves, glandular-villous on both sides, obscurely ciliated with 

 longish hairs. Stem-leaves lanceolate, somewhat broader towards 

 apex. Petals lanceolate-subulate, very acute, 3 or 4 times as long 

 as the calyx, deep lilac, with a darker streak. 



A taller and more robust plant than the last, and less common, 

 though widely spread on primary rocks, and especially on the 

 isolated blocks of rock called ' Befen.' It reaches 9600 feet, and 

 rarely descends into the valleys. 



Distribution. — Carpathians, Eastern, Central, and Western Alps, 

 Pyrenees, Corsica. 



Sempervivums are most attractive plants for walls and rockeries, 

 and they are readily increased by division of the offshoots. They 

 are all of very easy culture in any light soil in hot aspects, and may 

 be grown on almost any kind of rock. They can be attached to 

 rock by means of fairly moist clay and the plant dibbled in, and 

 they will soon grow and make a good clump. 



SAXIFRAGACE^ 



Herbs (in Europe) with alternate or opposite leaves, and no 

 stipules. Calyx free, or more or less adherent to the ovary, with 

 4 or 5 lobes or segments. Petals as many, perigynous, or none. 

 Stamens as many, or twice as many, perigynous. Ovary 1-3 celled. 

 Ovules numerous, on axillary placentae. Fruit a 2-4 celled capsule. 

 Seeds usually many. 



An extensive family, ranging over nearly the whole world. 



Saxifraga L. 



Herbs, mostly with a perennial tufted stock, with radical or 

 alternate or sometimes opposite leaves, no stipules. Flowers 

 terminal, solitary, or in cymes or panicles. Calyx free or partly 

 adnate to the ovary. Ovary 2-lobed, 2-celled. Styles 2. Capsule 

 2-valved, 2-beaked. 



A large genus of about 200 species and many varieties, chiefly 

 mountain or rock plants, found in all the great mountain chains of 

 the northern hemisphere, some extending to the further Arctic 

 stations, and thus along the Andes to the Antarctic circle, and a few 

 descend to the hot limestone rocks of the Mediterranean region. 



