BUCKWHEAT FAMILY 



masses well nor has it individual dignity, for however graceful 

 a single nodding spike may be, it is distinctly at a disadvan- 

 tage in any garden grouping. 



BUCKWHEAT 



Fagopyrum esculSnlum. 

 Fagopyrum notes the resemblance of the grain to the beechnut. 



A tender, annual, grain plant. Produces a particularly fragrant 

 honey, dark in color. Native to central Siberia and Manchuria. Sown 

 late in summer. 



Slem. — Erect, branching, slightly hairy. 



Leaves.— Alternate, triangular, heart-shaped, inclining to halberd- 

 shaped or arrow-shaped, on long petioles; margins slightly rufHed, 

 apex acute or acuminate. 



Sheaths. — Semi-cylindrical. 



Flowers. — White, in corym- 

 bose panicles, terminal and 

 axillary. 



Calyx. — Five white, petal- 

 like sepals, closing when still 

 white around the triangular 

 akene. 



Corolla. — Wanting. 



Stamens. — Eight, inserted at 

 the base of the calyx and 

 alternating with as many 

 small honey glands. 



Ovary. —Triangular, with 

 three stigmas. 



Fruit.— A triangular akene 

 white until full-grown. 



Buckwheat. Fagopyrum escuKnlum 



The Buckwheat field is an elysium for bees. Each little white, 

 spreading blossom has a honey heart, as the bees well know, and 

 Buckwheat honey is always part of the hive's resources. 



Soon after the flower opens, the ovary develops into a great 

 white, triangular, baby akene, which grows plump and still stays 

 white, embraced by the white arms of the calyx. Fmally, when 



