III.] MALVACEM, TILIACE^. 



MALVACE^. 



Of this order we have three British representatives, 

 Lavatera, Althaea and Malva, with respectively one, 

 two, and three specific forms. In the introductory 

 chapter, I have already called attention to the 

 structure of the Mallow, with especial reference to the 

 differences existing between Malva sylvestris (Figs. 43 

 and 45) and M. rotundifolia (Figs. 44 and 46). The 

 honey glands are five in number, at the base of the 

 flower. Althaea and Lavatera are said to agree in 

 general structure with Malva. 



Ti LI ACE a;. 



Of this order we have in England only one species, 

 the Common Lime (Tilia Europaa), The flowers 

 are very sweet, and great favourites with bees. 

 Their abundance and the size of the tree render 

 colour unnecessary. The honey is secreted by the 

 sepals, and is accessible even to short-lipped- insects ; 

 while, as the flowers hang down, it is completely 

 protected from rain. The stamens are numerous, 

 but, as Hildebrand has pointed out, they have shed ■ 

 their pollen before the stigma is mature, and the 

 flower is therefore incapable of self-fertilisation. The 

 visits of insects are very numerous, and yet in this 

 country the Lime seldom produces ripe seed. {Lindley 

 Arb. et Frut. Brit."). 



