204 Loasee—Nientzelta. 
seeds few or many. Named in honour of G. Mentzel, a German 
botanist. 
1. M. atrea (fig. 111), syn. Barténia atvrea.—A very hand- 
some Californian annual, better known under the latter name. 
It grows about 2 feet 
high, with whitish 
branches, hispid leaves, 
and bright yellow 
flowers. 
2. M. bartonioides, 
syn. Hucnide and Mi- 
crospérma.— Very near 
the preceding, but with 
smaller yellow flowers. 
2. LOASA. 
(Including Catophéra.) 
Erect climbing or 
prostrate herbs with 
hispid stinging hairs. 
ws ss Leaves alternate or op- 
(a posite, simple or com~ 
s pound. Petals 5, hooded, 
spreading or erect, con- 
nivent, alternating with 
% the same number of 
scales, having 2 or 3 
bristles on the back, and 
an appendage at the 
base. Stamens in 
phalanges opposite the petals, staminodes filiform, two opposite 
each scale. Capsule 1-celled, 3- to 5-valved, rarely twisted ; 
seeds numerous. There are about fifty species, all South 
American. Named in honour of a Spanish botanist. 
Fig. 111. Mentzelia aurea, (4 nat. size.) 
1. L. anrantiaca, syn. Caiophora lateritia.—A perennial 
of climbing habit with elegantly lobed leaves and orange and 
brick-red solitary flowers of very curious structure. The only 
objection to this and allied species is the presence of stinging 
hairs on all parts of the plant, which are equally painful with 
those of the common Nettle. A native of Chili, usually treated 
as an annual. 
L. acanthifolia, syn. L. Plicei, has yellow and red flowers 
