PARSNIP 443 



in the endosperm in the part of the seed nearest to the apex of 

 the fruit. 



The flowers are generally pollinated by small insects, which 

 easily obtain the exposed nectar secreted by the stylopodium. 

 Protandrous dichogamy is common ; the stamens often set free 

 their pollen and wither up before the styles are developed. 



2. The UmbelliferEe is an Order comprising about 1300 

 species of plants, generally herbaceous, and most largely repre- 

 sented in temperate regions. 



The stems are frequently hollow. ■ The leaves are alternate, 

 their blades usually very much divided in a pinnate manner, 

 and the petioles often very broad and inflated, forming a sheath 

 which partially clasps the stem. 



There is a great similarity among many of the species and 

 genera of the Order, and only careful attention to details of the 

 form of the fruit, its ridges and vittae, and the presence or 

 absence of involucres below the umbels and umbellules will 

 enable a student accurately to distinguish the various species he 

 may meet with. 



A common characteristic of umbelliferous plants is the pos- 

 session of secretory canals, which become filled with essential 

 oils, balsams, or gum-resins. These canals are not only met 

 with in the pericarp of the fruit but are frequently present in the 

 stems, roots, and leaves, and it is from the substances secreted 

 in these canals that many of the plants derive their strong 

 aromatic odour and taste. 



Many of the representatives of the Order, such as hemlock and 

 cow-bane, contain poisonous alkaloids ; the dangerous compounds 

 are not present in any special canals or ducts, but are common 

 in the cell-sap of all parts of the plants, but sometimes more 

 especially present in their stems, leaves, or roots. 



The only plants cultivated on the farm belonging to the Um- 

 belliferae are the Carrot {Daucus Carota L.) and Parsnip {Feuce- 

 danum sativum Benth.). Besides the above those common in 



