194 



COROTJ.IFT.OR^ 



4. Chlora {Y ellow-wbrt) 



I. C. perfoliata (Perfoliate Yellow-wort). — The only British 

 species. An erect plant 2-12 inches high, remarkaljle for its glau- 

 cous hue and for its pairs of leaves, which are rather distant, being 

 united at the base (connate), with the stem passing through them ; 

 hence its name, Perfoliate. The flowers, which are large and hand- 

 some, are of a pale yellow, and expand only during sunshine. Chalk 

 and limestone pastures ; not uncommon. — Fl. June to September. 

 Annual. 



5. Menyanthes {Buck-bean) 



I. M. trifoUata (Buck-bean, Marsh Trefoil). — The only species. 

 The only British plant belonging to the Order which has divided 

 leaves. The stem scarcely rises above the soil or water in which it 

 grows, but is overtopped by the large ternate (composed of 3 leaflets) 

 leaves, which in shape and colour I'esemble those of the Windsor 

 Bean ; each leaf-stalk has a sheathing base, opposite to one of 

 which rises a compound cluster of exceedingly beautiful flowers, 



which when in bud are of a bright rose 

 colour, and when fully expanded have 

 the inner surface of the corolla thickly 

 covered with a white fringe. The root, 

 which is intensely bitter, is said to be 

 the most valuable of known tonics. 

 Spongy bogs and stagnant water. — 

 Fl. June, July. Perennial. 



6. ViLLARSIA 



I. V. nympJueoides (Water Villarsia). 

 — ^The only British species. A rare 

 floating aquatic, found in some of the 

 still ditches communicating with the 

 Thames, and in a few other places. x\s 

 its specific name implies, it has the 

 habit of a Water-lily. The leaves are 

 nearly round ; the flowers large, yellow, 

 and fringed. — Fl. July, August. Per- 

 ennial. 



VlLL.\RSIA NyMPHCEOIDIiS 



{Water Villunia) 



