846 



MONOCHLAMYDE^ 



4. Beta {Beet) 



I. B. maritima (Sea-Beet).— The only British species. A tall, 



succulent plant, about 2 feet high, 

 with large, fleshy, glossy, lower leaves, 

 and narrower: tipper leaves ; angular 

 stems, and numerous leafy spikes of 

 green flowers, "which are arranged i or 

 2 together, with a small leaf at the 

 base of each. The root-leaves when 

 boiled arc quite as good as Spinach. 

 Sea-.shore ; common. — FI. June to 

 October. Perennial. 



5. Salsola (Saltwort) 



I. S. kali (Prickly Saltwort).— 

 The only British species. A small 

 plant, hairy and glaucous, with pros- 

 trate, angular, branched stems, 6-12 

 inches high, and succulent awl-shapied 

 leaves, each of which terminates with 

 a sharp prickle ; the flowers are soli- 

 tary, and have 3 hrads at the base of 

 each. The whole plant abounds in 

 alkali salt, whence its name. Sandy 

 Beta Maritima sea-shore ; common. — Fl. July. 



(Sea-Beet) Annual. 



6. Salicornia (Glasswort) 



1. 5. herhacea (Jointed Glasswort). — Stem herbaceous, jointed ; 

 leaves 0. A singular plant, 4-8 inches high, consisting of a number 

 of fleshy joints, each of which is fitted into the one below, entirely 

 destitute of leaves, and bearing between every two joints of the 

 terminal branches 3 inconspicuous green lowers. Salt marshes ; 

 abundant. — Fl. August, September. Annual. 



2. S. radicans (Rooting Glasswort). — Stems prostrate, rooting, 

 woody, and usually of a browner hue. Both species, on account 

 of the soda which they contain, were at one time used in the 

 manufacture of glass — hence the name Glasswort. 5. herhacea is 

 also made into a jjickle. Sea-coasts; uncommon. — Fl. August, 

 September. Perennial. 



