336 



COLLEGE BOTANY 



The fig {Ficus sarica) (Fig. 171), the rubber plant {F. elas- 



tica), the banyan tree {F. hengcdensis), and the hemp (Cannabis 



sativa) belong to this family. 



PoLYGOKACiEjr' (Bvickwheat Family). — Herbs; stems with 



swoUenjoints; leaves alternate with sheathing stipules; flowers 



perfect (or polygamous) ; 

 calyx three- to six-cleft and 

 more or less persistent, the 

 inner circle sometimes peta- 

 loid ; stamens one to nine 

 (sometimes more) ; ovary one- 

 chambered with two or three 

 styles ; fruit a one-celled, three- 

 or four-angled or sometimes 

 winged achene. 



The common buckwheat 

 (Fagopyrum esculentwm and 

 other species) (Figs. 172, 

 173) is a native of Asia which 

 has been widely distributed 

 throughout the world. 



The rhubarb or pie-plant 

 (Rheum rhaponticinii and 

 other species) is a well-known 



garden plant which probably originated in Asia. It is also used 



in medicine. 



This family also includes the common docks and sorrels 



(Rumex sp. ), the grass or smartweeds (Polygonum sp.) and a 



number of other familiar plants. 



Chenopodiace^ts (Goosefoot Family). — Mostly herbs; 

 leaves alternate ; inflorescence in spikes ; flowers small and green- 

 ish ; calyx five-cleft and persistent ; stamens five or less ; ovary 



Fig. 174. — The table beet. 



