DICOTYLBDONES— THALAMIPLOB^ 



279 



twisted. Petals usually 5, very rarely 3, caducous, liypogynous, 

 frequently corrugated in the bud, and twisted in a reverse way 

 to that of the sepals. Stamens distinct, hypogynous, definite or 

 indefinite. Ovary 1- or many-celled from parietal septa ; ovules 

 orthotropous ; style single ; stigma simple. Fruit capsular, 

 usually 1-celled, with 3 — 5, or rarely 10 valves ; or imperfectly 

 3 — 5 — 10-oelled ; jjlacentas parietal. Seeds definite or numerous, 

 albuminous ; evibryo curved or spiral, with the radicle remote 

 from the hilum. 



Diagnosis. — Leaves entire. Sepals and petals with a ternary 

 or quinary arrangement, twisted in aestivation ; the former per- 

 sistent, the latter caducous. Stamens hypogynous, distinct. 

 Ovary with parietal placentas and orthotropous ovules ; style 

 single ; stigma simple. Fruit capsular. Seeds with mealy 

 albumen ; embryo inverted, curved or spiral. 



Distribution and Numbers. — These plants are most abundant 

 in the south of Europe and the north of Africa. Some few are 



Fig. 1047. 



Fig. 1048. 



Fi(j. 1047. Diagram of the flower of a species of HelianthemiLm. Fiij. 1U48. 



Section of tlie seed of a species of Cistus, tbe pointed end being its apex. 



found in other parts of the globe. Illustrative Oenera : — Cistus, 

 Tourn. ; Helianthemum, Tourn. There are about 200 species. 



Properties and Uses. — These plants have generally resinous 

 and balsamic properties. Some are regarded as stimulant, ex- 

 pectorant, and emmenagogue. 



Order 61. Violaoe^, the Violet Order. — Character. — 

 Herbs or shrubs. Leaves simple, stipulate with an involute 

 vernation, alternate or sometimes opposite. Sepals 5, per- 

 sistent, imbricate, usually prolonged at the base. Petals 5, 

 hypogynous, equal or unequal, one usually spurred. Stamens 

 equal in number to the petals, and usually alternate with them. 



