THE GERANIUMS OR CRANESBILLS 215 



an}' other native plant. Beautiful descriptions of it are to be 

 found m the writings of Domett, Dora AVilcox, Johannes 

 Andersen, and others. 



Geraniaceae. 



(Inchiding the Oxalidacem). 



The Family of Geraniums or Cranesbills. 



Distribution. — A family of 20 genera and 7.50 species, found cliiefl)- in 

 temperate and hot climates. Many of the species have astringent and aromatic 

 properties. Oxalic acid is obtained from the Oxalidaceae. The Geraniums and 

 Pelargoniums are well-known garden flowers. Most of the latter are natives of 

 the Cape of Good Hope. This family is very nearly allied to the Linaoeae. 



Key to the Genera. 



1. Flowers irregular. IPelargonium. 

 Flowers regular. '2 



2. Leaves lobed. Geranium, p. 21.5. 

 Leaves foliolate. Oxalis, p. 216. 



tNot further descriVjed. 



Genus Gercuiiiun. 



About 100 species. Two of the New Zealand species are endemic. Herbs 

 with stems swollen at the joints, and stipulate leaves. Flowers regular. Fruit 

 with a long beak. 5 sp. 



Geranium dissectum, var. australe (The Cid-lmved 

 Gcraniuvi). 



A downy plant, 1ft. -2ft. in height. Leaves 5 - 7 lobed. Flowers two on 

 a stem, J-inoh across. Petals, notched, pink. Seeds, pitted. Both islands, 

 more common in the north. Fl. Nov. -Feb. 



Genus Oxalis. 



Flowers, regular. Stamens, 10, all fertile. Stems very slender. Leaves, 

 .S-foliolate, the leaflets folding one upon another at night. About 240 species, 

 found chiefly in S. Africa and S. America. 0. acetosella produces cleistogamio 

 flowers. Some tropical species have pinnate leaves. Flowers yellow, white, or 

 pink. (Name from the Greek, signifying sharp or acid). 2 sp. 



