LXXXIV. CEASSULACE^. 



403 



Pamassia palmiris. 



Pamasda. 

 Seed without ttie testa, entire and cut <mag.). 



ONLY GENUS. 

 Parnassia. 



The genus Pamassia, long annexed to Droseraoeee, only approaches them in its parietal placenta (see 

 this family). Its bundles of staminodes and its exalbuminous seeds bring it near Hyperidnea, hut other 

 characters separate it from them, and especially the extrorse anthers. It has been more correctly com- 

 pared with SaxifragecB. The few species of this genus inhabit the temperate and cool regions of the 

 northern hemisphere, especially in America ; they are rare [common] on the high mountains of tropical 

 Asia. The Grass of Parnassus (P. palustris), an indigenous plant, is a bitter and astringent herb, foiinerly 

 used as a diuretic and anti-ophthalmic ; a decoction of it is in Sweden added to beer, and stomachic 

 ■virtues are attributed to it. 



LXXXIV. CRASSULACE^. 



(Semperviv.^, JMssieM.— Succulents, Ventenat, — Crassul.^, Juesieu.-^ 



Ceassulace^, D.G.) 



CoEOLLA generally polypetalous, perigynoue, diplo- {rarely ibo-) stemonouSyCestivation 

 imbricate. Stamens inserted with the petals at the hottom of the calyx. Ovaries 

 equalling the petals in number, generally distinct, furnished with a scale at their outer 



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