CLXXXIV. CYNOCEAMBE^. 



645 



ParonycMetB are also connected with Portvlaceee by their curved ovule and farinaceous albumen ; but 

 the latter are sufficiently distinguished by their fugacious petals, usually several-celled ovary with 

 several-ovuled cells, habit, &c. They have some connection with Baselhee, which differ especially in 

 their twining stem, double calyx, dilated filaments, &c. Finally, they are linked with Polygonece by the 

 1-celled and 1-ovuled ovary and the nature of the seed, but, besides other differences, in Polygonece the 

 ovule is orthotropous. 



ParonychiecB are dispersed over the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere [often inhabiting 

 deserts and very dry places]. Few are of use to man : the Rupture-wort (Heniiaria glabra), an in- 

 digenous plant, living in sandy soil, was formerly esteemed as a diuretic and vulnerary ; it is now fallen 

 into disuse. 



Schranthus perennis, which grows in siliceous or granitic- fields, is the food of the Polish Cochineal, 

 which long supplied the place of the Mexican Cochineal as a red dye. 



CLXXXIV. CYNOCRAMBEJE, Endlkher. 



An annual sub-succulent herb. Leaves petioled, the lower opposite, the upper 

 alternate, entire, penni-tri-nerved ; stipules cut, uniting the bases of the petioles. 

 Flowers monoecious, sexes springing from different axils ; i hracts 2-3, sessile, ebrac- 

 teate. Perianth of 2 antero-posterior leaflets, juxtaposed in aestivation, revolute 

 after flowering. Stamens 2-20, inserted at the base of the perianth leaflets ; filaments 

 capillary, free; anthers at first linear, then sagittate, versatile, 2-ceUed, dehiscence 

 longitudinal. $ flowers generally 3, rarely more (the intermediate one usually 

 largest, the lateral sometimes imperfect), sessile, furnished with a posticous bract, 2 



Thelygonum Cynocranibe, 

 Upper part of the plant with 

 alternate leaves. 



T. Cynocranibe, 

 (f flower 

 (mag.). 



T. Oynocrainhe, 



Lower part of the plsnt with 



opposite- leaves. 



