172 FLORA OF TEXAS. 



oiis along the whole length of the inner surface. Fruit a 

 capsule, which is 1-celled (or imperfectly 2- or 5-celled), 

 with seed from the bottom or on tlie central column, open- 

 ing at the top or locuiicidal. Seeds numerous, with the 

 embryo coiled round the albumen. 



Teibe I. Illecebreae. Sejmls distinct or united belovj, 

 Petals often stamen-like or ivanting. Leaves with scarious 

 stipules. 



* Fruit indekiscent, 1-seeded (utricle). 



Paronychia. Sepals united at the iase. Stamens in- 

 serted on the base of the sejoals. Style long. Utricle united, 



Akychia. Sepals distinct. Stamens inserted on the base 

 of the sepals. Style very short. Utricle partly exserted. 



SiPHON^YCHiA. Sepals united into a tube beloio the middle. 

 Stamens inserted on the tube of the calyx. Style long. 



** F?'uit valvate^few, many-seeded. 

 t Leaves opposite. 



Stipulicida. stem-leaves minute; the loiuest spatulate, 

 Spergularia. Leaves allUnear. Flowers solitary, axil- 

 lary. 



tt Leaves whorled. 



Spergula. styles 5. Stamens 5-10. Capsule 6-valved, 

 PoLYCARPOi^. styles 3. Stamens 3-15. Capsule 3- 

 valved. 



Tribe II. MoUugineae. Stamens alternate with the 

 sepals, when of the same namber ; lohen three, alternate 

 with tlie cells of the ovary. Stipules none. 



MoLLL'GO. Capsules-celled. Leaves 2vhorled. 



Tribe III. Alsineae. Sepals separate or Qiearly so. 

 Stamens opposite the sepals, when of the same mimber. 

 Ovary sessile. Stipules none. 



* Valves of the capsule as many as the styles^ 



