LYTHRARIE.E. 33 



I. Ceratophyllum. 



Character the same as that of the Order. — Name from 

 K»?as a horn, and <pv\\ov a leaf. 



1. Ceratophyllum demersum. Morass-weed 

 or Hornwort. 



Nut 3-seeded, one being terminal and "two 

 lateral. 



Browne, Jam. 345. 



MB. Common. The Lagoon near the Ferry. 



FL. Throughout the year. 



This is a very common plant in stagnant or slow flow- 

 ing water. It is commonly used to cover up fish ; the 

 moisture, with which the plants are loaded, preserving the 

 fish cool and fresh. 



ORDER LXXIV. LYTHRARIEiE. 



Calyx rnonosepalous, tubular, ribbed 5 lobes 

 with a valvate or separate aestivation. Petals 

 inserted between the lobes of the calyx, very de- 

 ciduous, sometimes wanting. Stamens inserted 

 on the tube of the calyx, below the petals, to 

 which they are either equal, or 2, 3, or 4 times 

 the number: anthers adnate, 2-celled. Ovary su- 

 perior, 2-4-celled. Capsule membranaceous, co- 

 vered by the calyx, usually 1-celled, longitudinally 

 dehiscent, or circumscised in an irregular manner : 

 placenta central : seeds numerous, small, without 

 albumen : embryo straight : radicle turned to- 

 wards the hilum : cotyledons plane, leafy. 



The Plants belonging to this Order are usually herba- 

 ceous, rarely frutescent. Few of them possess any pro- 

 Vol. 2. c 



