690 THE GOOSEFOOT FAMILY. 



is everywhere more local. In Britain, it appears to be confined to 

 eastern England. Fl. all summer. 



LX. GOOSEFOOT FAMILY. CHENOPODIACEiE. 



Herbs or uudershrubs, often succulent, sometimes leafless, 

 more usually with alternate or rarely opposite leaves, and no 

 stipules ; the small, herbaceous flowers usually in sessile clus- 

 ters, either in axillary or terminal spikes or panicles, and often 

 unisexual. Perianth single, calyx-like, deeply divided into 5, or 

 in some flowers fewer segments. Stamens 5, opposite the perianth- 

 segments, rarely fewer. Ovary free, with a single ovule. Styles 

 2 or 3, either free or united at the base. Fruit consisting of a 

 single seed, enveloped in a very thin or sometimes succulent peri- 

 carp, and enclosed in the persistent perianth, which is sometimes 

 enlarged or altered in form. Seed usually orbicular and flattened ; 

 the embryo curved or spirally twisted, with or without albumen. 



The Order is spread over the greater part of the world, and is ra- 

 ther numerous in species, especially in maritime situations, or within 

 the influence of a saline soil or atmosphere, where they sometimes, in 

 combination with Artemisias, give a general grey aspect to the coun- 

 try. They are not easily confounded with any other British Order, 

 but approach very near to the Amaranth family, which is chiefly dis- 

 tinguished by the presence of 2 or 3 small bracts under each flower, and 

 by the tendency of the perianth to become scarious or coloured. 



Stem succulent and jointed, without leaves. Stamens 1 or 2 . 1. Salicorn. 

 Stem leafy, not jointed. Stamens 5. 



Leaves narrow, semi-cylindrical (as thick as broad). 



Leaves rather succulent and linear, not prickly. Fruiting 



perianth not altered 2. Sileda. 



Leaves prickly. Fruiting perianth encircled by a scarious 



wing 3. Saltwort. 



Leaves flat. 



Perianth mostly 5-cleft and regular, even when in fruit. 

 Fruiting perianth succulent, enlarged, with prominent 



ribs or protuberances 5. Beet. 



Fruiting perianth scarcely enlarged, herbaceous ... 4. Goosefoot. 

 Perianth of the male flowers 5-cleft and regular. Fruiting 

 perianth (from female flowers) flat, consisting of 2 

 much enlarged segments 6. Orache. 



