THE PRIMKOSE FAMILY. 297 



rarely aquatics. Leaves simple, rarely pectinate, opposite, 

 whorled, or alternate. Flowers solitary in spikes, loose 

 umbels, or axillary. Calyx and corolla tubular, spreading or 

 reflexed. Fruit a dry capsule, opening by valves, or by a 

 horizontal circular separation (as in Anagallis). 



This interesting family is represented by above 200 

 species, chielly natives of the northern hemisphere, extending 

 to high latitudes and Alpine regions, even to the verge of 

 perpetual snow, also in elevated situations within the tropics. 

 Many species of Soldanella, Cyclamen, Primula, and And- 

 rosace, are interesting and beautiful plants in the flora 

 of the Swiss Alps, and are much esteemed in Alpine col- 

 lections in this country, P. Auricula having been intro- 

 duced nearly three hundred years ago, and by cultivation 

 has produced many fine varieties that are highly prized by 

 florists. Several species, natives of this country, are also 

 interesting, such as, Primrose (Primula acaulis), Cowslip 

 (P. veris), Ox-lip or Polyanthus (P. elatior), Loose-strife 

 {Lysimachia vulgaris), Money- wort (L. nummularia). 



The American Cowslip {Dodecatheon media) is also a 

 beautiful hardy perennial plant. The Chinese Primrose 

 (Primula sinensis) is now extensively grown as an early spring 

 flowering plant well suited for room decoration. The genus 

 Anagallis has beautiful red and blue flowers; the red 

 pimpernel or four o'clock plant (A. arvensis), is common in 

 waste places and cornfields. The most anomalous of the 

 family is probably the Water Violet {Hottonia palustris), 

 a pretty perennial plant growing in shallow pools and ditches 

 in many parts of this country, having its finely pectinate float- 

 ing leaves in a rosette form, from the centre of which rises a ' 

 spike of pale blue or white flowers. The properties of the 

 family are of an acrid nature, but not of much medicinal im- 

 portance. 



