SAXIFRAGACEvE. 



179 



of the calyx, or none. Stamens five or ten, inserted either into 

 the calyx or beneath the ovary, which latter usually consists of 

 two parts. — Herbaceous plants growing in patches ; leaves either 

 divided or entire, alternate ; natives of the northern and moun- 

 tainous parts of the world ; properties astringent. 



SAXIFfLAGA. (Saxifrage.) 



Gen. Char. {Decandria Digynia.) Calyx five-parted ; petals 

 five ; stamens ten ; styles two ; capsule two-beaked, one-celled, 

 many-seeded. 



Erom saxum frango, to break the stone, a name not now 

 applicable, as this supposed medicinal quality is found not 

 to exist. Amongst the many hardy species of Saxifrage 

 one is often introduced into the greenhouse or room, the 

 S. sarmentosa, or trailing Saxifrage, a native of China, and 

 introduced about eighty years ago : the leaves and trailing 

 stems are its chief attraction ; the former are dark green, 

 spotted and streaked with white, red underneath, and very 

 hairy ; from the root proceed long threads, bearing at in- 

 tervals young plants, which, if lying in their natural position 

 on the ground, would take root and become independent 

 plants ; if the pot be suspended these hang down all round, 

 and are exceedingly pretty and very curious ; they look very 

 well in the window of a room or on a pedestal ; the flowers 



