244 



WEEDS AXD USEFUL PLANTS. 



3. ECHINOSPER/MUM, Swartz. Stickseed. 



[Greek, EcMnos, a hedgehog, and sjyerma, seed : from the pricklr nutlets.] 



Corolla salrer-form. about the lengtli of the calyx ; lobes rounded ; the 

 throat closed with 5 short scales. Stamens included. Nutlets erect, fixed 

 laterally to the base of the style or central coliimu. triangular or com- 

 pressed, the back armed with 1-3 rows of prickles which are barbed at 

 the apex, otherwise naked. Rough-hairy greyish herbSi with small blue 

 flowers in bracted racemes. 



1. E. Lap'jju.la. Lehm. Stem paniculately branched above ; leaves lanceo- 



FiG. 155. Corn Gromwell (Lithospermum arvens?). 156. The fruit of 4 smooth nutlets, 

 enlarged. 



