m OV CLASS XVI. M ON ADE LPHI A. 



CHAR XIX. 



OF THE SIXTEENTH CLASS, MONADELPHIA*. 



THIS c'ass consists of such plants as bear bisexual flowers, 

 furnished with one set of united stamina. This class consists of 

 eight orders. The characters of the flowers are as follow : 



Characters of the Class Monadelphia. 



Calyx — A perianthium always present, persisting, and in most 

 genera double. 



Corolla — Pentapetalous, the petals heart-shaped ; the sides 

 of which lap each one over the next, contrary to the motion of 

 the sun. 



Stamina — The filaments united below, but distinct upwards if 

 there be more than onef. The exterior ones shorter than the 

 interior. The anther as incumbent. 



Pistilli m — The receptacle of the fructification prominent in 

 the centre of the flower. The germen erect, surrounding the top 

 of the receptacle' in a jointed ring. The styles are all united be- 

 low in one substance with the receptacle, but divided above 

 into as many threads as there are germens. The stigma spread- 

 ing and thin. 



* In this class the calyx is of great moment for distinguishing the genera, and 

 fixesVrie limits with certainty. They were formerly distinguished by the fruit ; which 

 not being found sufficient, recourse was had to the leaves of the plant. The. plants 

 of this class are esteemed to be emollient and mucilaginous. Author. 



f The melochia has five anthers, but it does not appear that there are any di- 

 stinct filawieiits. See its character in the Genera Piantarum. Author. 



