SEED-BEARING PLANTS 459 
407. Lizard's-tail Family (Saururaceae). The lizard's 
tail (Saururus cernuus), closely related to the willows, 
has apetalous but perfect flowers, borne sessile on a moder- 
ately long, common axis, called a spike (Figs. 342 and 343). 
There are three to five more or less united ovaries. The 
plant is commonly found in swamps and marshes. 
FIG. 342. Lizard's-tail (Saururus cernuus). 
POLYPETALiE 
408. Crowfoot Family (Ranunculaceae). The Latin 
name Ranunculus (little frog) was applied to the butter- 
cups by the ancient Roman naturalist Pliny, because they 
are common in wet places where frogs abound. The name 
of the family is derived from this generic name, but the 
family comprises about 35 genera, 28 of which occur in 
