TAXONOMY 
271 
growing also in any alkaline soil, more rarely shrubs (A triplex) or 
low trees ( Haloxylon ). 
Among them are several garden vegetables ( Spinach , Beets, 
Mangels) and a number of weeds. Leaves alternate to opposite 
Fig. 140 . — Phytolacca decandra (in foreground), growing in damp woodland. 
sometimes reduced to teeth, entire or lobed. Inflorescence spikes 
or short racemes of condensed cymes. Flowers regular, usually 
small and greenish. They are either perfect {Beta), monoecious 
{Cheno podium), dioecious {Atriplex sp.), or polygamous ( Kochia ) 
Fruit a utricle. Seed albuminous. 
