258 
BRITISH WILD FLOWERS. 
1. THE GREATER TOOTH-WORT. (Lathb^ea squamaria, Lin.') 
Engravings —Eng. Bot., t. 50; 2nd etl., t. 864 ; and our fig. 2, in i Specific Character.— Flowering branches erect, simple. Flowers 
PL 49. axillary, unilateral, pendulous ; lower lip in three lobes; upper cloven. 
(Smith.) 
Description, &c. —It is the peculiarity of the genus Lathrasa , that it is only found on the roots of trees, 
generally on those of the hazel, the elm, or the walnut. The stem is succulent, and it is closely covered at the 
base with fleshy tooth-like scales. The flowers are purple, and they appear in April or May. 
CHAPTER LXY. 
THE COW-WHEAT FAMILY. (Melampyracej3, Rich.) 
Character of the Order. —Calyx divided, persistent, unequal, 
inferior. Corolla monopetalous, hypogynous, deciduous, personate. 
Stamens four, didynamous ; anthers with acuminate lobes. Ovarium 
superior, two-celled, two-seeded ; style one ; stigma obtuse. Fruit 
capsular, two-celled, tsvo-valved, covered by the calyx. Seeds in pairs, 
erect; embryo minute, inverted in the apex of fleshy albumen ; 
radicle superior.—Herbaceous plants. Leaves opposite, without 
stipules. Flowers axillary, with coloured floral leaves. ( Lindley.) 
Description, &c. —-This order contains only one genus of British plants. 
GENUS I. 
THE COW-WHEAT. (Melampyrum, Lin.) 
Lin. Syst. DIDYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA. 
Generic Character. —Calyx tubular, four-cleft. Corolla tubular, oblong, obliquely acuminate, compressed ; cells monospermous. Seeds 
two-lipped, compressed ; the upper lip galeate, folded back at the margin, large, somewhat ovate. (Lindley.) 
the lower sulcate, trifid. Stamens four, didynamous. Capsule 
Description, &c. —This genus is remarkable for its seeds, which resemble grains of wheat, and for the co¬ 
loured and deeply cut bractese of most of the species. All the plants belonging to the genus are ornamental, and 
they are all annuals. The name of Melampyrum signifies literally black wheat, because, according to some, the 
plants turn black in drying, and according to others, because if a few grains of the Melampyrum become mixed 
with the wheat, they turn the flour black. Cows are very fond of the herbage of this plant. 
1.—THE CRESTED COW-WHEAT. (Melampyrum cristatum, Lin). 
Engravings. —Eng. Bot., t. 41 ; 2nd, ed. t. 860 ; and our fig. 3, , Specific Character. —Spikes quadrangular. Bracteas heart-shaped, 
in PI. 49. closely imbricated, finely toothed. (Smith.) 
Description, &c. —This very curious plant is a native not only of woods and thickets, but of corn fields 
in the eastern and midland counties of England. The stem grows about a foot high, and is often much branched. 
The flowers, which are yellow, are produced in July. 
2. THE PURPLE COW-WHEAT. (Melampyrum arvense, Lin.) 
Engravings.—Edv. Bot., t. 53; 2nd ed., t. 861; and our fig. I Specific Character.— Spikes conical. Bracteas lax, lanceolate, 
4, in PI. 49. I pinnatifid. Calyx-teeth longer than the tube. Corolla closed. (Smith.) 
Description, &c. —This is an annual plant, very common in corn fields, where it grows to the height of 
eighteen inches or two feet. It flowers in July ; but its flowers are not particularly ornamental, as its beauty 
consists in its bracteas, which have mingled shades of yellow, rose-colour, purple , and green. 
