CLASS XIX. SYNGENESlA,* 
(confederate males.) 
This class consists 'of compound aggregate flowers* which 
(as before explained under the head of distinction of Jiowers) 
are such flowers as are formed by the union of several lesser 
flowers or florets, placed sitting (or without peduncles) on a 
common dilated receptacle, and within a common calyx* 
called u perianthium; each floret consisting of a single petal* 
with generally five divisions, and having five stamina distinct 
at the base, but united at the top by the anther® into a 
cylinder* through which passeth the style of the pistillum, 
longer than the stamina, add crowned by a stigma with two 
divisions that are rolled backwards; and having a single seed 
placed upon the receptacle under each floret.—This is the 
general character of a regular compound flower, to which 
there are a few exceptions in the order monogamia * but the 
essential character consists in the anther®, being united so as 
to form a cylinder, and having a single seed placed upon the 
receptacle under each floret: yet this is not without some 
exceptions in the order monogamia. 
Linnaeus also gives a further character of a flower in its 
■yegujar compound state, which he calls a fosculous flower* 
(taken from the calyx and receptacle, the only parts that are 
in common, and by which antient botanists founded their 
* The name of this class means con generation, alluding to the circumstance of 
all the stamina being united by their antherse, and therefore is translated confe* 
derate males ♦ 
Some flcwers have such close heads, as at first sight appear to be of the class 
syngenesia , but if they want the essential character of a compound flower, they 
belong to some other class.—The florets in a compound flower have'generally a 
small calyx, Which is always a perianthium, and remains, so as to become the 
crown of the Seed. 
This class differs from tlie ddetphia classes, In the stamina not being joined at 
the bottom by the filaments, but at the top by the anthers. 
This class is natural, except the last order monogamia , which upon systematic 
principles Was found necessary to be admitted, as having the antherae united* 
Thd plants have various specific virtues, though most of them are bitter and 
stomachic. None of them are poisonous, except perhaps lactuca virosa (strong 
scented lettuce), especially in shady situations; anc ^doronicum (leopard’s bane ) s 
and carthafnus (base saffron or safflower). 
