46 
Dicotyledons with Polypetalous Flowers . 
BEGONIACE./E, a Natural Order consisting almost solely of the large extra-European genus Begonia ,, allied to 
Cucurbitaceae, but remarkably different in habit, may be distinguished by the succulent unequal-sided stipulate leaves, 
inferior usually 3-celled ovary with very numerous ovules, and winged fruit. The flowers are unisexual, the staminate 
and pistillate flowers usually dissimilar in the perianth. 
DISTRIBUTION. —Almost wholly Tropical and Subtropical; most numerous in Asia and America ; none have 
been found in Australia. 
USES, &c.—Many species are grown in plant-houses for the sake both of their showy usually white 01 flesh- 
coloured flowers, and remarkable, often beautifully-variegated leaves. Two or three species are said to be used as 
pot-herbs, and a few as medicines. 
Natural Order 
CUCURBITACEAE. Tab. 38. 
Diagnosis. —Climbing herbs with alternate palminerved leaves and extra- 
axillary tendrils. Flowers unisexual. Stamens perigynous, usually 3. 
Ovary inferior. Fruit succulent. 
Distribution. —A considerable Natural Order common to both the Old and New World; most 
numerous in Tropical and Subtropical countries. 
One British Genus ; Species, 1. 
Flowers regular, usually pentamerous ; dioecious in Bryony (Bryonia clioica) and many other genera. 
Stamens 3, one bearing half an anther; anther-cells in Bryony sinuous. 
