H 
Dicotyledons with Polypetalous Flowers. 
Natural Order 
FRANKENIACEAL Tab. 12. 
Diagnosis.— Herbs or low shrubs, with the general characters of Caryo- 
phyllaceae, differing in having parietal placentation. 
Distribution.— A very small monotypic Natural Order affecting maritime stations, widely 
dispersed over the warmer and temperate zones. 
One British Genus; Species, 1. 
Sepals 5-4, united into a tubular calyx. 
Petals as many as calyx-teeth, clawed, with a longitudinal membranous appendix on the inner face of the claw. 
USES, &c.—None are of economic value. The leaves of a remarkable species (Frankenicc Beatsonia), peculiar 
to St. Helena, resembling a miniature tree, are said to have been used as tea. Some of the low pink-flowered 
cushion-like species are suited for rockwork culture. 
PORTULACE.E is a small Natural Order nearly related to Caryophyllacese, differing in succulent habit, and in 
having a calyx usually consisting of but two sepals. It is represented in Britain by a single inconspicuous species, 
the Blinks or Water Chickweed (Montia fontanco), a plant, like many other aquatics, with a remarkably wide 
geographical distribution, occurring in watery places in every quarter of the Globe. 
The genus Purslane (Portulaca) is exceptional in the Order in having the ovary partially immersed in the 
receptacle so that the petals and stamens become perigynous. Several exotic species of Purslane and Calandrinia , 
with gay but fugacious flowers, are frequent in gardens. 
