Dicotyledons with Gamopetalous Flowers — Acanthacecz. 
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usually with 2 or more ovules in each cell. Fruit a 2-valved capsule, 
exposing the seeds supported upon hardened hooked or cup-like supports. 
Distribution. —A very large exotic Natural Order, almost wholly Tropical, with but few repre¬ 
sentative in Temperate regions. Acanthus is the only European genus. It is confined to the 
South-eastern portion of the Continent. To this Order belong many of the commonest Tropical 
weeds in both Hemispheres. 
USES, &c.—Very few Acanthaceas are of economic interest; some are used medicinally in their respective 
countries. In our plant-houses several freely-flowering ornamental genera are cultivated, as the twining Thunbergias , 
Eranthemum , Justicia , Aphelanclra, Ruellia and others. 
Natural Order 
PLANTAGINACEA:. Tab. 67. 
Diagnosis.— Herbs usually with radical leaves and spicate (or rarely 
solitary) inconspicuous flowers. Sepals 4. Corolla hypogynous, regular, 
scarious. Stamens epipetalous, as many as corolla-lobes and alternate with 
them. Ovary 2-4-celled. 
Distribution. —A small wide-spread Order, most numerous in the Temperate zone of the Old World. 
Flowers perfect, in solitary terminal spikes in British species of Plantain (Plantcigo) ; unisexual and solitary 
or in pairs, the pistillate flowers sessile and destitute of a corolla in the aquatic Shoreweed (. Littorella ). 
STAMENS with capillary exserted filaments and versatile anthers. 
USES, &c.—The seeds of a few Indian species afford a copious mucilage, used medicinally and also to stiffen 
muslins. Ribwort or Ribgrass ( Plccntago Lanceolata ) is grown with various grasses for fodder. 
