

NATURAL ORDERS , 103 
1. Geranium.—tThis genus includes many species; 
the most common is Herb Robert, easily recognised 
by the swollen nodes of its stem, its reddish colour, and dis- 
agreeable smell when rubbed. Geranwm sanguinewm is one 
‘of the most beautiful, with purplish -red flowers; it likes 
shade, but its deep red colour makes it conspicuous, and it 
is insect-visited. It is very local, but where found is usually 
abundant. Geranwm sylvaticum is found in moist woods and 
thickets. There are several other species of Geranium, many 
with very small flowers. 
2. The genus Evodiwm is distinguished from most of the 
geraniums by having pinnate, not | 
palmate, leaves; the stamens Are WEEE CTE mee 
only 5, the inner row being re- ~ 
placed by  scale-like structures, 
called staminodes. ‘The beaks of 
the fruit twist themselves spirally, 
but the carpel does not split to 
send out the seed as in the Gera- 
niums. Common Erodium is mostly 
found by the sea, and has the CHOP a ee 
ing character generally found in oF MEODIUN. 
shore-plants. ‘Some botanists place 
Wood-sorrel, Balsam, and Nastur- 
tium (7'ropewolum) in this Order; others group them separ- 
ately. Wood-sorrel (Ozalis) is easily recognised by its leaves, 
which are compound, consisting of three leaflets arranged 
digitately. Each leaflet is indented at its apex, and is very 
sensitive, though not so much so as Mimosa. During the day 
the three leaflets are spread out; towards evening they sink 
downwards. These movements may be produced by shaking 
the flower-pot for some time, by putting the plant in the dark, 
or by rubbing the under surface of the pulvinus, a little 
swelling at the base of each leaflet. 
Balsam and Nasturtium have irregular flowers. The fruits 
of the former burst with a loud noise, scattering their seeds to 
a considerable distance. _ The garden Pelargoniums also belong 
to this Order. 
Genera. 

st, staminodes. 
las 
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