BUPHORBIA GLAUGA. 85 
perianth-like involucre of 4 or 5 united bracts, each expanded 
on its upper margin into a flat purple lanate (crescent-shaped) 
gland.* Within this pseudo-perianth is found a varying num- 
ber of g flowers, each consisting of a pedicel of varying 
length, bearing a single stamen, which has a 2-celled anther. 
In the centre of the inflorescence is one pedicelled ¢ flower, 
consisting of a 3-celled ovary with a single pendulous ovule 
in each cell, and bearing a 3-fid style. This ovary ripens 
into a 38-lobed capsule, which, from the elongation of its 
pedicel, hangs out of the involucre. When mature, the cap- 
sule splits (like a schizocarp) into its three original carpels, 
and each further opens by a corsal valve. The seeds are 
albuminous, and the straight embryo has a narrow radicle 
with flat cotyledons. 
Fig. 170. Ovary of Huphorbia, 
- Fig. 169. Ovary of Huphorbia, transverse section (imag.). 
longitudinal section (mag.). 
* The term gland is applied in the animal kingdom to an organ of 
- secretion, and in this strict sense is also used in vegetable anatomy. But 
it is also employed in a less exact manner to designate any wart-like 
external swelling in plants (whether its function is known or not) as 
well as to oil-cavities and other exereting organs. 
