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OF THE
GENERA
FLORAE AMERICA BOREALI-ORIKNTALIS
ILLUSTRATA.
THE GENERA
OF THE
PLANTS OF THE UNITED STATES
ILLUSTRATED
BY FIGURES AND ANALYSES FROM NATURE,
By ISAAC SPRAGUE,
MEMBER OF THE BOSTON NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
SUPERINTENDED, AND WITH DESCRIPTIONS, &c
By ASA GRAY, M. D.,
FISHER PROFESSOR OF NATURAL HISTORY IN HARVARD UNIVERSITY,.
CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE ROYAL BAVARIAN ACADEMY, MEMBER
OF THE IMPERIAL ACADEMY NATURAE CURIOSORVM ; OF THE
BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF RATISBON, ScC, &.C.
VOL. I.
PLATES 1-100.
BOSTON :
JAMES MUNROE AND COMPANY.
NEW YORK AND LONDON:
J 0 H N WILEY.
1848.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 184C, by
Asa G ra v,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts.
CAMBRIDGE:
I- T C A I. P AND C O M P A N T ,
PRINTERS TO THE DNIVERSITi'
56:.
G.T
v. I
// hi u
TO
FRANCIS BOOTT, M. D., Y. L. S.,
THIS VOLUME IS INSCRIBED,
IN TOKEN OF THE
SINCERE REGARD AND ESTEEM
"K HIS HUEJII,
ASA GRAY
'
E R R A T A .
Page 11, line 27, dele " Hamad ry as,"
•' " ;i5, afier " Ficaria" add " Ilarnai/njas.'
- 20, " 14, dele " (reversed)."
P R K I"' A c i : .
The design of this work is to illustrate the Botany of the United
States by figures, with full analyses, of one or more species of each
genus, accompanied by descriptive generic characters and critical
observations. The figures in all cases are drawn directly from
nature, by Mr. Sprague, and from the living plant whenever that is
practicable. In almost every instance, the whole plant, or a branch
or smaller portion, in flower and often also in fruit, is delineated of
the natural size ; and the microscopical analyses, as numerous as
the compass of an octavo page will allow, are so chosen as to display
the principal floral characters of the genus, from the aestivation of
the flower-bud to the fruit, the seed, and the embryo. When need-
ful, on account of size or of subgeneric diversity, two plates are de-
voted to the illustration of a single genus. On the other hand, char-
acters which are uniform or nearly so throughout a whole order are
not repeated upon every plate.
The illustrations are not drawn from various orders and classes at
random or convenience ; but the natural families are taken up in
regular sequence, according to the arrangement now most prevalent
among botanists (following very nearly, though not implicitly, thp
order adopted in the Flora of North America by Dr. Torrey and
myself), and all our genera of each family are published together,
in their proper places ; thus rendering the volumes systematically
complete, as they appear. This plan, which has never been carried
out, so far as I am aware, in any extensive publication of the kind,
while it should increase the immediate usefulness and value of the
work, at the same time renders still more onerous what is at best a
6 PREFACE.
formidable undertaking. The plan and nature of this publication
are obviously such as to preclude all expectation of emolument.
It is our determination, however, to carry on the work to its com-
pletion (in about ten volumes like the present), if the patronage re-
ceived shall warrant the hope of a moderate remuneration to the
artist. The ample and rapidly accumulating materials at my dis-
posal, both of specimens in the Herbarium, and of living North
American plants in the Botanic Garden under my charge, and the
prompt assistance offered by a large number of zealous correspond-
ents, while they afford unusual advantages for the purpose, render
me increasingly desirous to turn them to useful account by prosecut-
ing an undertaking which may serve to facilitate the more thorough
study of Botany in this country, and perhaps contribute in some de-
gree to the general advancement of the science.
The higher character of the later as compared with the earlier
executed analyses, as well as the further improvement which will be
manifest to the experienced botanist in the second volume, — now in
an advanced state of preparation, — is attributable to the increasing
botanical knowledge of the self-taught artist who is associated with
me in the work. And, although I am alone responsible for the text,
I must in justice add, that whatever of original value these illustra-
tions may be found to possess is largely owing to the scientific in-
sight and the careful investigations of Mr. Sprague, as well as to
his skill and accuracy in delineation. •
The plates are engraved upon stone, in a style (capable of further
improvement) well adapted to this class of subjects, by*Mr. Joseph
Prestelc, a worthy artist, formerly of Munich, but now and for sev-
eral years past resident at Ebenczer, near Buffalo, New York.
As to geographical extent, this work is intended to comprise all the
genera which have indigenous representatives within the States of
the Federal Union as now constituted. It therefore includes Texas,
but not the country west of the organized States of Arkansas and
Missouri.
ASA GRAY.
i Iambridge, April 20, 181s.
SYSTEMATIC INDEX
Ord. RANUNCuiiACE-E, Page 9.
Atragene, Page 13, Plate 1. Trollius, 33, Plate 11.
Clematis, 15, ' 2. Isopyrum, 35, 12.
Pulsatilla, 17, 3. Coptis, 37, 13.
Anemone, 19, 4. Aquilegia, 39, 14.
Hepatica, 21, 5. Delphinium, 41, 15.
Thalictrum, 23, 6. Aeonitum, 43, 16.
Trautvetteria, 25, 7. Zanthorhiza, 45, 17.
Myosurus, 27, 8. Hydrastis, 47, 18.
Ranunculus, 29, 9. ActSn, 49, 19.
Caltha, 31, 10. Cimicifuga, 51, 20.
Ord. Magnoliace-E, 53.
Illicium, 55, 21. Magnolia, 59, 23,24.
Schizandra, 57, 22. Liriodendron , 63, 25.
Ord. AnonacejE, 65.
Asimina, 67, 26, 07.
Ord. MENISrERMACE.E 69.
Cocculus, 71. 28. Oalycoearpum. 75. 30.
Menispermum, 7;!, 29.
Ord. Berberidacex, 77.
Berberis, 79, 31. Jeffersonia, 85, 34.
Leontiee,Caulophyllum,81, 32. Podophyllum. 87, 35, 36.
Diphylleia, 83, 33. Croomia. 89, 37.
Ord. CABOMBACE.E, 91.
Cabomba, 93, 38. Brasema. 95. 39.
Ord. Nelumbiackj;, 97.
Nelumbium, 97, 40,41.
Ord. Nymph.eacex, 99.
Nymphsea, 101, 42,43. Nuphar. 103. II
Ord. Sarraceniacej:, 105.
Sarracenia, 107, 45, 46.
b SYSTEMATIC INDEX.
Ord. Papaverace*, Page 109.
Argemone, Page 111, Plate 47. Sanguinaria, 115, Plate 49.
Stylophorum, 113, 48.
Ord. Fumariacej: 117.
Dicentra, 119, 50. Corydalis, 123, 52.
Adlumia, 121, 51.
Old. Crucifer*, 125.
Nasturtium, 131, 53. Sisymbrium, 151, 64.
Iodanthus, 133, 54. Stanleya, 153, 65.
Cardamine, 135, 55. Warea, 155, 66.
Dentaria, 137, 56. Selenia, 157, 67.
Leavenworthia, 139, 57. Draba, 159, 68, 69.
Arabis, 141, 58. Vesicaria, 161, 70.
Turritis, 143, 59. Subularia, 163, 71.
Streptanthus, 145, 60, 61. Senebiera, 165, 72.
Barbarea, 147, 62. Lepidium, 167, 73.
Erysimum, 119, 63. Cakile, 169, 74.
Ord. Capparidace^:, 171.
Cleomella, 173, 75. Gynandropsis, 179, 78.
Cleome, 175, 76. Polanisia, 181, 79.
Cristatella, 177, 77.
Ord. Violace.e. 183.
Viola, 185, 80. Ionidium, 189, 89.
Solea, 187, 81.
Ord. DROSERACE.E, 191.
Drosera, 193, 83. Parnassia, 199, 86.
Dioruea, 195, 84, 85.
Ord. Cistace^, 201.
Helianthemum, 203, 87. Hudsonia, 207, 90.
Lechea, 205, 88, 89.
Ord. Hypericace.e, 209.
Ascyrum, 211, 91. Elodea, 215, 91.
Hypericum, 213, 92, 93.
Ord. ELATINACE.E, 217.
Elatine, 219, 95, 96.
Ord. Portulacacej:, 221.
Claytonia, 223, 97. Portulacn. 227, 99.
Talinum, 225, 98. Sesuvium, 229, 100.
Ord. RANUNCULACE^E.
Herbse vel suflrutices (succo aqueo acridi) exstipulatae,
plerumque dissectifolias, dicotyledoneas, polypetalas seu mo-
nochlamydese, hypogynas, polyandras ; carpellis discretis (in-
definitis vel paucis, raro solitariis) ; seminibus exarillatis ;
embryone in basi albuminis corneo-carnosi minimo.
Randncdlace^, Juss. DC. Syst. 1. p. 127. Endl. Gen. p. 843.
The Crowfoot Family presents so many gradations and diversities of
form and character, that it cannot readily be defined, although there is no
question as to its boundaries, nor any other hypogynous and polyandrous
family with which any of the genera are likely to be confounded. The prin-
cipal diversities it presents are brought sufficiently into view in the subjoined
conspectus of our genera, arranged under their proper tribes. It should be
mentioned, as exceptional to the ordinal character, that Zanthorhiza has few
and definite stamens, which is also the case, although less constantly, in sev-
eral other genera : and in Nigella the ovaries are more or less united.
An acrid principle, which is mostly dissipated in drying or by heat, per-
vades the whole order; so that the fresh herbage, roots, &c, are poison-
ous. Many have showy flowers, and are cultivated for ornament.
While engaged in preparing the drawings for these illustrations, during
the spring and summer of 1846, Mr. Sprague directed my attention to the
fact, that in all our Ranunculaceas with a solitary suspended ovule, the raphe
is dorsal, or external, that is, on the side next the dorsal suture of the car-
pel, and not on the side of the ovulum which is next the placenta, where it
properly belongs, according to the general rule long since laid down by Mr.
Brown.* I find that this anomaly has been noticed by Schleiden.f and re-
cently by Barneoud, % who, however, has not very clearly indicated the pe-
culiarity. It would appear that it arises from the very early reversion of an
ovule like that of Ranunculus, developed from the upper part of the ventral
suture, at a point which in subsequent growth becomes the summit of the
cell; and thus, like the case of later reversion in Euonymus, long since
* In King's Narrative, App. 2. p. 549.
t In Wiegmann's Archiv fur Naturgesch. 1839, p. 285. t. 8.
t In Ann. Sci. Hat. for November, 1846 (published only in the spring of 1847).
2
10 KANUNCULACE^E.
pointed out by Mr. Brown (and which may also be observed in several
other instances), serves to confirm the general rule. The analogous
eversion of the raphe, in many Rhamneae, is shown by Mr. Bennett to arise
from the lateral torsion of the funiculus : but " the object of this displace-
ment," lie concludes, " it is difficult to conjecture."' * Perhaps some light
may be thrown upon it by the present eases, in which the design of this
arrangement may, I think, be distinctly perceived ; namely, to facilitate the
fertilization of the ovule, by placing its foramen in juxtaposition with the
placenta, or that portion of the carpel (the confluent edges of the infolded
metamorphosed leaf) which is in the ovary a direct continuation of the stig-
matic surface or lines of the style, f and through which impregnation is ef-
fected. A glance at the analyses on Plates 2 to 5, especially those of He-
patica (Plate 5, fig. 4) and Myosurus (Plate 8, fig. 6, &c.), will render this
evident, and show that, if the ovule were brought into the normal position,
its orifice would be thrown to the side of the cell farthest from that through
which the fecundating influence is communicated.
In the case of Rhamnus, where a solitary anatropous ovule arises from
the very base of each cell, a broad ventral funiculus, interposed between the
foramen and the placental surface, may readily be conceived to offer an ob-
struction to fertilization, while the subsequent lateral torsion of this funicu-
lus would bring these parts into the most favorable position. Where there
is a pair of ovules, as in Celastrus, no displacement is needful for the attain-
ment of this end ; since the raphe is originally lateral in such cases, that
is, the two raphes are applied face to face, or very nearly. This equally
occurs in horizontal collateral ovules, as in Magnolia, Plate 22, and no less
so where they consist of many pairs, as in Helleborineae generally, or even
where the numerous ovules are not collateral. Indeed, this may be assum-
ed as the typical condition ; the ovules, which are a growth from the pla-
cental margins of the infolded leaf, being themselves likewise folded inwards,
thus bringing their raphes next the suture.
In no instance do we find the pericarp of the monospermous species co-
herent with the integument of the seed, as described by De Candolle and by
Endlicher.
Conspectus of the Tribes and Genera.
Tribe I. CLEMATIDEiE. — Sepals valvate-induplicate in iestivation,
colored, deciduous. Petals none or stamen-like. Ovaries numerous, form-
ing a head of achenia in fruit. Ovule solitary, suspended ; the raphe dorsal.
— Chiefly frutescent vines, climbing by their petioles. Leaves opposite.
Atragene. (Plate 1.) Petals, or staminodia, shorter than the calyx.
Achenia caudate with the plumose-hairy persistent style.
Clematis. (Plate 2.) Petals none. Persistent style plumose or naked.
" In Horsefield's Plonta Jaron. Rar. p. 131.
t Brown, in PI. Juran. Rar. pp. 108- 110, note.
RANUNCULACE.E. 11
Tribe II. ANEMONEiE. — Sepals imbricated in aestivation, colored,
deciduous. Petals none, or rarely some small and flat staminodia. Ovaries
several or numerous, forming- achenia in fruit. Ovule solitary, suspended ;
the raphe dorsal (except in Trautvetteria). — Erect perennial herbs. Floral
leaves often opposite or whorled, forming an involucre.
Pulsatilla. (Plate 3.) Petals small and glandular, like transformed
stamens. Achenia caudate with long plumose-hairy styles. Other-
wise as in Anemone.
Anemone. (Plate -1.) Petals none. Achenia beaked with the naked or
hairy style. Cauline leaves forming an (usually compound or dis-
sected) involucre, and sometimes involucels, remote from the flower.
Hepatica. (Plate 5.) Petals none. Achenia pointed with a short naked
style. Involucre of 3 sepaloid leaves placed close under the flower,
at the summit of the otherwise naked and simple scape, imitating a
calyx. Otherwise as in Anemone.
Thalictrum. (Plate 6.) Petals none. Achenia ribbed, 3-winged, or
inflated, tipped with a sessile stigma or short naked style. Involucre
none, or like the other leaves. (Ovule and seed suspended.)
Trautvetteria. (Plate 7.) Petals none. Sepals very caducous.
Achenia inflated, 4-angled, tipped with a recurved-uncinate stigma.
Involucre none. Ovule and seed erect ; the raphe ventral.
Tribe III. RANUNCULEjE. — Sepals imbricated in aestivation, often
herbaceous, deciduous. Petals conspicuous, imbricated in aestivation. Ova-
ries numerous, forming achenia in fruit. Ovule solitary. — Herbs. Cauline
leaves alternate.
Subtribe I. Adonide.e. — Ovule and seed suspended ; the raphe dorsal.
— § 1. Petals inappendiculate. Adonis, Hamailryas, Knowltonia? §2. Pe-
tals with a tubular or glandular base or claw. Aphanostimma, Calliantke-
mum, Cyrtorhyncha, and
Myosurus. (Plate 8.) Sepals spurred at the base. Petals linear-spatu-
late. Achenia spiked on a long receptacle. — Minute annuals.
Leaves all radical, linear.
Subtribe U. Ficariex. — Ovule and seed ascending or erect ; the
raphe ventral. Petals squamiferous or foveolate at the base. — Ceratocepha-
lus, Ficaria, and
Ranunculus. (Plate 9.) Sepals 5, deciduous. Achenia compressed,
pointed, in a globular or cylindrical head.
Tribe IV. HELLEBORLNE^E. — Sepals imbricated in aestivation,
petaloid, mostly deciduous. Petals tubular, bilabiate, spurred, stamen-like,
or none. Ovaries few or several, follicular in fruit. Ovules few or many ;
the raphes collateral. — Leaves all alternate.
* Flower regular. Follicles several-seeded. Herbs.
Caltha. (Plate 10.) Petals none. Follicles several, compressed, ses-
sile, many-seeded. — Leaves undivided.
2*
12 RANUNCULACE^E.
Tkollius. (Plate 11.) Petals indefinite, small and stamen-like, hollow-
ed near the base. Follicles numerous, cylindraceous, pointed with
the subulate style, sessile, many-seeded. Leaves palmately-parted.
Isopyrum. (Plate 12.) Petals 5, minute and tubular, or, in subgen.
Enemion, none. Follicles 2-20, sessile, few - several-seeded. —
Leaves 2 - 3-ternately divided.
Coptis. (Plate 13.) Petals 5 or 6, small, unguioulate, hollowed at the
apex or hooded in the middle. Follicles 3 - 10, conspicuously stipi-
tate, several-seeded. — Leaves 1 - 3-ternately divided, all radical.
Aquilegia. (Plate 14.) Petals 5, larger than the sepals, produced be-
low into a large hollow spur. Follicles 5, sessile, crowned with fili-
form styles, many-seeded. — Leaves 2 - 3-ternately divided.
# # Flower irregular and unsymmetrical. Follicles several-seeded. Herbs.
Delphinium. (Plate 15.) Sepals 5 ; the outer one larger and spurred.
Petals small, of two kinds ; two of them produced into a spur which
is received into the spur of the calyx ; the two others unguiculate.
Aconitum. (Plate 16.) Sepals 5 ; the outer and larger one galeate, in-
closing two small incurved-saccate petals raised on long claws : the
other petals minute and stamen-like, or none.
* * * Flower regular and symmetrical. Follicles several, by abortion 1-
seeded. Shrubby.
Zanthorhiza. (Plate 17.) Sepals 5, spreading. Petals 5, short, un-
guiculate, 2-lobed, hollowed at the apex. Stamens 5 or 10. Style
becoming lateral in fruit. Seed pendulous. — Suffruticose ; the pin-
natelv-divided leaves and racemes from scaly buds.
Tribe V. CIMICIFUGEiE. — Sepals imbricated in aestivation, peta-
loid, caducous. Petals small and plane, or none. Ovaries 1 - 15, baccate
or follicular in fruit. Ovules 2 - many ; the raphes collateral. — Herbs.
Leaves all alternate.
Hydrastis. (Plate 18.) Sepals 3, very caducous. Petals none. Ova-
ries numerous, imbricated in a head, 2-ovuled, baccate in fruit.
Seeds 1 or 2, ascending. — Flower solitary. Leaves palmately lobed.
Act^a. (Plate 19.) Sepals 3-5. Petals, or staminodia, 4- 8, oblong
or ovate, entire. Ovary solitary. Berry many-seeded. Seeds flat,
horizontal. — Raceme short. Leaves 2 - 3-ternately compound.
Cimicifuga. (Plate 20.) Sepals 4-5. Petals, or staminodia, 3-5,
mostly 2-cleft or forked at the apex. Ovaries 1-8. Follicles sev-
eral - many-seeded. — Raceme virgate.
Tribe VI. PiEONIEiE, with a coriaceo-foliaceous and persistent im-
bricated calyx, ample plane petals, and a fleshy hypogynous disk around the
base of the few ovaries, which form leathery follicles in fruit, comprises
the genus Paeonia alone ; of which there are no species indigenous within
the limits of the United States.
ranunculace.e. 13
Plate 1.
ATRAGENE, L.
Petala (seu staminodia) plurima, angusta, calyce 4-sepalo
breviora. Styli persistentes barbati. Gemmae squamosa?. —
Castera omnia Clematidis.
Atragene, Linn. Gen. 695. Juss. Gen. p. 232. Endl. Gen. 47G9.
Clematis, Sect. Atragene, DC.
Calyx of 4 petaloid membranaceous sepals, spreading,
valvate with the edges more or less induplicate in aestiva-
tion, deciduous. Petals, or rather sterile stamens, numer-
ous, hypogynous, much shorter than the calyx, spatulate or
unguiculate, mostly bearing traces of an anther, passing by
gradual transition into the proper stamens. Stamens indefi-
nite, hypogynous, in several series : filaments flattened : an-
thers fixed by the base, innate, or nearly so, two-celled,
opening longitudinally. Pistils numerous (about 20), capi-
tate-imbricated on the globular receptacle, distinct : ovary
one-celled, one-ovuled, prolonged into a large style, which
is densely hairy below : stigma unilateral, occupying the
inner (ventral) side of the naked summit of the style.
Ovule suspended from the apex of the cell, anatropous,
with the raphe dorsal !
Fruit a head of sessile achenia, bearing the persistent
and elongated plumose-bearded styles : receptacle scro-
biculate. Seed suspended, conformed to the cell. Albu-
men between corneous and fleshy. Embryo minute, next
the hilum, oblong : radicle thick, superior ; the cotyledons
about their length, approximate.
Suffruticose plants, climbing by their leaf-stalks ; with
opposite trifoliolate or biternately compound leaves, develop-
ed from scaly buds. Leaflets toothed or entire. Flowers
large (blue-purple or yellowish-white), solitary on single
14 RANUNCULACE.E.
naked peduncles, appearing with the leaves in spring from
the same axillary hud, terminating the abbreviated branch,
the crowded leaves of which often appear, at first sight, as
if verticillate around the stem of the preceding year (whence
the improper name of Clematis verticillaris, DC). Invo-
lucre none.
Etymolocy. Adpayew], a name of Theophrastus, probably for Clematis
Vitalba, L. (DC.)
Properties. The watery juice is acrid, as in most of the family ; the
acridity dissipated in drying.
Geographical Distribution. Natives of the northern and cold or moun-
tainous regions of the northern hemisphere, in North America extending
southward to lat. 36°, both along the Alleghany and the Rocky Mountains.
PLATE 1. Atragene Americana, Sims : — a flowering branch, of the
natural size.
1. Sepal detached.
2. A petal somewhat enlarged, seen from within.
3. Another petal, seen from without.
4. 5, 6. Stamens somewhat magnified; fig. 5, inside view.
7. Pistils ; the rest of the flower removed from the receptacle.
8. Separate pistil, enlarged.
9. Vertical section of an ovary, more magnified, show-ing the suspended
ovule with its raphe on the dorsal side.
10. Pistil in fruit, enlarged to four times the natural size ; the achenium
divided to display the seed.
RAM'NCl I.ACE.E. 15
Plate 2.
CLEMATIS, L.
Petala nulla. Sepala 4, petaloidea, sestivatione valvata,
marginibus saepe induplicatis. Achenia stylo persistente mi-
do seu barbato caudata. — Herbae vel suffrutices oppositifo-
lias, saepius petiolis petiolulisve scandentes.
Clematis, Linn. Juss. Gen. p. 232. Endl. Gen. 4763. Giertn. Fr. t. 74.
Virgin's Bower.
Calyx of 4 (or rarely 6 to 8) petaloid sepals, valvate, and
usually with the margins induplicate in aestivation, decidu-
ous. Petals none. Stamens indefinite, hypogynous : fil-
aments filiform : anthers linear or oblong, fixed by their
base, innate or slightly extrorse, the cells opening longitudi-
nally by a lateral line. Pistils indefinite (15 to 30 or more),
crowded on the globular or flattish receptacle : ovary one-
celled and one-ovuled, tapering into a hairy or nearly naked
style ; the stigma unilateral (on the inner side) at its apex.
Ovule suspended from the summit of the cell, anatropous ;
the raphe dorsal.
Fruit a head of sessile achenia, which are coriaceous,
compressed ; the persistent style naked, pubescent, or more
commonly forming a plumose-hairy tail. Seed conformed
to the cell, usually compressed : testa coriaceous, thickish ;
the inner integument membranaceous. Albumen corneous-
fleshy. Embryo minute, next the hilum : cotyledons short :
radicle thick, superior (pointing to the base of the style).
Suffruticose plants, climbing by the twisting of their
leaf-stalks, or upright herbs, with fibrous perennial roots ;
the opposite leaves either trifoliolate, pinnate, or sometimes
simple. Buds not scaly. Flowers axillary or terminal, pan-
icled-cymose or solitary (blue, purple, white, or cream-color),
perfect, or sometimes polygamo-dicecious; the peduncles na-
16 RANUNCULACE.E.
ked, or rarely (in the foreign section Cheiropsis) with two
bractlets, forming an involucre under the flower.
Etymology. KXq/wirir, a little Vine-branch or twig, applied by Dios-
corides to a plant of this, or some other genus, with long- and lithe stems.
Properties. Acrid, and even blistering when applied in a fresh state to
the skin. Some species are used as rubefacients or vesicants.
Geographical Distribution. Widely diffused over the world ; princi-
pally in the wanner temperate zone of the northern hemisphere.
Division. The native species of the United States are conveniently divid-
ed into two sections : the first comprising those which, like our Common
Virgin's Bower (C. Yirginiana, L.), bear rather small, white or cream-col-
ored, polygamo-dicecious flowers, in clusters or panicled cymes : the second
including those with larger and solitary flowers, and more or less thick and
leathery sepals ; — of which our plate, drawn from a plant cultivated in the
Botanic Garden at Cambridge, affords a good illustration.
PLATE 2. Clematis crispa, Linn. ; * — summit of a branch in flower
and fruit, of the natural size.
1. Transverse section of the sepals, to show their aestivation and thickness.
2. Vertical section of a flower.
3. 4. Stamens magnified, front and back view.
5. A pistil, magnified. (It should have been more hairy.)
G. Vertical section of the ovary, more magnified, with the ovule in place.
7. Ovule detached, and more highly magnified.
8. A ripe achenium, vertically divided, and displaying the seed in place ;
with the persistent caudate style : enlarged.
9. Vertical section of a seed, magnified, showing the two integuments,
the albumen, and the embryo.
10. Embryo detached, and highly magnified (turned, as in all the ensuing
cases of the kind, so as to bring the radicle downwards).
* The C. crispa of De Candolle, Syst. 1. p. 162 (spec. hort. Audib.), is a form,
or near ally, of C. Viticella or C. campaniflora, and undoubtedly not an Ameri-
can plant. This accounts for his placing the species in the section Viticella, and
for liis remark under C. campaniflora. The fruit, in the rude figure of Dilleni-
us, upon which Linnteus founded the species, is delineated as if the persistent
styles were perfectly naked and glabrous, while the description merely states
that they are not plumose. They are usually about as hairy as here represent-
ed.— Dr. Lindley (in Bot. Reg. for 1846,^01. 32. t. 60) has lately attempted
to elucidate this species and its allies, but not, in all respects, with the best suc-
cess. There is here merely room to state that C. cylindrica, Bot. Mag. t. 1160.
is surely the same as the C Viorna, Andr. Bot. Rep. (which Lindley says is C
Hendersonii) ; and that the C. crispa, Bot. Mug. t. 1892, is not C. reticulata, but
clearly the same as his own C. crispa (which will be found not to have a "short-
tailed mucronate fruit") and the one here figured; of which the C. cordata
Bot. Mag. t. 1816, is merely a variety.
RANUNCULACE.E. 17
Plate 3.
PULSATILLA, Tourn.
Achenia stylis elongatis barbato-plumosis caudata. Pela-
la, seu staminodia glandulasformia, staminibus breviora, sa>
pius plurima. Sepala 6. Castera ut Anemones.
Pulsatilla (Bauhin), Tourn. Inst. t. 148. Willd. Enum. p. 580.
Ledeb. Fl. Alt. 2. p. 367.
Anemones Sp. Linn. Lam. 111. t. 496. Greitn. Fr. t. 74. Sclikuhr,
Handb. t. 50. DC. Syst. 1. p. 189. Endl. Gen. 4773. Pritzel
in Linncea, 15. p. 565.
Pasque-Flower.
Calyx of 6 petaloid membranaceous sepals, imbricated in
aestivation in two series, silky-bairy externally, at length
deciduous. Petals, or rather sterile stamens, gland-like,
sessile or unguiculate, very small, shorter than the fertile
stamens, or none. Stamens indefinite, in several series,
hypogynous : filaments filiform, glabrous: anthers short,
fixed by the base, neither extrorse nor introrse ; the cells
opening lengthwise laterally. Pistils numerous, capitate
on the globular or hemispherical receptacle : ovary one-
celled, one-ovuled, prolonged from the apex into a hairy
style many times exceeding the ovary ; the stigma unilat-
eral at its naked summit. Ovule suspended, anatropous ;
the raphe dorsal.
Fruit a head of many sessile achenia, which are caudate
Avith the elongated and persistent plumose-bearded styles :
receptacle (gynophore) hemispherical. Seed suspended
from the summit of the cell, oblong. Albumen between
corneous and fleshy. Embryo minute, next the hilum, cor-
date, the short cotyledons spreading : radicle superior.
Herbs, with fusiform or thickened and ligneous perennial
roots bearing abbreviated caudexes at their summit ; whence
is emitted, from a kind of scaly bud, a vernal, simple, one-
flowered, involucrate scape, and soon afterwards, or at the
18 RANUNCULACEiE.
same time, a tuft of radical ternately-dissected leaves. Peti-
oles dilated at the base ; their withered remains persistent.
Involucre distant from the flower, soon remote, from the
elongation of the fructiferous peduncle ; in Eupulsatilla
simply multifid from the confluence of its three verticillate
leaves into a cup or ring at the base, the linear segments
uniform ; or, in Pkeonanthus (P. alpina) of three distinct,
short-petioled leaves, resembling the radical ones. Flowers
large (2 to 3 inches broad) : sepals purplish, violet, white or
rarely sulphur-color. Stems and young leaves, &c, villous.
Etymology obscure. The popular name of Pasque-flower was given
in Europe, because the blossom appears at Easter.
Properties. Acrid and poisonous, at least when fresh. Some species
have been esteemed in obstinate cutaneous diseases, chronic ophthalmia, &c.
Geographical Distribution. Northern and colder regions of the Old
World, especially on mountains or elevated plains ; two species (one of each
subgenus) extending into North America, of which one reaches the western
part of the United States proper. — Pritzel, misled by the name which Nut-
tall gave to our species (Anemone Ludoviciana), and not aware that the
whole, country which borders on the Missouri River was formerly called Up-
per Louisiana, has wrongly extended the geographical range down to the
present limits of Louisiana (lat. 33° -29°). Along the Rooky Mountains,
however, this plant does extend as far southward as lat. 30° ; Mr. Fendler
having gathered fine specimens at Santa Fe.
PLATE 3. Pulsatilla patens, Mill. ; — from Wisconsin specimens
furnished by Mr. Lapham, of the natural size at the time the
flower opens : the leaves as yet scarcely appearing.
1 . Diagram of the sestivation of the calyx.
2, 3. Petals, so called, magnified to the same degree as
4. A stamen.
5. A pistil, magnified.
fi. Another pistil, with the ovary divided, showing the ovule.
7. Ovule detached, more highly magnified.
8. Receptacle in fruit, with three of the caudate achenia still attached.
9. An achenium, with its persistent style, thrice the natural size.
10. Same divided, showing the seed in place.
11. Vertical section of the seed magnified, showing the embryo, in place
12. Embryo detached, highly magnified.
RANUNCULACE.E. 19
Plate 4.
ANEMONE, Tourn.
Calyx 4 - 20-sepalus, asstivatione imbricatus. Petala seu
stamina sterilia nulla. Achenia stylis brevibus (nudis lana-
tisve) parum mutatis coronata. Involucrum a flore remotum,
foliis radicalibus conforme.
Anemone, Tourn. Inst. t. 147. Willd. Enum. |>. 581. Ledeb. I. c.
Wind-Flower.
Calyx of 5 to 20, rarely 4, petaloid sepals, imbricated in
aestivation, spreading, deciduous. Petals none. Stamens
indefinite, hypogynous : filaments filiform, glabrous : an-
thers fixed by the base, rasher extrorse, or innate, the cells
opening longitudinally. Pistils numerous (rarely 15 to 20),
capitate-imbricated on the globular, conical-oblong, or cylin-
drical receptacle (gynophore) : ovary one-celled, one-ovuled :
style short, stigmatose from the apex downward along the
inner side. Ovule suspended, anatropous ; the raphe dorsal.
Fruit a head of sessile compressed achenia, tipped with
the straight or uncinate, short and unchanged or scarcely
elongated, naked or woolly styles. Receptacle naked or
hairy. Seed suspended from the summit of the cell.
Albumen between corneous and fleshy. Embryo minute,
next the hilum, cordate : radicle superior.
Herbs, with perennial roots or rootstocks, upright stems,
which are simple and naked, except the 3-leaved invo-
lucre, and one-flowered, or umbellately several-flowered, or
sometimes producing lateral involucellate peduncles from
the axils of the involucral leaves, which may again fork or
branch at the two-leaved involucel. Involucral leaves usually
palmately lobed, or tri - quinately compound, remote from the
flower (at the base of the peduncles), resembling the proper
or radical leaves. Petioles dilated at the base. Flowers
20 RANUNCULACE^E.
(sepals) commonly showy and white, or tinged with blue or
purple, sometimes red.
Etymology. 'Ave/iavrj, the ancient name ; from Svefws, the wind, be-
cause the blossom was thought to open only when the wind blows.
Properties. The juice is an acrid poison, as in the foregoing genera.
Geographical" Distribution. Extratropical in both hemispheres, prin-
cipally in the northern ; and more than half the 73 known species are in-
digenous between the parallels of 40° and 50°, north latitude.
PLATE 4. Anemone Pennsylvanica, Linn., — of natural size early in
the season ; without the base of the stem or the radical leaves.
1. A stamen, enlarged.
2. A pistil, enlarged.
3. The same, with the ovary divided, displaying the ovule.
4. Ovule detached (reversed), and more magnified.
5. Head of carpels in fruit, of the natural size.
6. Separate achenium, enlarged.
7. Enlarged achenium divided, so as to show the cell and the seed.
8. Vertical section of a more magnified seed, showing the minute embryo
in place.
RANUNCULACE.E. 21
Plate 5.
HEPATICA, Dill.
Involucrum triphyllum, integrifolium, flori proximum, eo-
dem minora, calycem referentia. Castera ut Anemones. —
Gemmae radicales squamosa?, primo vere scapos unifloros,
tandem folia simplicia tri- (rarius 5 — 7-) loba, promentes.
Hepatica, Dillen. Nov. Gen. 108. Linn. Hort. Cliff, p. 223. Haller,
Helv. 1156. DC. Syst. 1. p. 215. Torr. & Gray, Fl. 1. p. 14.
Anemone Hepatica, Linn. Sp. Sect. Hepatica, Kocb, Pritzel, 1. c.
L.iver-L.eaf.
Calyx of 6 to 9, rarely 12, oblong petaloid sepals, imbri-
cated in aestivation in two or three rows, spreading, early
deciduous. Petals none. Stamens indefinite, hypogy-
nous : filaments filiform, glabrous : anthers oval, slightly
extrorse, the cells opening lengthwise at or near the mar-
gins. Pistils 12 to 20, crowded on the convex summit of
the receptacle (gynophore) : ovary one-celled, one-ovuled,
apiculate with a very short style, which is stigmatose
down the inner side. Ovule suspended from the summit
of the cell, anatropous ; the raphe dorsal.
Achenia in a small loose head, at length short-stipitate
(in H. acutiloba), ovate-oblong, compressed, not margined,
hairy, pointed with the short naked style. Receptacle
of the fruit nearly hemispherical, pilose-alveolate. Seed
suspended, conformed to the cell, which it fills. Albumen,
Embryo, &c, as in Anemone.
Acaulescent dwarf herbs, with fibrous perennial roofs,
producing from radical scaly buds, in earliest spring, simple
one-flowered scapes, and soon after several 3 - 5-lobed heart-
shaped leaves, which become thick or coriaceous in the
course of the summer, and last through the winter, until
their successors begin to unfold. Vernation involute-plicate.
22 RANUNCULACE/E.
Involucre close to the flower, and imitating a calyx, formed
of three ovate and entire sepaloid leaves, rather shorter than
the sepals, longer than the head of fruit with its short stalk
(the pedicel), persistent. Sepals blue, violet, purple, often
pale or nearly white, handsome.
Etymology and Properties. From tiwotikos, affecting or belonging to
the liver, on account of a fancied resemblance in the shape of the leaves ;
whence, according to the old " doctrine of signatures," it was inferred to
be a potent remedy for affections of the liver. It is still a celebrated popular
remedy for various diseases ; but it is endowed with no active properties
beyond the slight acridity of the recent plant, and a mild astringency with a
little mucilage.
Geographical Distribution. Natives of the colder temperate zone of
the northern hemisphere, extending northward to the limit of trees. Grow-
ing in rich woods, covered in winter by the fallen leaves, above which the
handsome flowers rise and unfold almost as soon as the snow leaves the
ground.
PLATE 5. Hepatica acutiloea, DC, — of the natural size : the right-
hand scape in young fruit.
1. Stamen magnified, seen from without.
2. Inside view of the same.
3. A pistil, magnified.
4. Vertical section of a pistil, magnified, showing the ovule.
5. Ovule detached, equally magnified.
6. Vertical section through an achenium and the included seed, magni-
* fied, bringing to view the minute embryo next the hilum.
RANUNCULACE/E. 23
Plate 6.
THALICTRUM, Tourn.
Calyx 4 — 7-sepalus, a^stivatione imbricatus. Petala nulla.
Achenia 3 — 15, ecaudata, plurisulcata seu vesiculoso-inflata :
stigma pleriuntme sessili. (Semen suspensum.) — Flores
ssepe polygamo-dioici. Involucrum nullum, aut (in T. ane-
monoide solum) foliiforme, a floribus remotum.
Thalictrdm, Linn. Gen. 697. DC. Syst. 1. p. 168. Endl. Gen. 4772.
Ruc-Ancnioue. Mcadow-Ruc.
Calyx of 4 or 5, rarely (in T. anemonoides) 7 to 10, peta-
loid sepals, imbricated in a?stivation, spreading or reflexed,
caducous or deciduous. Petals none. Stamens indefi-
nite, hypogynous : filaments capillary, filiform, clavate, or
petaloid-dilated : anthers fixed by the base, strictly innate,
various in form ; the cells opening longitudinally. Pistils
3 to 15, crowded on the small receptacle : ovary one-celled,
one-ovuled : stigma usually sessile. Ovule suspended, ana-
tropous ; the raphe dorsal.
Achenia sessile or stipitate, longitudinally sulcate or
many-angled, or inflated (in § Tripterium alate-triquetrous),
pointed by the persistent stigma or its base. Albumen be-
tween fleshy and corneous. Embryo minute, next the
hilum : radicle superior.
Herbs, with perennial, usually fibrose roots, erect stems,
and ternately-compound or supradecompound leaves ; the
petioles and their branches often auriculate-dilated at the
base : leaflets falling away separately by an articulation.
Involucre none (the cauline leaves alternate), except in T.
anemonoides. Flowers usually small, in compound pani-
cles or corymbs, rarely racemose or umbellate, greenish, yel-
lowish, or white, seldom purplish, often dicecio-polygamous.
24 RANUNCULACE.«.
Etymology. BaKucrpov, an ancient name, of obscure derivation.
Properties. The roots are scarcely acrid, and often yield a bitter and
yellow coloring matter.
Geographical Distribution. This genus, of about 50 known species,
is widely distributed through the northern temperate zone ; a few are also
found, in a corresponding climate, on the Himalaya Mountains and the equa-
torial Andes.
Division. The genus comprises a variety of forms, and greatly needs
revision. The North American species belong to three groups, viz. : —
§ 1. Thalictrum proper. — Achenia sulcate-angled, ovoid or oblong,
chiefly sessile, the seed conformed to the cell. Stigma elongated. Se-
pals caducous, shorter than the stamens. — Roots fibrose. Stems most-
ly branching and fistulous, alternate-leaved. Involucre none. Flowers
small, mostly panicled, often dicecio-polygamous or strictly dioecious.
§2. Syndesmon, Hoffmansegg. — Achenia and seed as in § 1. Stigma
depressed. Sepals 5 - 10, longer than the stamens, merely deciduous.
— Root grumous, or fasciculate-tuberous. Stem simple, leafless, except
an involucre at the summit, like that of Anemone ; consisting of 2 or
3 trifoliohite leaves with long-petiolulate leaflets, but destitute of com-
mon petioles, thus simulating a whorl of 6 or 9 long stalked simple leaves.
Flowers few and umbellate, or single, pretty large, showy, perfect.
§3. Physocarpum, DC. — Achenia stipitate, inflated, veiny-striate or
even, the cell much larger than the seed. Sepals merely deciduous. —
Roots fibrose. Stems usually branching, alternate-leaved. Flowers
corymbose, scattered, perfect or polygamous.
PLATE 6. Fig. 1-8. Thalictrum (Syndesmon) anemonoides, Michx.
1. A stamen, magnified.
2. A separate pistil, magnified.
3. Transverse, and 4, vertical section of the same.
5. Detached ovule, magnified.
6. Head of ripe achenia, enlarged.
7. Separate achenium, enlarged.
8. Vertical section of the same, and of the seed, showing the embryo.
9. Enlarged flower of T. (Physocarpum) clavatum, DC. (Gray, in Sill.
Jour. 42. p. 17) ; — from the mountains of North Carolina.
10. A magnified stamen, from the same.
11. A pistil, magnified.
12. Vertical section of the same, showing the ovule.
13. Ovule, more magnified.
14. Vertical section of an achenium, seed, and embryo.
15. Embryo detached and much more magnified.
RANUNCULACE-E. 25
Plate 7.
TRAUTVETTERIA, Fisch. <$• Mey.
Calyx 3 — 5-sepalus, aestivatione imbricatus, sepalis conca-
vis caducissimis. Petala nulla. Achenia plurima, utriciilata,
membranacea, dolabriformi-quadrangulata. Semen e basi
adscendenti-erectum ! Embryo majuscula ! — Folia palma-
tifida. Involucrum nullum.
Trautvetteria, Fischer & Meyer, Ind. Sem. Petrop. 1835. p. 22.
Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 37. Endl. Gen. 4798.
Hydrastis, Lam. 111. t. 500; non Linn.
CiMiciFcca: Sp., Miclix. Fl. 1. p. 316.
Calyx of 3 to 5 orbicular and strongly concave sepals,
imbricated in aestivation (when four in number, as is most
common, two are exterior and two interior in the bud, but
sometimes two are overlapped on one edge by the outer
one, and the fourth is interior), petaloid (greenish-white),
very caducous. Petals none. Stamens indefinite, hypogy-
nous, in several series, much longer than the pistils, all per-
fect, white : filaments thickened upward or clavate : an-
thers short, pointless ; the elliptical cells separate, some-
what extrorsely adnate, opening longitudinally. Pistils
indefinite (20 or more), capitate on the short receptacle :
ovary compressed, gibbous, one-celled, one-ovuled : stigma
recurved, unilateral. Ovule erect, ascending from the base
of the cell, anatropous ; the strong raphe ventral.
Achenia capitate, numerous, sessile, broadly ovate, gib-
bous, beaked by the recurved-uncinate persistent stigma or
short style, utricular and membranaceous, entirely smooth
and even, except the four prominent narrow ribs, which are
one dorsal, the other ventral, bordering the acute angles, and
the two others lateral, forming obtuse angles, the transverse
section exactly rhombic : the ripe fruit inclines to open at
one of the sutures. Seed very much smaller than the cell,
3
26 RANUNCULACE^E.
erect or ascending from next its base at the inner angle, ob-
ovate-oblong, smooth. Embryo oblong-linear, fully one third
the length of the firm fleshy albumen : radicle inferior, next
the hilum : cotyledons narrowly oblong.
Herbs, smooth throughout or nearly so, perennial, with
simple, or sparingly corymbose, fistulous stems from matted
fibrose rootstocks, few alternate leaves, the upper small and
bract-like, and rather handsome corymbose flowers. Radi-
cal leaves ample, long-petioled, palmately veined, palmately
5- 11-cleft, with the lobes irregularly incised and toothed;
the veins and veinlets conspicuous underneath, freely reticu-
lated.
Etymology. Dedicated to E. R. Trautvetter, a well-known botanist,
now Professor at Kiev, in Southern Russia.
Geographical Distribution. The original species is found along- shad-
ed streams, throughout the Alleghany Mountains from Virginia southward,
and along their western confines : it also occurs sparingly in Illinois, and ap-
parently reappears in Northern Oregon. A second, but imperfectly known
species has been recently indicated by Siebold and Zuccarini in Japan.
Observation. The genus seems to be about equally allied to Thalictrum
and to Hydrastis.
PLATE 7. Trautvetteria palmata, F. df M. ; — the upper part of a
flowering plant, of the natural size. (From living specimens in-
troduced into the Cambridge Botanic Garden from the mountains of
Carolina.)
1. Diagram of the customary aestivation of the sepals.
2. Enlarged head of pistils, with one stamen remaining.
3. Stamen enlarged, seen from the inside.
4. Same, seen from the exterior.
5. Detached pistil, enlarged.
6. Same, with the ovary vertically divided, showing the ovule in place.
7. Ovule magnified.
8. Heads of fruit, natural size.
9. Utricular achenium, enlarged.
10. Transverse section of the same, and of the seed,
11. Vertical section of the same ; the seed in place.
12. Magnified vertical section of the seed, showing the slender embryo,
which is unusually large for this order, in the albumen.
RANUNCULACEiE. 27
Plate 8.
MYOSURUS, Dill.
Sepala basi deorsum calcarata. Petala calyce breviora,
angusta, ungue filiformi ad apicem tubuloso-nectarifera.
Achenia plurima, trigona, supra gynophorum elongatum spi-
cata. Semen suspensum. — Acaulescentes, annua?, pusillas ;
foliis linearibus integerrimis, scapo unifloro.
Mvosurus, Dillen. Nov. Gen. 106. Linn. Gen. 394. Gasrtn. Fr. t. 74.
Schknhr, Handb. t. 88. DC. Syst. 1. p. 229. Endl. Gen. 4780.
9Iouse-tail.
Calyx somewhat petaloid, imbricated in aestivation : se-
pals 5, rarely 6 or 7, regular, oblong or spatulate, sessile, the
base prolonged downward below the insertion into a pen-
dent spur, deciduous. Petals as many as the sepals and
alternate with them, smaller than they, hypogynous, raised
on a slender claw which is somewhat tubular and nectarif-
erous at its summit ; the narrowly oblong lamina plane, not
longer than the claw. Stamens 5 to 20, hypogynous : fil-
aments filiform : anthers oblong, slightly extrorse, the cells
opening longitudinally. Pistils very numerous, or 20 to 25,
imbricated-spiked on a prolonged receptacle (gynophore) :
ovary inserted by the whole length of the ventral suture,
compressed, one-celled, one-ovuled : ovule anatropous, sus-
pended from the summit of the cell ; the raphe dorsal :
style subulate, as long as the ovary, naked, stigmatose from
the apex downward on the inner side.
Fruit an elongated (cylindrical, linear, or oblong) spike
of achenia imbricated on the filiform and angled recepta-
cle, thickened and somewhat corky in texture at maturity,
broadest on the back, which is rhomboidal with thickened
edges and a somewhat carinate medial line ; the sides cunei-
formly converging to the ventral edge, winch is minutely
28 RANUNCULACE^E.
hairy, and inserted by its whole length, blunt in M. mini-
mus (the short style not enlarging in fructification but
incorporated with the back of the carpel), or in M. aristatus,
Bcnth., forming a projecting beak. Seed oval, conformed
to the cell, suspended from its upper outer angle. Albumen
fleshy. Embryo minute, next the hilum, cordate, the short
cotyledons separated : radicle superior.
Acaulescent annuals or biennials, small and inconspicu-
ous, with narrowly linear and entire radical leaves, and a
naked one-flowered scape. Flower small, greenish-yellow :
the receptacle very early exserted and prolonged. •
Etymology. Name composed of pis, a mouse, and oipd, tail ; from the
appearance of the long spike of carpels in fruit.
Geographical Distribution, &c. The species of the valley of the
Mississippi and northwestward, from which our figure is derived, appears
not to be distinct from the common European and North Asiatic plant : but
a second species, remarkable for its few and aristate carpels, has recently
been detected in the Rocky Mountains by Mr. Geyer, as well as on the
Andes of Chili.
PLATE 9. Myosurus minimus, Linn. ; — from Missouri specimens; of
the natural size.
1. Flower, enlarged.
2. Detached sepal, enlarged.
3. Detached petal, equally enlarged.
4. A stamen, enlarged ; outside view.
5. Detached pistil, magnified.
6. Vertical section of the same, showing the ovule.
7. Receptacle in fruit, enlarged ; all the upper achenia removed.
8. Achenium detached, seen laterally.
9. Transverse section of the same, more magnified.
10. Vertical section of the same, showing the seed in place.
11. Vertical section of the seed, magnified, showing the embryo.
12. Embryo, highly magnified.
ranunculace^e. 29
Plate 9.
RANUNCULUS, L.
Sepala exappendiculata. Petala plana, dilatata, basi intus
squamula vel foveola instructa. Achenia plurima, compres-
sa, mucronata seu rostrata, supra gynophorum globosum cy-
lindricumve capitata. Semen erectum.
Ranunculus, Linn. (excl. sp.) Hall. Helv. 2. p. 68. DC. Prodr. 1.
p. 26. Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 26. Endl. Gen. 47S3.
Crowfoot. Buttercups.
Calyx herbaceous or slightly colored, imbricated in aesti-
vation, regular; the sepals 5 (rarely 3 or 4), concave, decid-
uous. Petals 5 (rarely more or fewer), alternate with the
sepals, usually much larger than they, imbricated in aestiva-
tion, hypogynous, plane, dilated, the contracted base fur-
nished on the inner side with a nectariferous depression or
small adherent scale, deciduous. Stamens hypogynous,
indefinite, rarely few (5 or more) : filaments filiform :
anthers short, extrorsely adnate, the cells opening longi-
tudinally. Pistils indefinite, capitate on a globular or cy-
lindrical receptacle (gynophore) : ovary compressed, one-
celled, one-ovuled : style short, subulate : stigma occupying
the inner side at its apex. Ovule erect or ascending from
the inner angle next the base of the cell, anatropous ; the
raphe ventral.
Fruit a head of compressed or turgid achenia, pointed or
beaked with the persistent and naked style. Seed erect,
conformed to the cell. Embryo minute at the base of the
corneous-fleshy albumen, next the hilum : radicle inferior.
Herbs of various habit and foliage, the cauline leaves,
when present, alternate. Petioles dilated at the base. In-
volucre none. Flowers solitary, terminating the stem and
branches, usually showy, yellow or sometimes white, very
rarely purple.
30 RANUNCULACE.E.
Etymology. An ancient Latin name, the diminutive of Rana, a frog,
also applied by Pliny to aquatic species of this genus, which inhabit similar
places.
Properties. The fresh juice is my acrid and poisonous, so much so in
many species as to blister the skin or produce ulcers. But the acrid princi-
ple is so far dissipated in drying, that the Buttercups, which abound in every
old meadow, are apparently innocuous in the hay.
Geographical Distribution. A genus of about 200 described species,
dispersed over almost every paft of the world ; but chiefly belonging to
temperate and frigid regions, and to the northern hemisphere.
Division. The white-flowered aquatic species bear a nectariferous pit on
the yellowish base of the petal, in place of the adherent scale ; and the
achenia are wrinkled transversely ; these form the section Batrachium,
DC. The sections Ranunculastrum, Hecatonia, and Echinella, of De I mi-
ddle, which all have the squamula on the base of the petals, are distin-
guished by characters of less moment, and may rather be taken as subdivis-
ions of the higher group, Ranunculus proper.
Note. The genus Hamadryas, which on p. 11 was referred to the Sub-
tribe Adonidese, on the authority of the character " ovulo unico pendulo "
by Endlicher, has an erect ovule, and must stand nest to Ranunculus ; as is
well shown by Dr. Hooker (Flora Antarctica, p. 227. t. 85).
PLATE 9. Ranunculus fascicularis, Muhl. ; — natural size, with its
fasciculate thickened roots. (From a plant indigenous at Cam-
bridge : a common vernal species )
1. Sepal detached and moderately enlarged.
2. Petal, equally enlarged ; inside view.
3. Stamen enlarged ; inside view.
4. Same, seen from the outside.
5. A pistil detached and magnified.
6. Same, with the ovary divided, showing the ovule.
7. Ovule, more magnified.
8. Vertical section through a head of pistils in fruit, enlarged.
9. An aehenium, magnified.
10. Vertical section of an aehenium and the inclosed seed, magnified, show-
ing the embryo.
RANUNCULACE.E 31
Plate 10.
CALTHA, L.
Calyx 4-10-sepalus, petaloideus, regularis, deciduus. Pe-
tala plane nulla. Folliculi 5-15, sessiles, compressi, pa-
tentes, polyspermi. — Folia rotundata vel cordata, indivisa.
Caltha, Linn. Gsrtn. Fr. t. 118. DC. Syst. 1. p. 306 (excl. § 1).
Populago, Tourn. Inst. p. 273. t. 145.
Marsh Marigold.
Calyx regular, imbricated in asstivation : sepals petaloid,
ovate or oblong, spreading, plane, deciduous. Petals en-
tirely wanting. Stamens indefinite, hypogynous : fila-
ments filiform : anthers oblong, innate or slightly extrorse,
the cells opening longitudinally at the margins. Pistils
5 to 15, sessile on the small or depressed receptacle, one-cell-
ed, many-ovuled : style none, or a short point stigmatose
on the inner side. Ovules indefinite, occupying the ventral
suture in two rows, horizontal, anatropous ; their raphes col-
lateral (next the suture, or face to face).
Fruit follicular. Follicles as many as the ovaries, or
by abortion fewer, verticillate, or when numerous capitate,
soon divergently spreading, sessile, short-pointed, coriaceo-
membranaceous in texture, compressed, dehiscent by the
whole length of the ventral suture, soon opening flat, bear-
ing a row of seeds upon each margin. Seeds horizontal,
oval, the smooth and rather thick testa extended into a
wing-like border at the raphe and chalaza. Alhumen fleshy.
Embryo minute, next the hilum : cotyledons very short,
separate.
Herbs smooth, with simple or sparingly branched fistu-
lous stems, or scapes, rising from perennial and often creep-
ing rootstocks, and bearing several or solitary, terminal , large
and showy vernal flowers. Calyx golden-yellow, or rarely
white. Leaves ample, rounded, crenate-toothed or entire.
32 RANUNCULACEiE.
veiny, mostly cordate or reniform ; the few cauline or the
uppermost nearly sessile, alternate ; the radical ones long-
petioled. Petioles dilated and sheathing, and often stipu-
liform at the hase.
Etymology. From Ka\a6os, a goblet, in allusion to the golden flower-
cup, or calyx, of the common species.
Properties. Somewhat acrid when fresh. The vernal herbage of the
common C. palustris is largely used in this country as a pot-herb, under the
erroneous, but widely diffused, name of Cowslips: the acridity is destroyed
by boiling.
Geographical Distribution. A genus of few species, widely distrib-
uted through the colder temperate and frigid zones ot the northern hemi-
sphere, inhabiting wet places. — The singular, oligandrous and oligosper-
mous, antarctic species are surely of a different genus.
PLATE 10. Caltha palustris, Linn.; — upper part of a flowering
plant ; of the natural size.
1. Stamen, magnified ; inside view.
2. The same, outside view.
3. A pistil, enlarged.
4. Vertical section through the ovary of the same.
5. Ovule, magnified.
6. Head of follicles, of the natural size.
7. Follicle, opening by the ventral suture.
8. Same, after dehiscence, the seeds discharged.
9. Seed, magnified.
10. Vertical section of the same, showing the embryo in the albumen.
1 1 . Embryo, more magnified.
RANUNCULACE^E. 33
Plate 11.
TROLLIUS, L.
Calyx 5 - polysepalus, petaloideus, regularis, deciduus.
Petala 5-20, parva, nectariformia, ligulata, basi intus subtu-
bulosa. Folliculi sessiles, plurimi, cylindracei, polyspermi.
— Herba3 Ranunculi facie, foliis palmatifidis.
Tkollius, Linn. Gen. 780. Gfertn. Fr. t. 118. Lam. 111. t. 499. Salisb.
in Linn. Trans. 8. p. 302. DC. Syst. 1. p. 311. Endl. Gen. 47»7.
Geissenia, Raf. in New York Med. Rep. (5.) 2. p. 450.
Globe-Flower.
Calyx petaloid, regular, imbricated in aestivation : sepals
5 to 20, orbicular or obovate, remaining incurved, so as to
give a globular form to the flower (whence the popular
name for T. Europasus), or spreading, deciduous. Petals
5 to 20, hypogynous, small, little exceeding or shorter than
the stamens, which they somewhat resemble, ligulate or
linear-spatulate, thickish, gland-like, slightly unguiculate,
somewhat excavated or tubular on the inner side next the
base, deciduous. Stamens indefinite, hypogynous : fila-
ments filiform : anthers short, innate, the cells opening lat-
erally, or slightly introrse. Pistils 9 to 30, sessile on the
globular summit of the receptacle (gynophore) : ovary one-
celled, many-ovuled, tapering into a short style ; the stigma
unilateral at its summit. Ovules numerous, anatropous,
horizontal in two rows occupying the whole length of the
ventral suture ; their raphes collateral (face to face).
Fruit follicular. Follicles 9 to 30, capitate, closely
sessile, erect or barely spreading, coriaceous, nearly cylindra-
ceous, transversely veiny from the dorsal rib, from which is
exserted the subulate short style, dehiscent through the ven-
tral suture from the apex downward. Seeds horizontal, in
two rows, 5 to 10 in each, ovoid or angled : the smooth and
34 RANUNCULACEvE.
coriaceous testa conformed to the nucleus ; the raphe not
appendaged.. Embryo minute at the base of the fleshy al-
bumen, cordate ; the radicle next the hilum.
Herbs smooth, with much the aspect of Ranunculus ;
the mostly simple and fistulous stems rising from fibrose--
fascicled blackish roots, .and terminated by solitary large
flowers. Leaves alternate, palmately 5 - 7-parted, with the
cuneiform divisions incisely cleft and toothed ; the upper-
most nearly sessile. Petioles dilated at the base, and more
or less clasping. Flower yellow.
Etymology. Thought to be derived from the German tiollrn, to roll,
from the globular shape of the flower in the original European species, the
Globe-floioer of the gardens ; — a name by no means appropriate for the other
species, in which the floral envelopes are more or less widely expanded.
Properties. Slightly acrid. T. Europaeus, especially, is cultivated for
its showy vernal flowers.
Geographical Distribution. Natives of the colder portion of the
northern hemisphere, in moist and shady places ; one species in Europe, five
in Northern Asia, and one in North America.
PLATE 11. Trollius laxus, Salisb. ; — summit of a flowering plant
(Botanic Garden, from W. New York) ; natural size.
1. A petal, magnified ; seen externally.
2. Same, seen from within.
3. Side view of the same (badly engraved).
4. A stamen, magnified ; seen externally.
5. Same, seen from the inner side.
6. Pistils, the rest of the flower removed from the receptacle ; enlarged.
7. A pistil, detached.
8. Transverse section of the ovary of the same.
9. Vertical section of the same.
10. Head of fruit ; of the natural size.
1 1 . Detached follicle, dehiscent ; inside view.
12. A seed, magnified.
13. Vertical section of the same, displaying the embryo.
RANUNCULACE^E. 35
f LATE 12.
ISOPYRUM, L.
Calyx 5 - 6-sepalus, petaloideus, regularis, deciduus. Pe-
tala 5, brevissima, nectariformia, basifixa, seu nulla. Folli-
culi sessiles, 2 — 20, raembranacei, compressi, oligo-polysper-
mi. — Folia ternatim composita, Thalictri facie.
Isopyrdm, Linn. Juss. Gen. p. 232. GsErtn. Fr. t. 65. Scbkubr, Handb.
t. 153. DC. Syst. 1. p. 323. Ledeb. Fl. Alt. 2. p. 298. Torr.
&Gray, FI. N. Am. I. p. C60.
Subgen. Enemion. — Petala nulla. Ovula pauca, 1-seriata.
Enemion, Raf. in Jour. Pliys. 91. p. 70. Torr. & Gray, 1. c. p. 29. Endl.
Gen. 848.
Calyx petaloid, regular, imbricated in aestivation : sepals
5, sometimes 6, spreading, ovate, deciduous. Petals, in
species of the Old World, very short and tubular, 1-2-lip-
ped, in the North American none. Stamens numerous, hy-
pogynous: filaments filiform or flattened : anthers innate,
the oblong cells opening on the margins longitudinally.
Pistils few or several ; sessile on the globular receptacle :
ovary one-celled, pointed with the distinct style, which is
stigmatose from the apex down the inner side. Ovules
anatropous, few (3 to 10) in a single series and more or less
ascending, or numerous in two rows and horizontal, with
the raphes collateral.
Follicles 3 to 20 (rarely solitary), membranaceous, veiny
or reticulated, more or less compressed, beaked with the sub-
ulate style, dehiscent through the ventral suture. Seeds
few or numerous, mostly horizontal ; the testa crustaceous,
smooth or minutely pubescent, or sometimes granulate-sca-
brous. Embryo minute, next the hilum, at the base of the
fleshy albumen.
Herbs of small size, with fibrous, and sometimes grumous
roots, slender stems, and ternately-compound alternate leaves.
36 RANUNCULACEiE.
Leaflets lobed. Petioles commonly auriculate-dilated at the
base, forming a small- stipuliform appendage on each side.
Flowers white or light yellow, small or middle-sized, ter-
minating the stem and branches.
Etymology and Properties. A name given by Dioscorides to a Gre-
cian plant (probably Fumaria eapreolata), formed of 'Irros, equal, and irvpos,
wheat. Slightly acrid plants, of no known importance.
Geographical Distribution. A genus of few species, sparingly scat-
tered over the northern temperate zone. The two North American species
are remarkable for being apetalous : that of the United States has just the
aspect of the European I. thalictroides, L. ; while the Californian species is
more like the Siberian I. fumarioides, L. Two other species belong to the
Altaic and Himalayan Mountains, and a seventh to Japan.
Note. The analyses in Plate 12 having been made from dried speci-
mens, with aid of a former sketch in which this point was not particu-
larly attended to, we are not sure that the raphe is correctly represented as
ventral ; but the ovules, which are only two or three in number, are certain-
ly superposed in a single series.
PLATE 12. Isopyrum (Enemion) biternatum, Torr. <J- Gray; — plant
from Ohio (Sullivant), of the natural size.
1. A stamen, magnified.
2. The pistils, on the receptacle, magnified.
3. Vertical section of a pistil, magnified.
4. Pistils in fruit, the ripe follicles divaricate ; enlarged.
5. A seed, magnified ; showing the thick raphe.
6. Vertical section of the same, displaying the embryo at the base of the
albumen.
RANUNCULACE;E. 37
Plate 13.
COPTIS, Salisb.
Calyx 5 - 6-sepalus, petaloideus, regularis, deciduus. Pe-
tala totidem, unguiculata ; apice lamina glandulaeformia dila-
tato-cucullata, nunc caudato-appendiculata. Folliculi 3 - 10,
longe stipitati, stellato-patentes, oligospermi. — Acaulescen-
tes, foliis trifoliolatis ternatiinve compositis, scapoque nudo
uni-paucifloro, e rhizomate flagelliformi fibrilloso.
Coptis, Salisb. in Linn. Trans. 8. p. 305. DC. Syst. 1. p. 321. Torr.
& Gr. Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 28. Endl. Gen. 4792.
Hellebori Sp., Linn. Amcen. 2. p. 355. t. 4. etc.
Chryza, Raf. in Desv. Jour. Bot. 2. p. 170, & New York Med. Rep.
Coptis, Chrysocoptis, & Pterophyllcm, NutU
Gold-thread.
Calyx petaloid (white or greenish-white), regular, imbri-
cated in aestivation : sepals ovate-oblong or linear, spread-
ing, or at length rerlexed, early deciduous. Petals as many
as the sepals and alternate with them, hypogynous, unguic-
ulate, equalling or shorter than the stamens ; the gland-like
apex thickened, cucullate-dilated and inappendiculate, or
produced into a filiform caudate appendage much exceeding
the stamens. Stamens 13 to 30, shorter than the sepals,
hypogynous : filaments filiform : anthers oval, innate, the
cells opening longitudinally. Pistils 3 to 10, verticillate, at
first short-stipitate or almost sessile and erect, but spreading
and the stipe elongating after fecundation : ovary one-cell-
ed, several-ovuled, pointed with a short and often recurved
style, which is stigmatose down the inner face. Ovules 10 to
24, anatropous, horizontal in two series ; the raphes collateral.
Follicles 3 to 10, ovate or oblong, raised on slender
stipes, membranaceous, few- (4- 10-) seeded. Seeds small,
horizontal, oval ; the smooth and shining testa conformed or
nearly so to the nucleus. Embryo minute, at the base of
the albumen, cordate ; the radicle next the hilum.
38 RANUNCULACEvE.
Acaulescent, low and slender, smooth and shining herbs ;
with trifoliolate or ternately-decompound radical leaves, on
slender petioles, and a 1 - 4-flowered naked (minutely 1 - 2-
bracteate) scape, rising in early spring from a kind of scaly
bud, borne at the extremity of a long and filiform, extensive-
ly creeping, orange-colored, fibrillose rhizoma. Leaves per-
sistent through the winter : leaflets incised and toothed.
Etymology. From Kojrra, to cut, alluding: to the divided leaves.
Properties. The yellow rootstocks and routs are intensely bitter : the in-
fusion is used as a tonic, and as a topical application to aphthous ulcerations.
Geographical Distribution. Natives of the colder northern temperate
zone, in damp shady woods and bogs. One species extends round the world ;
the others are Northwest American and Asiatic.
Division, &c. In a specimen of Chrysocoptis occidentalis, Nutt., from
Geyer's Oregon collectfon, the petals are constructed just as in C. aspleni-
folia ; that is, the lamina is glandular-thickened and more or less cucullate
next the apex of the claw, and then continued upwards into a very long,
ligulate-filiform tail ; — thus leaving no real distinction between Chrysocoptis
and the section Pterophyllum. Furthermore, the two Japanese species re-
ceutly described by Zuccarini resemble the latter, except that their petals are
not thus prolonged. It appears, therefore, that only two subgenera can
now be characterized, viz.
§ 1. Chrysa.. (Chryza, Raf.) — Sepals oval. Petals very small, glandu-
lajform, obconical-dilated and cucullate at the apex, not appendieulate.
— Scape 1-flowered. Leaves simply trifoliolate. (C. tnfolia.)
^2. Chrysocoptis. (Chrysocoptis & Pterophyllum, Nutt.) — Sepals
linear or narrowly ligulate. Petals with an involute-cucullate lamina,
either elliptical and inappendiculate, or produced into a long filiform
appendage. — Scape 2 -4-flowered. Leaves 1 - 2-ternately compound.
PLATE 13. Coptis trifolia, Salisb. ; — flowering plant, natural size.
1. Flower, enlarged.
2, 3. Magnified petals ; the former an inside, the other an outside view.
4. A stamen, magnified,
5. Pistils and receptacle, magnified.
6. One of the pistils, detached.
7. Transverse section, and 8, vertical section, of the same.
9. Fruit (shorter-stalked than usual), of the natural size.
10. A seed, magnified.
11. Vertical section of the same, showing the embryo.
RANUNCULACE^E. 39
Plate 14.
AQUILEGIA, Tourn.
Calyx 5-sepalus, petaloideus, regularis, deciduus. Petala
5, consimilia, margine limbi oblicpii affixa, inter sepala deor-
sura in calcar cavum infundibuliforme l.onge producta. Fol-
liculi 5, conniventes, sessiles, polyspermi. — Caiiles panicu-
lato-ramosi : folia bi - triternata.
Aquilegia, Toum. Inst. t. 242. Linn. Gen. 6S4. Gaertn. Fr. t. 11$.
DC. Syst. 1. p. 333. Endl. Gen. 4795.
Columbine.
Calyx petaloid, regular, imbricated in aestivation : sepals
5, spreading, ovate or oblong, deciduous. Petals 5, all sim-
ilar in size and shape, hypogynous, inserted by the inner
margin or lip of the oblique expanded limb, alternate with
the sepals, and produced backwards between them into a
long infundibuliform-tubular spur. Stamens indefinite, hy-
pogynous, obscurely collected into 5 to 10 clusters : fila-
ments filiform and elongated ; some of the innermost abor-
tive, destitute of anthers, and converted into membranaceous
scales which collectively surround the ovaries : anthers
oval, innate, the cells opening lengthwise laterally. Pistils
usually 5, sessile, erect or appressed : ovary cylmdraceous,
one-celled, many-ovuled : style filiform, elongated : stigma
unilateral at the apex. Ovules indefinite, occupying the
whole length of the ventral suture in two series, horizontal,
anatropous ; the raphes collateral.
Follicles usually 5, sessile, erect and appressed, nearly
cylindrical, veiny, tipped with the slender persistent styles,
dehiscent through the ventral suture from the apex down-
ward. Seeds numerous, in two series, horizontal, small,
oval, smooth and shining ; the crustaceous testa conformed
to the nucleus. Embryo minute, at the base of the corneous-
nVshy albumen, cordate ; the radicle next the hilum.
40 RANUNCULACEjE.
Herbs, with erect and usually paniculate-branching stems,
from thickened and fibrose perennial roots ; the alternate
leaves bi - triternately compound ; and the large and showy
flowers singly terminating the stem and branches. Lower
leaves long-petioled ; the uppermost subsessile, or reduced to
bracts. Petioles more or less dilated at the base. Leaflets
roundish, incisely lobed, glaucous underneath.
Etymology. Name from aquila, an eagle ; perhaps in allusion to some
fancied resemblance of the spur-shaped petals (nectaries of the older bota-
nists) to talons.
Properties, &e. Rather bitter and astringent, but the seeds are acrid.
— The common European Columbine (A. vulgaris, L.) is cultivated in
every garden as an ornamental flower ; and our own wild species, which
everywhere adorns our rocks and sterile hills in spring, is equally showy,
and much more elegant and graceful.
Geographical Distribution. A genus of nearly 30 known species, dis-
tributed over the cooler portions of the northern temperate zone. Only one
species is indigenous within the proper United States.
PLATE 14. Aquilegia Canadensis, Linn. ; — summit of a stem
flower and fruit, of the natural size.
1. A sepal, detached.
2. A petal, detached.
3. One of the sterile filaments.
4. 5. Stamens.
6. An anther, enlarged.
7. The pistils, on the receptacle.
8. A pistil, magnified ; the ovary divided longitudinally.
9. A separate pod at maturity.
10. A seed, magnified.
11. Vertical section of the same, showing the embryo in the albumen.
12. Embryo separated, and highly magnified.
ranunculace.-e. 41
Plate 15.
DELPHINIUM, Tourn.
Calyx 5-sepalus, petaloideus, irregularis ; sepalo extimo
majore basi calcarato. Petala 4, biformia (nonnunquam inter
se coalita) ; 2 superiora in appendicem calcariformem inter
calcar calycinum retrusum producta. Folliculi 1-5, poly-
spermy — Folia palmatifida vel bi - triternatisecta.
Delphinium, Tourn. Inst. t. 241. Linn. Gen. 861. GiErtn. Fr. t. 65.
Schkuhr, Handb. 1. 145. DC. Syst. 1. p. 340. Endl. Gen. 4796.
Larkspur.
Calyx petaloid, of 5 irregular sepals, imbricated in aesti-
vation ; the larger and upper sepal (outermost in the bud)
produced backwards from the base into a large hollow spur ;
the others plane, spreading, all deciduous. Petals 4, small-
er than the sepals, hypogynous, irregular and unsymmetri-
cal, in two pairs ; the upper produced backwards from the
insertion into spurs which are received into the spur of the
calyx ; the lower unguiculate, often with the lamina two-
cleft : or all four petals coalescent into one body of irregular
form in § Consolida (which is also remarkable for having a
single pistil). Stamens numerous, hypogynous, short and
included : filaments subulate from a dilated base : anthers
oval, innate, the cells opening longitudinally. Pistils 3 or
5, sometimes only one, sessile : ovary one-celled, many-
ovuled : style subulate : stigma unilateral at the (entire or
two-toothed) apex. Ovules indefinite, horizontal in two se-
ries, occupying the whole length of the ventral suture, ana-
tropous ; the raphes collateral.
Follicles sessile, chartaceous, pointed with the short
style, few -many-seeded, dehiscent down the ventral suture.
Seeds in two series, horizontal ; the rather fleshy or spongy
4
42 RANTJNCULACE/E.
testa conformed to the nucleus. Embryo minute at the base
of the fleshy albumen : radicle next the hilum.
Herbs, with upright and usually branching stems, alter-
nate and palmately five-parted or bi - triternately dissected
leaves, and showy flowers, commonly in a terminal raceme
or panicle. Petioles dilated at the base. Pedicels often
bracteolate. Roots annual, biennial, or perennial, then fre-
quently fasciculate-thickened.
Etymology. The ancient name, from 8e\<f>lv, a dolphin ; in allusion to
the shape of the flowers.
Properties. Acrid and bitter, especially the seeds. — The active prop-
erties are owing to a peculiar principle, called delp/nnia, which especially
abounds in D. Staphysagria, L., of Southern Europe. The seeds of this
species, under the name of stavesacre, have long been used as a popular
remedy against parasitic vermin. — Several very ornamental species of Lark-
spur are common in cultivation.
Geographical Distribution. A genus of about 70 known species, dis-
tributed throughout the northern temperate zone, chiefly in the warmer and
unwooded portions.
PLATE 15. Delphinium tricorne, Michx. (from Ohio) ; — natural size,
but shortened ; showing both flowers and fruit.
1. Flower with the sepals detached and displayed.
2. One of the upper petals, a little enlarged.
3. One of the lower petals ; inside view.
4. A stamen, enlarged.
5. The pistils and receptacle, magnified.
6. Transverse section of an ovary, magnified.
7. Vertical section of the same.
8. A seed, magnified.
9. Vertical section of the same, displaying the minute embryo at the base
of the albumen.
RAN UNCI) i.ace.j: 43
Plate 16.
ACONITUM, Town.
Calyx 5-sepalus, petaloideus, irregularis ; sepalo extimo
amplo cassidaeformi, lateralibus orbiculatis, anticis oblongis.
Petala 2 superiora longe unguiculata, apice cucullifera, sub
casside recondita ; 3 inferiora minima, unguiformia, vel saspe
obsoleta. Folliculi 3-5, polyspcrmi. — Folia palinatifida.
Aconitum, Tourn. Inst. t. 239, 240. Ga-rtn. Fr. t.65. Sclikiilir, Handb.
t. 145. DC. Syst. 1. p. 364. Endl. Gen. 4797.
Mouk's-Iiood. Wolf 's-bane.
Calyx petaloid, of 5 unequal and irregular sepals, imbri-
cated in aestivation, deciduous or marcescent ; the upper one
(called the galea) much larger than the others and covering
them in the bud, helmet-shaped ; the two lateral broad and
rounded ; the two lower smaller and oblong. Petals 2,
concealed under the galea, consisting of a very small oblong
and emarginate lamina, produced backwards into a short and
incurved callous spur, and raised on a very long and slender
claw ; the 3 lower minute and resembling sterile filaments,
or wanting. Stamens numerous, hypogynous: filaments
short, subulate from a membranaceous dilated base, above
recurved-spreading : anthers short, innate or slightly in-
trorse (extrorse, Ledeb.), the cells opening longitudinally.
Pistils 3 to 5, sessile : ovary one-celled, many-ovuled :
style subulate : stigma unilateral at the apex, often two-
toothed. Ovules indefinite, horizontal in two series, occu-
pying the whole length of the ventral suture ; the raphes
collateral.
Follicles sessile, chartaceous or membranaceous, oblong,
tipped with the short style, many-seeded, dehiscent down
the ventral suture. Seeds horizontal, in two series ; the
thickened and spongy testa rugose, often appearing as if
44 RANUNCULACEvE.
squamigerous. Embryo minute, at the base of the fleshy
albumen : radicle next the hilum.
Herbs, either erect, reclining, or trailing ; with perennial,
often tuberous or thickened and fascicled roots, and simple
or branching leafy stems, bearing large and showy flowers
in terminal racemes or panicles. Leaves alternate, palmate-
ly 3 - 5-parted or cleft; the divisions usually incised or
many-cleft. Petioles mostly dilated at the base. Pedicels
bracteolate.
Etymology- 'Akovitov, the ancient name ; by some supposed to be de-
rived from Acone, a town in Bithynia. The popular name of Monk's-hood
is evidently derived from the shape of the upper sepal, especially in the
section Napellus ; and that of Wolf's-bane, from the use which was made
of some species in Europe for poisoning wolves.
Properties. Deadly narcotico-acrid poisons, especially the root, owing
to the presence of a peculiar alkaloid principle, which has been called aco-
nita. The leaves of several species have been used in medicine. — Several
are cultivated for their showy flowers.
Geographical Distribution. A genus of 30 or 40 described species,
natives of the northern temperate zone, chiefly in the colder regions or on
mountains. The two species of the United States (namely, A. reclinatum,
Oral/, which is nearly white-flowered, and allied to the European A. Ly-
coctonum, and A. uncinatum, L.) belong to the Alleghany Mountains, or
nearly so.
PLATE 16. Aconitum uncinatvjm, Linn., — summit of a stem in fruit
and flower ; of the natural size.
1. Flower with the sepals and (two) petals detached.
2. Diagram of the aestivation of the calyx.
3. Vertical section through the enlarged flower, dividing the galea, show-
ing one petal in place, &c.
4. A magnified stamen ; inside view.
5. The same, seen from the outer side.
6. A.pistil, magnified.
7. The same, with the ovary divided longitudinally.
8. Transverse section of the same.
9. An ovule, more magnified.
10. A seed, magnified.
11. Vertical section of the same.
12. Embryo, detached, and highly magnified.
RANUNCULACE.E. 45
Plate 17.
ZANTHORHIZA, Marshall.
Calyx 5-sepalus, coloratus, regularis. Petala 5, brevia,
glandulaaformia, breviter unguiculata, apice dilatata truncato-
biloba. Stamina 5—10. Folliculi 5-10, stylum brevem
cito dorsalem gerentes, abortu monospermi. Semen pendu-
lum, raphe ventrali. — Suffrutex nanus ; caulibus intus fla-
vis ; racemis compositis pendulis, deinde foliis pinnatisectis,
e gemma terminali squamosa primo vere erumpentibus.
Xanthorhiza, Marsh. Arbust. Araer. p. 168. Endl. Gen. 4803.
Zanthorhiza, L'Her. Stirp. p. 79. t. 38. Juss. Gen. p. 234. Barton,
Elem. Bot. t. 12. DC. Syat. 1. p. 386. Torr. & Gray, Fl. N.
Am. 1. p. 40.
Shrub Yellow-root.
Calyx colored (dark and dull purple), imbricated in aesti-
vation, regular ; the sepals 5, lanceolate-ovate, acute, spread-
ing, deciduous. Petals 5, alternate with the sepals and
much smaller than they, hypogynous, gland-like, fleshy, rais-
ed on a short claw ; the dilated roundish lamina emarginate-
two-lobed, the upper face excavated-glandular. Stamens 5,
alternate with the petals, or sometimes 10, hypogynous :
filaments short : anthers introrse, the elliptical cells sepa-
rated below by the thickened connective, opening longitu-
dinally. Pistils 5 to 10, sessile : ovary oblong-ovate, one-
celled: style subulate, incurved, stigmatosc down the inner
face. Ovules a single pair (rarely more?) borne on the
middle of the ventral suture, collateral, anatropous, at first
horizontal, soon pendulous, and with the raphes ventral.
Follicles 5 to 10, oblong, membranaceous, ventricose-
compressed, becoming gibbous by unequal growth, in such a
manner that the ovuliferous or middle portion of the ventral
suture in the ovary becomes the summit of the pod, and
the short persistent style, which marks the original apex,
46 RANUNCULACE.E.
becomes deeply dorsal : ventral suture tardily dehiscent.
Seed solitary (by the abortion of one of the ovules), pendu-
lous from the apparent summit of the pod, scarcely one
fourth its length, oblong-obovate, smooth and even, marked
with a narrow ventral raphe. Albumen fleshy. Embryo
minute ; the radicle next the hilum.
Shrub low, with long yellow roots and creeping root-
stocks, sending up simple or sparingly branched woody
shoots (one or two feet in height), which are strongly mark-
ed with half-annular scars left from the dilated bases of the
fallen (alternate) leaves, terminated by a kind of scaly bud ;
from which arise, in early spring, the panicled or compound
slender and drooping racemes, and the pinnately 3-7-folio-
late leaves ; the former a little precocious, and occupying the
base of the branch of the season. Leaflets membranaceous,
sessile, ovate or oblong, incised and toothed, often 2 - 3-cleft
or parted. Flowers small, numerous, dark purple, sometimes
polygamous. Bracts and bractlets subulate, minute.
Etymology and Properties. Name compounded of gavdos, yrlfow, and
pi'fa, root ; in allusion to the color of the roots, which, as also the inner
bark, wood, and pith, are pervaded with a bright yellow coloring matter,
said to have been employed by the aborigines as a dye : it is intensely bitter,
and has been used as a tonic.
Geographical Distribution. The single species of the genus belongs
to the United States alone, and chiefly to the vicinity of the Alleghany
Mountains, growing on rocky and shaded banks along streams.
PLATE 17. Zanthoriiiza apiifolia, L'Her. ; — the summit of a flower-
ing stem ; of the natural size. (Botanic Garden, Cambridge.)
1. A flower, enlarged.
2. A petal, magnified; back view.
3. Same, seen from above.
4. A stamen, magnified ; inside view.
5. The pistils, magnified.
6. Vertical section of one of them, showing the ovules.
7. Vertical section of a fertilized ovary, magnified.
8. The ripe follicles, thrice the natural size.
9. Vertical section of a follicle, magnified, showing the single seed.
10. Seed, more magnified.
11. Vertical section of the same, showing the embryo.
ranunculace.e. 47
Plate 18.
HYDRASTIS, jL.
Calyx 3-sepalus, petaloideus, caducissimvis. Petala nulla.
Ovaria plurima, 2-ovulata, in capitulum congesta ; fructu
baccata rubiformi. — Caulis uniflorus, e rhizomate flavo, di -
triphyllus ; foliis palmatifidis.
Hydrastis, Linn. Gen. 704. DC. Syst. 1. p. 217. Barton, Veg. Mat.
Med. 2. t. 26. Hook. Bot. Mag. t. 3019, 3232 Torr. & Gray,
Fl. l.p. 40. Endl. Gen. 4777.
Wakneria, Mill. Ic. 2. p. 190. t. 285.
Yellow Puccoon. Orange-root.
Calyx of 3 thin and membranaceous ovate sepals, im-
bricated in aestivation, greenish-white, caducous when the
flower opens. Petals none. Stamens indefinite, hypogy-
nous : filaments filiform, somewhat thickened upwards :
anthers innate, or slightly extrorse ; the oblong cells sepa-
rated by a thickish connective, opening longitudinally. Pis-
tils 12 to 20, capitate and sessile on the short receptacle :
ovary ovate, fleshy, one-celled, two-ovuled : style short and
thick : stigma bilamellate, terminal. Ovules at first collat-
eral, borne on the middle of the ventral suture, ascending,
between anatropous and amphitropous.
Fruit consisting of the baccate matured ovaries densely
capitate-imbricated on the oblong receptacle, bright crimson,
and resembling a raspberry. Seeds single or two (one
above the other) in each carpel, broadly obovate, turgid, in-
serted by a linear hilum ; the crustaceous testa smooth and
•shining. Albumen fleshy and oily. Embryo minute, next
the micropyle : radicle inferior (pointing to the base of the
fruit).
Herb with a thick, knotty rhizoma (imbued with a yel-
low juice), sending up in early spring a long-petiolcd leaf
and a simple stem, which is naked below, alternately two-
48 RANUNCULACE^E.
(or rarely three-) leaved near the summit, and terminated by
a greenish-white flower. Leaves rounded-cordate, becoming
large (4 to 10 inches broad) after flowering, and somewhat
resembling those of the Grape-vine, palmately 5 - 7-cleft,
toothed and doubly serrate, veiny ; the upper near the flower
and sessile ; the lower petioled. Petioles dilated at the base.
Etymology unexplained. Possibly from vbap, loater, and 8pda>, to act ;
in allusion to the medicinal properties of the plant.
Properties much like those of Zanthorhiza. The bitter rootstock is ton-
ic, and apparently somewhat narcotic. Its yellow juice was used by the
aborigines for dyeing.
Geographical Distribution. The single species is a native of the
Northern United States and Canada, in damp woods.
PLATE 18. Hydrastis Canadensis, Linn.; — natural size, in flower;
the caducous sepals fallen. (Botanic Garden, Cambridge.)
1. Diagram of the aestivation of the calyx.
2. A fallen sepal, enlarged.
3. A stamen, magnified.
4. A pistil, magnified.
5. Vertical section of the ovary of the same.
6. An ovule, more magnified.
7. Pistils in fruit ; natural size.
8. Vertical section of the same.
9. A seed, magnified. (The hilum in this, as also in the next figure, is
wrongly representerJ. It is not so salient, but is linear and longer,
and extends downward nearly to the smaller end of the seed.)
10. Vertical section of the same, showing the embryo.
11. Embryo detached, highly magnified.
ranunculacEjE. 49
Plate 19.
ACTiEA, L.
Calyx 3 - 5-sepalus, petaloideus, caducus. Petala seu
staminodia 4-10, plana, integerrima, spathulata. Ovarium
unicum, baccatum, polyspermum. Semina horizontalia. —
Folia bi - tritematisecta. Racemus brevis.
Act.s:a, Linn. Gaertn. Fr. t. 114. Fisch. & Meyer, Ind. Petrop. 1835.
p. 20. Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 35. Endl. Gen. 4799.
Actjea, Sect. Christophoriana, DC. Syst. 1. p. 384. «
Christophoriana, Tourn. Inst. p. 299, t. 154.
Banebcrry.
Calyx of 3 to 5 ovate and concave petaloid sepals, imbri-
cated in aestivation, regular, caducous. Petals 4 to 10,
shorter and much smaller than the sepals, flat, spatulate c*
oblong, more or less unguiculate, hypogynous. Stamens
indefinite, hypogynous : filaments filiform : anthers in-
nate, slightly introrse, the oval cells separated by a narrow
comiective, opening longitudinally. Pistil single, sessile :
ovary ovoid-oblong, grooved at the ventral suture, one-cell-
ed, many-ovnled : stigma sessile, depressed-dilated, some-
what two-lobed. Ovules very numerous, horizontal, in two
series, occupying the whole length of the ventral suture,
anatropous ; the raphes collateral.
Fruit a many-seeded oval berry, usually with a groove
at the ventral suture. Seeds very numerous, horizontal,
flat (depressed), and somewhat semicircular, closely packed
in two series, filling the cell ; the thickish and coriaceous
testa smooth and even. Embryo minute, next the hilum, at
the base of the fleshy albumen, cordate.
Herbs, with perennial matted roots, and usually tuberous
and knotty rootstocks, sending up in spring mostly simple
stems, bearing one or two alternate bi - triternately-com-
pound leaves, and an oblong or ovoid terminal raceme of
50 RANUNCULACE/E.
white flowers. Radical leaves similar to the cauline, but
larger. Petioles dilated at the base. Leaflets ovate, acute,
sharply incised and toothed, commonly 2 — 3-lobed. Bracts
minute. Raceme more or less elongated in fruit ; the ber-
ries bright red, purple, or white.
Etymology. 'Aitre'a, an ancient name of the Elder; transferred by Lin-
naeus to this genus.
Properties. Nauseous and acrid-narcotic, poisonous, especially in a
fresh stale, both the root and the berries.
Geographical Distribution. A genus of few species, distributed over
the cooler portion of the northern temperate zone, chiefly in rich woods.
PLATE 19. ActjEa rubra, Willd. ; — summit of a young flowering
plant, the leaf as yet small, and a fruiting raceme ; natural size.
1. Expanding flower.
2. Expanded flower.
3. A sepal, enlarged.
4. A petal, enlarged.
5. A stamen, enlarged.
6. The pistil, enlarged, on the receptacle.
7. Same, with the ovary divided vertically.
8. Transverse section of the same.
9. An ovule, more magnified.
10. A fruit, of the size of nature.
11. Same, divided vertically.
12. Same, divided transversely, and down the back, to display the seeds.
13. A seed, enlarged, with the upper face presented to the eye.
14. Section of the same, showing the embryo at the base of the albumen.
15. Embryo, more magnified.
ranunculace.e. 51
Plate 20.
CIMICIFUGA, L.
Calyx 4 - 5-sepalus, petaloideus, caducus. Petala sen sta-
minodia 1-8, unguiculata, biloba. Ovaria 1-8. Folliculi
polyspermi ; seminibus horizontalibus depressis, aut verticali-
bus compressis. — Folia bi - triternatisecta. Racemi virgati.
Subgen. Macrotys. — Petala tenuiter unguiculata, fere
plana. Stigma sessile, depressum. Folliculi solitarii, rarius 2,
sessiles, ovoidei ; seminibus horizontalibus depressis Actaeae.
Macrotys, Raf. in Med. Rep. 1. c. & Desv. Jour. Bot. (1808) 2. p. 170.
Botrophis, Raf. Med. Fl. 1. p. 85. Fisch. & Mey. Ind. Petrop. 1835. p. 20.
Act.ea, Sect. Macrotys, DC. Syst. 1. p. 383.
Cimicifuga, Sect. Macrotys, Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 36.
Black Snake-root. Black Cohosh.
Subgen. Cimicifuga vera. — Petala saspius concava, fundo.
pi. m. nectarifera. Folliculi 2-8, stipitati, compressi, stylo
tenui apiculati (stigmate min'uto) ; seminibus verticalibus la-
teraliter compressis, testa squamulis membranaceis echinata.
Cimicifuga, Linn. Gen. 1282, & Amoen. Acad. 7. p. 193. t. 4.
Act.«a, Sect. Cimicifuga, DC. I.e.
Cimicifuga & Actinospora, Fisch. & Mey. 1. c. Endl. Gen. 4801 -2.
Btighane.
Calyx of 4 or 5 ovate or orbicular and concave petaloid
sepals, imbricated in aestivation, regular, caducous. Petals
1 to 8, small, hypogynous, unguiculate, plane, or more or
less concave and nectariferous near the base, usually two-
lobed or two-homed at the apex, sometimes attenuated or
imperfectly antheriferous, and evidently appearing as trans-
formed stamens. Stamens very numerous, hypogynous, in
many series on the oblong receptacle : filaments filiform,
elongated: anthers short, innate or obscurely introrse. Pis-
tils 1 to 2, sessile and with a depressed terminal stigma in
52 RANUNCULACE^.
*§> Macrotys ; or subulate with the acute style, which is mi-
nutely stigmatose unilaterally, commonly stipitate. Ovules
numerous, horizontal, in two series on the whole length of
the ventral suture, anatropous ; the raphes ventral.
Follicles in ■§> Macrotys ovoid, turgid, sessile, and filled
with numerous depressed- flattened (horizontal) smooth seeds,
as in Actaea ; or else compressed and membranaceous, with
fewer and laterally compressed (vertical) seeds ; their testa
thickly clothed all over with slender squamulose projections.
Embryo minute, next the hilum, at the base of firm albumen.
Herbs, with tall stems from matted and knotty rootstocks,
ample bi - triternate leaves much as in Acteea, and virgate ra-
cemes, either simple or panicled. Flowers white, the odor
unpleasant.
Etymology and Properties. Name from cimex, a bug, and fugo, to
drive away ; the Siberian species being employed as a bug-bane. The sen-
sible properties are much as in Actasa, but with more bitterness. The Black
Snake-root is a famous Indian antidote against the bite of venomous snakes.
Geographical Distribution. A genus of few species, natives of the
cooler parts of the northern temperate zone, chiefly in Asia and N. America.
Note. Macrotys should probably rank as a genus ; but Actinospora ap-
pears not to be distinguished by characters of equal importance.
PLATE 20. Fig. 1-13. Cimicifuga (Macrotys) racemosa, Ell. ; —
a lateral raceme, &c. (Botanic Garden, Cambridge.)
1. A flower-bud, somewhat enlarged.
2. An outer, and 3, an inner, sepal, enlarged ; inside view.
4. A petal or staminodium, enlarged.
5. A stamen, enlarged, inside view ; and 6, an outside view of the same.
7. Pistil and receptacle, magnified.
8. Vertical section of the same.
9. An ovule, magnified, the upper face presented to the eye.
10. A portion of the raceme in fruit ; natural size.
11. Transverse and vertical section of a pod, showing the seeds.
12. A seed, magnified.
13. Section of the same, showing the minute embryo.
14. Enlarged flower of Cimicifuga Americana, Michx. (from the Allegha-
iiies) ; — most of the stamens and the petals except one removed.
15. The five long-stalked follicles of the same ; natural size.
16. A dehiscent follicle and seeds, enlarged.
17. A seed, more magnified.
18. Transverse section of the same.
19. Vertical section of the same, showing the minute embryo.
Ord. MAGNOLIACEiE.
Arbores vel arbusculae (acri-amaras et aromatica;) simplici-
folias, dicotyledoneas, hypogynas, symmetricse, polyandry sen
monadelphas ; perianthio concolori plerumque trimero tri -
phiriserali, cestivatione imbricato, mox deciduo ; carpellis dis-
cretis vel in syncarpium imbricato-coadunatis ; seminibus ex-
arillatis ; embryone in basi albuminis homogenei minimo.
Magnolia, Juss. Gen. p. 280.
Magnoliace^: & Wintered, R. Br. ex DC. Syst. J. p. 548.
Magnoliaceje &. Schizandrace^:, Blume, Fl. Jav. F.ndl. Lindl.
The Magnolia Family, which comprises some of our most ornamental
trees, belongs almost exclusively to the eastern side of both continents, and
chiefly to the warmer portion of Eastern North America and to the corre-
sponding part of Asia. It has no representatives in Europe or in Africa,
and none in Western North America. There are some tropical species, on
both sides of the equator ; and two genera are extratropical in the southern
hemisphere, namely, in South America and in New Zealand and Southern
Australia ; but one of them, the Drimys, or Winter's Bark, has a surpris-
ingly extensive range ; the same species, according to Dr. J. D. Hooker,
extending through 86 degrees of latitude, from near the southern limit of
phaenogamous vegetation to New Grenada and even to Mexico !
The family, enlarged as here proposed, so as to include the Schizandreae
as well as Wintereae, need be compared only with the order Dilleniaeeae of
the southern hemisphere, on the one hand, and with the Anonaceas, on the
other. From the former it is absolutely distinguished only by its exarillate
seeds, but generally by the trimerous floral envelopes and caducous calyx
also. From the latter it is separated by the solid and homogeneous (not ru-
minated or lamellar) albumen, and by the imbricated aestivation of the corolla.
An aromatic principle, due to a pungent ethereal oil and its resin, pervades
the family. This is most abundant and pure in the Wintereas ; but is also
manifest in Schizandra, at least in the fruit and seeds, and not less so in
the Magnolieae, although covered by a bitter principle. It is likewise indicat-
ed by the minute pellucid dots of the leaves, or at least of the petals, &c. ;
and by the " glandular dots or disks " on the woody tissue, which, although
comparatively few and minute in Magnolia and Liriodendron, are beautifully
marked in Schizandra, — quite as much so, indeed, as in Illicium and Drimys.
54 MAGNOLIACEjE.
\\ hile tlie Winterese, long since separated by Brown, are now generally
reunited to Magnoliaceee, the Schizandreae of Blume have been admitted al-
most without question as a distinct order, and have even been arranged by
Lindley in a different alliance. Yet the latter are at least as nearly related
to i lir Winterese as these are to the true Magnolia Family ; and the only
absolute character which distinguishes them (namely, the capitate or spiked,
instead of simply verticillate or single, carpels) is one in which they accord
with Magnoliaceae proper. The stamens are not always monadelphous in
Sehizandrea;, nor are the flowers always diclinous, if Hortonia belongs to the
group ; while, on the other hand, one of the four Winteraceous genera is
polygamous. It appears evident, therefore, either that the Wintereee of
Brown should be extended so as to embrace the Scliizandreae, and be ordi-
nally distinguished by the total absence of stipules, or else that the whole
should be united in one family. Remembering that a few Dilleniacea? have
stipules like those of Magnolia, while the rest are exstipulate, and convinced
that the sensible properties as well as the floral characters of the plants
in question invite the union, I propose to adopt the latter alternative, and to
arrange under the order Magnoliaceae these three suborders, as follows.
Subord. I. WINTERED. (Ord. Wintered, R. Br. 1818.)
Flowers perfect, or sometimes polygamo-dicecious. Pistils simply verti-
cillate, or reduced to one. Stamens distinct. — Stipules none. Leaves fre-
quently verticillate-crowded or opposite, sempervirent, rarely serrate. Bark,
seeds, &c., pungent-aromatic. (Ulicieae, DC. Prodr. 1825.)
Illicium. (Plate 21.) Follicles numerous, stellate, 1-seeded.
Subord. II. SCHIZANDRE^. (Ord. ScmzxNimvx, Blume.)
Flowers monoecious or dioecious. Pistils imbricated-spicate or capitate.
Stamens in a cluster, monadelphous or distinct (in Schizandra definite). —
Stipules none. Leaves entire or toothed. Stems often sarmentose. Muci-
laginous, the seeds aromatic. — Spharostemma, Kadsura, and
Schizandra. (Plate 22.) Stamens 5, monadelphous in a 5-lobed disk.
Subord. III. MAGNOLIE.E, DC, Endl.
Flowers perfect, large. Pistils imbricated-spicate on an elongated gyno-
phore. Stamens distinct. Seeds in the dehiscent species baccate, and at
length hanging by an extensile cord of spiral vessels. Stipules conspicu-
ous, forming the teguments of the bud, successively involving the condupli-
cate leaves in vernation, deciduous after their expansion, leaving annular-
scars on the terete branches. Bitter-aromatic.
Magnolia. (Plates 22, 23.) Carpels coriaceous-baccate, adherent to the
receptacle, dehiscent by the dorsal suture. Anthers introrse.
Liriodendron. (Plate 24.) Carpels samaraeform, indehiscent, decidu-
ous from the receptacle at maturity. Anthers extrorse.
magnoliace.e, wintered. 55
Plate 21.
ILLICIUM, L.
Flores hermaphroditi. Sepala 3 vel 6. Pctala 9 - 30,
tri - pluriseriata. Stamina indefinita : antherae introrsum
adnata?. Folliculi plurimi, drupacei, circa columnam brevis-
simam arete verticillati, stellato-patentes, denique bivalves,
monospermi. — Arbuscnlas sempervirentes, Anisum spirantes.
Illiciom, Linn. Gen. 611. Ellis, in Phil. Trans. 60. p. 524. Ga?rtn. Fr.
t. 69. Lam. 111. t. 493. DC. Syst. 1. p. 440. Sieb. & Zucc. Fl.
Jap. 1. p. 5. t. 1. Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 42. Endl.
Gen. 4743.
Star-Anise.
Flowers perfect. Calyx of 3 or 6 petaloid sepals, im-
bricated in aestivation, caducous. Petals 9 to 30, imbri-
cated in aestivation in 3 or several series, the inner succes-
sively narrower, hypogynous, spreading, deciduous. Sta-
mens indefinite (12 to 40) in several series, hypogynous,
spreading : filaments short and fleshy : anthers adnate, in-
trorse ; the two oblong cells contiguous or nearly so, opening
longitudinally. Pistils 6 to 18, compressed, crowded in a
circle, closely sessile, and broadly inserted around a central
short and conical prolongation of the receptacle : ovary one-
celled, one-ovuled : style subulate, recurved, stigmatose
down the inner edge. Ovule ascending from some part of
the ventral suture, anatropous, the raphe ventral.
Fruit a whorl of distinct drupaceous follicles, stellately
divaricate, compressed, woody-crustaceous at maturity, when
the thin sarcocarp dries up, dehiscent by the whole length
of the ventral suture, at length two-valved. Seed ascend-
ing from the base of the cell, which it fills, obovate, com-
pressed-lenticular, the hilum lunulate ; the crustaceous testa
very smooth and shining, brittle (loosely adhering to the ob-
scurely sculptured surface of the spongy-membranaceous in-
56 MAGNOLIACE.-E, WINTERED.
ner integument). Embryo very minute, at the base of the
fleshy and oily, homogeneous albumen.
Shrubs or low trees, entirely glabrous, spicy-aromatic ; the
evergreen leaves alternate or irregularly crowded and oppo-
site, petioled, oblong, entire, coriaceous, minutely pellucid-
dotted under a lens. Stipules entirely absent. Peduncles
from axillary or terminal buds, one-flowered. Flower dark
red-purple in I. Floridanum, hi the others yellowish.
Etymology. From illicio, to entice; — perhaps from the properties of
the Anisette de Bordeaux, which is flavored by the fruit of the Chinese I. ani-
satura, the Star-Anise of the shops.
Properties. Spicy-aromatic and carminative, especially the bark, leaves,
and fruit. The latter yields a fragrant oil like that of Anise, for which it is
substituted. The foliage of the Japanese I. religiosum is said to be poison-
ous; and I. parviflorum has the same reputation in Alabama (where it is
called " Poison Bay"), probably without good reason.
Geographical Distribution. Of the four known species, two are na-
tives of China and Japan, and two of the southeastern extremity of the Unit-
ed States.
Note. The buds of I. religiosum, according to the figure and description
by Zuccarini, are perulate, and the ovule rises from the very base of the cell.
The leaf-buds of I. Floridanum are perfectly naked, green, and acute ; and
the ovule is attached to the inner angle of the cell above the base.
PLATE 21. Illicium Floridanum, Ellis; — a flowering branch, natu-
ral size ; from a plant cultivated in the Cambridge Botanic Garden.
1. A sepal, detached.
2-6. Petals of the several series, beginning with the exterior and broader.
7. A stamen, magnified, viewed from within or above.
8. A grain of pollen, highly magnified, showing a triple band.
9. Vertical section through the receptacle and whorl of the pistils, laying
open one of the ovaries, and displaying the ovule ; enlarged.
10. The mature fruit ; natural size.
11. Seed, of the natural size.
12. The same, magnified, with the testa partly broken away, to show the
uneven surface of the inner integument.
13. Vertical section of the same, through the albumen, showing the minute
embryo.
MAGNOLIACEjE, schizandre.e.
Plate 22.
SCHIZANDRA, Michx.
Flores monoici, saepius pentameri ! nempe : Sepala 5.
Petala 5. Stamina 5, brevissima, dilatata, in orbem 5-lobum
monadelpha : antheros loculis connectivum latissimum cu-
neiforme marginantibus valde sejunctis. Carpella plurima,
2-ovulata, imbricato-capitata : fructifera baccata, supra gyno-
phorum denique elongatum pedunculiforme laxe spicata. —
Frutex sarmentosus, foliis deciduis.
Schizandba, Michx. FI.2 p. 18. t. 47. Bot. Mag. 1. 1413. DC. Syst.
I. p. 544. Bart. Fl. N.Am. l.t. 13. Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am.
1. p. 46, 662. Endl. Gen. 4733.
Flowers monoecious; the floral envelopes, &c, of the
sterile and fertile flowers alike. Sepals usually 5, quincun-
cially imbricated in aestivation, sometimes 6, rotund-ovate,
concave, membranaceous with rather scarious margins, some-
what colored (greenish-white, above sometimes tinged with
red), deciduous ; the two exterior smaller. Petals 5, quin-
cuncially imbricated in aestivation (rarely 6, when they are
imbricated in two series), hypogynous, oblong-obovate, spread-
ing, rather fleshy, abruptly thickened at the contracted base,
crimson, copiously sprinkled with pellucid dots, deciduous.
Ster. Fl. Stamens 5, opposite the petals, their short and
broad filaments monadelphous, so as to form a circular and
flat 5-cleft disk, occupying the whole centre of the flower :
anthers with their two cells adnate to the margins of (he
dilated-cuneiform connective, much smaller than it, thus
widely disjoined, and those of adjacent anthers brought into
contact, but not at all connate, neither extrorse nor introrse,
opening longitudinally (toward the cleft). Fert. Fl. Pis-
tils indefinite, closely imbricated-capitate on the oblong
receptacle, distinct : ovary ovoid, sessile, one-celled, two-
58 MAGXOLIACE.E, SCHIZANDKE.E.
ovuled, obliquely narrowed into a short beak, which is stig-
matose for the whole length down the inner side. Ovules
collateral, inserted on the ventral suture above the base, just
opposite the lower termination of the decurrent stigma, glob-
ular, nearly amphitropous.
Fruit of several (6 to 12, the rest abortive) globular bac-
cate carpels, loosely spicate on the much elongated gyno-
phore, 1-2-seeded. Seeds superposed when both ripen, hori-
zontal, reniform, with a very short raphe in the sinus; the
testa crustaceous. Albumen fleshy and oily, homogeneous.
Embryo minute, next the hilum : cotyledons very short.
Shrub sarmentose ; with ash-colored bark ; the leaves
alternate, ovate, pointed, long-petioled, entire or sparingly
denticulate, the teeth glandular-tipped, veiny, thin and mem-
branaceous, beautifully punctate with pellucid dots under a
lens, deciduous. Stipules none. Buds small, scaly. Pe-
duncles filiform, solitary in the axils of the lower leaves of
the branch of the season, naked, one-flowered. Flowers
small (half an inch in diameter), crimson. Berries red ; the
fructiferous receptacle elongating to 2 or 3 inches in length.
Etymology. From <rxi£a, to cut, and di'fjp, for anlhtr ; the disk formed
of the united stamens being cleft, as it were, between the anthers.
Properties. Mucilaginous, the fruit and seeds rather pungent-aromatic.
Geographical Distribution. South Carolina to Texas, in damp woods.
Note. The two exterior sepals might be taken for bractlets, and then,
when there is a sixth petal, the floral envelopes would be trimerous : but the
stamens appear to be uniformly five.
PLATE 22. Schizandra coccinea, Michx. ; — portion of a stem, natural
size, with both kinds of flowers. (Louisiana, Dr. Hair.)
1 . Diagram of a staminate flower.
2. A sepal, and 3, a petal, enlarged ; inside view.
4. The disk of united stamens, enlarged.
5. One of the stamens, separated.
6. Head of pistils, enlarged; and 7, vertical section of the same.
8. Vertical section of a pistil, more magnified, showing the ovules, &c.
!). Elongated receptacle and carpels in fruit.
10. Section of one of the baccate carpels.
11. A seed, enlarged ; and 12, a section of the same, displaying the embryo.
13. Embryo, detached, and more magnified.
MAGXOLIACEiE. 59
Plate 23, 24.
MAGNOLIA, L.
Sepala 3. Petala 6 — 12. Antherae introrsum adnatse.
Carpella indefinita, imbricato-spicata, 2-ovulata ; fructifera
coriaceo-baccata, in gynophoro elongato persistentia, sutura
dorsali dehiscentia. — Arbores speciosas, gemmis stipularibus
teretis; stipulis membranaceis, vernatione folia conduplica-
tiva recta invicem claudentes.
Magnolia, Linn. Gen. 690. Gffirtn. Fr. t. 70. Michx. f. Arb. 3. t. 1-7.
DC. Syst. 1. p. 4-19. Torr & Gr. Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 42. Zuccar.
PI. Nov. (in Act. Acad. Monac.) fasr. 2. p. Go. t. 3, 4. Endl.
Gen. 4737.
Sepals 3, colored and more or less resembling the petals,
spreading or reflexed, early deciduous. Petals 6 to 12, in
two to four series, imbricated in aestivation (disposed, along
with the sepals, in a regular spiral | order), hypogynous, con-
cave, erect-converging, or a little spreading, early deciduous.
Stamens indefinite, imbricated in many series upon the
stipitiform base of the prolonged receptacle, short, cadu-
cous : filaments proper very short, continued into a linear
fleshy connective which is produced beyond the anther
into a blunt point : anther adnate to its inner face (in-
trorse), two-celled ; the cells linear, opening longitudinally.
Pistils indefinite, densely imbricated on the upper part of
the receptacle (the gynophore) : ovaries fleshy, one-celled,
pointed with a short recurved style, which is stigmatose on
the inner face. Ovules 2, collateral (rarely 3), borne at the
inner angle of the cell, horizontal, anatropous ; the broad
raphes face to face : primine thick and fleshy; the secundine
thinner.
Fruit (syncarpium) in the form of a fleshy strobile or
cone ; the more or less coalescent imbricated carpels becom-
ing baccate, and the endocarp at length ligneo-coriaceous,
1)0 MAUNOLIACEjE.
firmly persistent on the elongated receptacle, at length de-
hiscent down the back, two-seeded. Seeds hanging by a
delicate, extensile cord of unrolled spiral vessels (contained
in the short and fleshy funiculus and placenta), large, glob-
ular, drupaceous ; the fleshy testa very thick and at length
pulpy (scarlet or bright red); the tegmen bony-crustaceous,
widely grooved on the inner side and at the summit (corre-
sponding with the broad, impressed raphe and chalaza).
Embryo minute, at the base of the fleshy and oily homo-
geneous albumen ; the short and thick radicle next the
hilum : cotyledons short.
Trees, or sometimes shrubs, with very showy and usu-
ally large blossoms and foliage ; the leaves entire, or merely
auriculate at the base, feather-veined, deciduous, or some-
times persistent through the winter, when thin often indis-
tinctly pellucid-punctate, alternate, or by approximation often
appearing as if whorled, on stout petioles, which, separating
by a distinct articulation, leave broad scars on the otherwise
smooth and terete branches. Flowers solitary, terminal,
white or greenish-yellow, rarely purplish. Buds terete,
acute ; their integuments formed entirely of the ample mem-
branaceous stipules : these are adnate to the base of the peti-
ole, and involute, with their opposite edges united ; each
pair thus inclosing the succeeding conduplicate leaf with the
rest of the bud to which it is longitudinally appressed, de-
ciduous as the leaves sucessively unfold, leaving their scars
upon the branch in the form of narrow rings. Cone of fruit
usually red or rose-color at maturity.
Etymology. This superb genus is dedicated to Magnol, Professor of Bot-
any at Montpellier at the close of the seventeenth century, and who first indi-
cated natural families in botany. — The name was originally given by Plu-
mier to a West Indian tree of the order, the type of the genus Talauraa,
Juss., and which was confounded by Linnaeus with the allied plants which
now bear the name.
Properties. Bitter and slightly aromatic, with some acridity ; the bark,
especially of the root, and also the cones and seeds, have been employed
as a stimulant tonic. The flowers of some species are highly fragrant.
MAGNOLIACE.E 61
Geographical Distribution. Natives of Eastern North America, and
of Eastern Asia, namely of Japan, China, and Nepaul. The seven species
of the United States are confined to the vicinity of the Alleghany Mountains,
and to the country eastward and southward of them, crossing the Mississippi
only near the seaboard. The small Magnolia (M. glauca) occurs along the
Atlantic border plentifully as far north as New Jersey, and is also found on
Cape Ann, Massachusetts, lat. 424°; while the Cucumber Tree (M. acumi-
nata), an inland species, reaches the southern shore of Lake Ontario, which
is the northern limit of the genus (a little above lat. 43°). The splendid
and fragrant M. grandiflora, belongs exclusively to the low country of
the Southern States. The Umbrella Tree (M. Umbrella), which extends
northward to Pennsylvania, and the allied M. Fraseri, chiefly belong to
moist and wooded valleys along and near the mountains ; while M. cordata
and M. macrophylla very sparingly occur in the middle country of the South-
ern States. There are, besides, at least two Mexican species.
Note. Our illustrations clearly demonstrate that the baccate exterior in-
tegument of the seed is formed of the primine of the ovule ; and therefore is
not an arillus ; as so excellent a botanist as my friend, Professor Zuccarini,
has endeavoured to maintain,* and as is assumed by Lindley,f and by
Endlicher.J
PLATE 23. Magnolia glauca, Linn.; — a branch in flower of the
Northern variety, from Gloucester, Massachusetts ; of the natural
size.
1. Diagram of the aestivation of the calyx and corolla (the ninth petal
wanting, as is not uncommonly the case).
2. Vertical section through the whole receptacle, stamens, and pistils ;
enlarged.
3. A stamen, detached and magnified ; inside view, showing the introrsely
adnate anther.
4. Vertical section of two pistils, magnified. The lower exhibits both
ovules ; their raphes face to face : in the upper cell, the anterior
ovule has been cut away.
5. An ovule seen laterally, more magnified.
6. The same, with the raphe towards the eye.
7. Vertical section of the same, through the raphe ; showing some of its
spiral vessels, the true position of the chalaza, the thick and fleshy
primine, which becomes the baccate integument of the seed, &c.
63-70.
t I'cgctablc Kingdom, 417.
f At least in Enchiridion Botanicum, p. 42", 128
62 MAGNOLIACE^E.
PLATE 24. Magnolia Umbrella, Lam. (Botanic Garden, Cambridge)
1. Cone of ripe fruit, of the natural size ; some of the carpels dehiscent ;
one of the seeds hanging by its cord of spiral vessels.
2. Longitudinal section of the same.
3. A detached dehiscent carpel (the exterior fleshy portion dried up).
4. Transverse section of a seed, placed with the raphe towards the eye.
5. Vertical section of the same, passing, as in fig. 4, through the exte-
rior baccate integument, the less thick and bony inner integument,
and the albumen ; showing also the embryo next the hilum.
6. Embryo, much magnified.
7. Summit of a branch terminated by a bud, in autumn ; the outermost
pair of stipules removed, to exhibit one of the longitudinally folded
leaves.
8. The outer pair of stipules, detached from the bud, fig. 7.
9. Transverse section of the bud, cutting across the stipular envelopes,
the conduplicate leaves, and the parts of the flower which they
surround.
MAGNOLIACE.-E. 63
Plate 25.
LIRIODENDRON, L.
Sepala 3, deflexa. Petala 6, campanulato-conniventia.
Antherae extrorsum adnatas. Carpella indefinita, 2-ovulata,
samarseformia, stylis plano-compressis, in strobilum conico-
cylindricum dense imbricata, sicca, indehiscentia, denique
ab gynophoro gracili lignoso persistente decidua. — Arbor
eximia ; foliis sinuato-quadrilobis truncatis, vernatione Mag-
nolias, sed recurvato-inversis atque gemma complanata.
Liriodexdron, Linn. Gen. 689. Schkuhr, Hnndb. t. 147. Oasrtn. Fr.
t. 178. Bigel. Med. Bot. t. 31. Endl. Gen. 4740.
Tclipifeea, Herm. Hort. Lugd. p. 612. Adans. Fam. 2. p. 365.
Tulip-tree.
Sepals 3, colored (greenish-white or yellowish), imbricate
in aestivation, reflexed, early deciduous. Petals 6, imbri-
cated in two series in aestivation, very broad, nearly erect,
so as to form a somewhat bell-shaped corolla, hypogynous,
deciduous. Stamens indefinite, hypogynous in several se-
ries, nearly as long as the petals, deciduous : filaments fili-
form : anthers elongated-linear, adnate to the outer face of
the connective (c.drorse), two-celled ; the cells contiguous,
opening longitudinally. Pistils very numerous, closely im-
bricated upon the prolonged receptacle (gynophore) into a
fusiform column as long as the petals : ovary sessile by a
broad insertion, one-celled, two-ovuled : style laterally
winged (or flattened anteriorly and posteriorly), entirely ap-
pressed : the stigma unilateral at its summit, cristate, recurv-
ed. Ovules collateral, pendulous from near the middle of
the ventral suture, anatropous, their raphes face to face.
Fruit a fusiform cone or strobile, composed of the closely
imbricated samaraeform carpels, which at maturity fall away
from the elongated and bodkin-shaped persistent woody axis :
64 MAGNOLIACEiE.
these are dry and indehiscent, lanceolate, somewhat ligne-
ous, consisting of a small, laterally compressed pericarp,
which is strongly 4-ribbed ; the ventral and dorsal ribs form-
ing the axis, and the lateral ones confluent into the margins,
of the large and wing-like obcompressed style. Seeds 2, or
by abortion solitary, pendulous ; the thin testa dry and cori-
aceous, marked with a narrow salient raphe. Albumen fleshy.
Embryo minute, next the hihun ; the radicle superior.
A Tree of large size and elegant aspect ; with the smooth
leaves alternate, long-petioled, feather-veined, deciduous, an-
gulate-four-lobed, and appearing as if truncate at the apex
by a broad and shallow notch. Flowers solitary and termi-
nal, very large (greenish-yellow marked with orange), in the
bud inclosed by the last pair of stipules in the form of a two-
valved caducous spathe. Vernation as in Magnolia, except
that the oval stipular buds are compressed and very obtuse,
and the leaves are bent down on the petiole so that their
summits are brought to the base of the bud. Stipules nearly
flat, oblong, obtuse, free from the petiole, deciduous.
Etymology. Name compounded of \ipiov, a lily or tulip, and hivhpov,
tree ; from the tulip-like flowers.
Properties. Same as of Magnolia; but the bitter, tonic bark is less
aromatic. The light, fine-grained wood is largely used by cabinet-makers,
&c, under the name of White-tvood, or White and Yellow Poplar.
Geographical Distribution. Nearly throughout the United States
proper, in rich soil, attaining the greatest size in Ohio, Kentucky, &c.
PLATE 25. Liriodendron Tulipifera, Linn. ; — branch in flower ; also
with an unfolding leaf-bud : natural size.
1 . Diagram of the aestivation of the calyx and corolla.
2. Longitudinal section through the receptacle, pistils, &c. ; natural size.
3. A detached pistil, natural size.
4. Summit of the same, magnified ; showing the stigma.
5. Vertical section of the ovary, magnified ; showing the ovules.
6. 7. Ovules, magnified.
8. Ripe cone of fruit ; natural size ; the lowest carpels fallen.
9. One of the separated carpels.
10. Vertical section of the pericarp, through one of the seeds; magnified.
Ord. ANONACEiE.
Arbores (subacri-aromaticas) simplicifolia?, exstipulatas, fo-
liis alternis integerrimis penninerviis : dicotyledoneas, hypo-
gynas, regulares, hermaphrodites, polyandrae : perianthio tri-
mero triseriali, nempe ; calyce trisepalo, corolla hexapetala
duplici serie, (vstivalione valvata ; carpellis indefinitis, raro
paucis, discretis vel in syncarpium confluentibus ; embryone
in basi albuminis ruminati minimo.
Anone-i:, Juss. Gen. p. 283. Batsch, Tab. 118.
Anonace*:, Dunal, Monogr. DC. Syst. 1. p. 4G3. Blume, Fl. Jav. fasc.
7, 8. Alpli. DC. Anon, in Mem. Soc. Genev. 5. p. 177. Endl.
Gen. p. 830. Mart. Fl. Bras. fasc. 2.
The Custard-Apple Family is altogether intertropical, with the re-
markable exception of the North American Papaw, which extends even to
the southern shore of Lake Eric, and the three allied species indigenous to
the Southern Atlantic Slates. The order very closely accords in general
structure, as well as in the ternary triple perianth, with Magnoliacese ; from
which the valvate aestivation and the ruminated albumen essentially distin-
guish it. The sensible qualities, also, are much the same ; but Anonacece
have usually less tonic, and more acrid and nauseous properties. The bruis-
ed bark and foliage of our Papaw-trees exhale a heavy, disagreeable or fetid
odor ; as is likewise said to be the case with the tropical plants of the family
which yield a bland esculent fruit.
The presence of an arillus appears to have been first noticed in the order
by Prof. Alphonse De Candolle, who proposed to consider its presence as a
character of generic value ; and accordingly employed it in distinguishing
his Habzelia from Unona, &c. ; also remarking thai this organ was nol
known to exist in any Asiatic Anonaceous plant.* Recently, Von Martius
has shown that Uvaria Brasiliensis, the only South American species of
u hich the fruit has been examined, is likew ise furnished with arillate seeds.f
Finally, the examination, last autumn, of fresh fruits of Asimina triloba, en-
" Mem. Jlnonac. I. c. p. 8- 13, A c.
I Flora Brasiliensis : .liwnur. p. 39. t. 13 f 2.
66 ANONACE.E.
abled us to detect a thin and fleshy arillus which completely incloses the
ripe seeds; and a dried fruit of A. parviflora exhibits manifest traces of a
similar integument.
Our Papaws, therefore, offer an exception to De Candolle's remark, that
those Anonaeea: winch have arillate seeds along with a smooth pericarp are
always highly aromatic.
I possess no means for determining whether the Asiatic original species
of Uvaria are really destitute of such an arillus, which, confounded with
the surrounding pulp, might have escaped detection as readily in these
as 11 has in the American species. But, without laying stress upon the
more or less imbricated aestivation of the corolla in A. triloba and A. par-
villora (which is not very distinct in the young flower-bud, and is likely to
occur in other cases where the petals are broadly ovate or rounded*), it
appears on every ground probable that our species are not congeneric with
those of tropical Asia, and therefore that the genus Asimina should be re-
stored. To avoid ambiguity, I have drawn its character entirely from our
United States species, and principally from A. triloba and A. parviflora (of
which alone I have seen the fruit) ; leaving it for future investigation to de-
termine whether it is to embrace the few allied South American species, or
whether these should be referred to Porcelia, Ruiz 4- Pav., with which they
all apparently agree in having their inner petals larger than the outer ; while
in ours the exterior petals are much larger than the interior.
The popular name of Papain was doubtless given to the fruit of Asimina
triloba from a fancied resemblance in the appearance or taste of the fruit to
the true Papaw of tropical America (the fruit of Carka Papaya). Asiminier,
from which Asimina was formed, is the name by which the fruit was known
among the old French colonists.
* As, for instance, in Uvaria IN'arum, Wight, 111. hid. But. t. 5.
ANONACEiE. 67
Plate 26, 27.
ASIMINA, Adans.
Petala exteriora patentia, interioribus majora. Stamina
innumera, receptaculum sphasroideum pauci-pistilligerum te-
gentia. Baccse abortu 1-3, subsessiles, oblongae ; oligo-
pleiospermaj. Semina horizontalia, depressa, plerumque bi-
seriata, arillo membranacei-succoso inclusa.
Asimina, Adans. Fam. 2. p. 365. Dunal, Anonac. p. 81. DC. Syst. I. c.
Annonj; Sp., Catesb. Car. 2. t. 85. Linn. I.e. Schkuhr, Handb. t. 149.
Orchidocarpum, Michx. Fl. 1. p. 329.
PorcelijE Sp., Pers. Syn. 2. p. 95. Pursh, Fl. Am. Sept. 2. p. 383.
Uvarle Sp., Blume. Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 44.
Papaw. (Asiminier.)
Calyx of 3 ovate sepals, much smaller than the corolla,
valvate in aestivation, deciduous. Petals 6, in two series,
each set rather imbricated than truly valvate in asstivation
(at least the margins, especially of the exterior, overlap more
or less), hypogynous ; the three exterior widely spreading ;
the three inner (opposite the sepals) much smaller and nearly
erect ; all rather fleshy, veiny and rugulose, roundish, ovate,
or obovate-oblong, closely sessile, enlarging considerably
after expansion, deciduous. Stamens innumerable, densely
packed together and covering the spheroidal receptacle :
filaments extremely short, thick : anthers extrorsely ad-
nate to the fleshy connective, which is much longer than
the proper filament, and is terminated by a broad and dilat-
ed-truncate glandular tip ; tbe cells oblong or linear, sepa-
rate, opening longitudinally. Pollen of spheroidal grains
lightly united in fours. Pistils 3 to 15, sessile on the
summit of the receptacle, protruding from the centre of the
globose mass of stamens, distinct : ovary one-celled : style
short or none : stigma unilateral at the tip. Ovules 4 to 20,
horizontal in two series on the ventral suture, anatropous;
the raphes towards the suture.
68 ANONACE.-E.
Fruit baccate, only one to three of the carpels ripening,
sessile or slightly stipitate, thick, oval or oblong, smooth and
even, or indistinctly torulose. Seeds horizontal, depressed,
in A. triloba occupying two regular series (4 to 9 in each),
in A. parviflora also several and more or less biseriate (in A.
pygmaea and A. grandiflora from the paucity of the ovules
undoubtedly very few or solitary), at maturity entirely in-
closed in a pulpy-membranaceous arillus ! nestling in the
soft flesh of the fruit : testa crustaceo-coriaceous, smooth and
even : inner integument rather fleshy, adhering to the testa,
its numerous folds or membranous appendages projecting
transversely into the corneous albumen nearly to the axis,
dividing it into lamella; (i. e. albumen ruminated). Embryo
minute, next the hilum, to which the cylindrical radicle is
directed: cotyledons short.
Shrubs or small trees ; with alternate and entire feather-
veined leaves, conduplicate in vernation ; and solitary (ver-
nal) dingy-colored flowers from separate axillary buds, nod-
ding, on a short peduncle. Stipules none. Bud-scales mi-
nute and caducous. Pubescence rusty-color, caducous.
PLATE 2B. Asimina triloba, Dunal ; — vernal branch in flower; nat-
ural size. (From Ohio, Sullivant, and Pennsylvania, Prof. Band.)
1. Diagram of the floral envelopes (of the expanded flower).
2. A sepal ; 3, an outer, and 4, an inner petal, natural size.
5. A stamen, enlarged, seen from within ; and 0, from the outside.
7. Stamens and pistils ; the calyx and corolla only removed.
8. Enlarged vertical section, through the receptacle.
9. Transverse section of a magnified ovary; 10, a vertical section.
11. An ovule, more magnified.
PLATE 27. The fruit and seeds (fresh specimens from Prof. Baird).
1. Peduncle and receptacle bearing 3 ripe carpels ; natural size.
•J. Longitudinal section of a ripe carpel.
3. Transverse section, showing two of the seeds in place ; one of them
divided, showing the embryo at the base of the albumen (the lamel-
la; of which plainly extend nearly to the centre in the dried seeds).
4. Detached seed, enveloped in its closed pulpy arillus.
5. Same, with the arillus cut open and extended.
6. Embryo, magnified.
Ord. menispermacej:.
Sarmentosas exstipulatas, alternifolise (foliis palmatiner-
viis) : dicotyledoneae, hypogynee ; floribus parvulis unisexua-
libus ; perianthio concolori plerumque trimero bi - octo-seriali,
sestivatione alternatim imbricato ; staminibus oppositipetalis
vel subindefinitis ; carpellis paucis uniovulatis ; fructu dru-
paceo ; embryone majusculo in albumine parco, cum semine
fructuque incurvato.
Menisferma, Juss. Gen. p. 284.
Menispermoide.'e, Vent. Tabl. 3. p. 78.
Menisperme.£ verse, DC. Syst. 1. p. 508. excl. § 1.
Menispermace.s, DC. Prodr. 1. p. 95 (excl. Trib. 1 & 3). Endl. Gen. p.
825. excl. Subord. 2.
The Moonseed Family is a small group, of about sixteen recognized
genera and two hundred species, belonging principally to the intertropical
regions of Asia and America. There are only three species known in the
United States, or, indeed, in all extratropical North America; and these
pertain to as many distinct genera. One of them extends northward to
Canada; the others are confined to the warmer part of the country.
They are all climbing or twining vines, with woody stems, at least at the
base (although our Moonseed dies down nearly to the ground at the north) ;
bearing alternate, palmately-veined and usually lobed or angled, often pel-
tate leaves, on slender petioles, destitute of stipules ; and with small, dioe-
cious or polygamous flowers, borne in axillary racemes or panicles. Their
commonly trimerous floral envelopes, of more than two series, which in many
cases are not readily distinguishable into calyx and corolla, and the tendency
towards indefinite stamens, and more than one pistil, are characters which
show the near alliance of Menispermacea; with the foregoing orders, and
especially with Anonaceae, some of which have few stamens and pistils ;
while the position of the stamens when definite before the petals, with the
imbricated pluriseriate arrangement of the floral envelopes, indicates their
affinity with Berberidaceaa. They are at once distinguished from both these
families by their habit, unisexual flowers, and especially by their large em-
bryo in sparing albumen, and the peculiar incurvation of the drupaceous
70 MEMSPERMACE.E.
fruit. The Estivation of the corolla is not valvate, as in the former, nor do
the anthers open by valves, as in the latter order.
The nature of the change in form which the ripening ovary undergoes
was indicated by Colebrooke, in the Transactions of the Linnaan Society,
Vol. 13, p. 51 ; and, subsequently, by Auguste St. Hilaire, in his Flora
Brasi/i nsis Meridionalis.
The structure of the wood, which is either zoneless, or destitute of annual
layers, is admirably elucidated by Decaisne {Mem. Lardizab. in Archives du
Museum).
JMenispermaceae afford both bitter tonic and narcotic principles ; the former
principally in the root, of which the officinal Columbo-root furnishes the
most important example : the latter prevail in the fruit ; as in the well-
known Cocculus-Indicus berries (the fruit of Anamirta Cocculus), employed
for poisoning fish and beer. These contain two venomous principles, name-
ly, the deadly picrotoxine in the seed, and menispcrmine in the pericarp.
Conspectus of the United States Genera.
Cocculus. (Plate 28.) Stamens 6, distinct. Sepals and petals each 6.
Ovaries 3-6. Drupe campylotropous : putamen bony.
Menispermum. (Plate 29.) Stamens in ster. fl. 12 - 24, distinct. Se-
pals 4-8. Petals 6-8. Ovaries 2-4. Drupe campylotropous :
putamen compressed, round-reniform, bony. Embryo slender, hippo-
crepiform ; the linear-filiform cotyledons contiguous.
Calycocarpum. (Plate 30.) Stamens in ster. fl. 12, distinct. Sepals
6, consimilar. Proper petals none. Ovaries 3, not incurved from
the apex in ripening. Drupe deeply hollowed on the inner face, the
section crescent-shaped. Putamen crustaceous. Embryo thin and
flat, cordate-2-lobed ; the broad cotyledons divergent.
MEXISPERMACEjE.
Plate 28.
COCCULUS (Pluk.), DC.
Calyx 1 — 3-bracteolatus, 6-sepalus. Petala 6 (raro nulla).
Stamina 6, discreta. Drupse campylotropas ; putamine osseo,
reniformi, annulari-arcuato, vel hippocrepico.
Cocculus, Pluk. Slant, p. 52. DC. Syst. 1. p. 515 (excl. spec. & syn.
Bauh.) Colebr. in Linn. Trans. 13. p. 57 (excl. C. crispo, etc.).
Wight A. Am. Fl. Pen. Ind. Or. p. 11 (excl. spec.) Wight, 111.
Ind. Bot. 1. t. 7.
Abuta, Barr. Aubl. Guian. p. 618. t. 250? (ex St. Ilil. Fl. Bras l.p. 47.)
Chondodendron, Ruiz & Pav. Prodr. Fl. Per. & Chil. p. 132 (1794).
Baumgartia, Mrench, Meth. p. 650 (1794. pi. ster.)
Akdrophvlax, Wendl. Hort. Herr. 3. t 10.
Wendlandia, Willd. Spec. 2. p. 275 (1799. pi. fert.) Pursh, Fl. 1. p. 252.
Flowers dioecious or dioecio-polygamous. Ster. Fl. Se-
pals 6, imbricated in aestivation in two series of three each,
ovate or roundish, petaloid, at least the inner series, 1-3-
hractcolate externally, deciduous. Petals 6, smaller than
the calyx, placed three of them opposite the outer and three
opposite the inner sepals, thickish, sessile, ovate or obovate,
more or less cucullate or incurved around the filaments, de-
ciduous. Stamens 6, opposite the petals ; the filaments
and 4-celled anthers as in Menispermum (Plate 29). Pis-
tils none. Fert. Fl. Calyx, corolla, tfcc, nearly as in
the sterile plant. Ster. stamens hypogynous, with more or
less dilated filaments, bearing abortive anthers. Pistils 3
to 6, sessile in a whorl, not raised on a gynophore : ovary
semiovate, one-celled, subulate with a short recurved style
which is narrowly stigmatose down the inner edge. Ovule
amphitropous, borne on the middle of the ventral suture ■
the micropyle superior.
Drupes (one or usually 2 to 5 ripening) sessile, baccate:
the putamen, seed, and embryo, in our species (and the
more nearly allied exotic ones) just as in Menispermum.
72 MENISPERMACE.E.
Frutescent or woody vines ; with usually twining stems ;
tlic leaves alternate, petiolcd, exstipulate, palmately 3 — 7-
veined, rounded, entire Or obscurely lobcd. Flowers small,
greenish-white or purplish, in axillary or supra-axillary race-
mose panicles. Bracts minute.
Etymology. From the Cocculus Indicus of the shops, an old name (form-
ed from coccum, a berry) adopted by Bauhin. But the plant that yield;- the
officinal fruit which gave its name to the genus, as now received, has unfor-
tunately been excluded from it, and forms the genus Anamirta.
Observations. The essential character given above has been made to
conform to the genus as received by Colebrooke. The English description
is drawn wholly from our own plant; which seems, however, to be truly
congeneric with several Indian species, as it probably is with South Ameri-
can ones : but I have not seen the illustration of Chondodendron convolvula-
ceum, Pbpp. It is a pity that the name of Cocculus was not kept for the
plant yielding the officinal fruit so called ; in which case, one of the names
applied to American species, cited above, would have taken due precedence
for the present genus, whither it were found to embrace the bulk of those of
the Old World or not. At all events, it will doubtless comprise none which
present the character " cotyledones distantes," assigned by Be Candolle ;
although apparently it should include C. sepium, Cokbr., with foliaceous
cotyledons, as well as C. Plukenetii, DC, with fleshy and semicyhndrical
ones.
PLATE 28. Cocculus Carolinus, DC. ; — branch of the sterile plant,
natural size, from the Botanic Garden, Cambridge.
1. Diagram of the aestivation of the staminate flower.
2. Staminate flower, enlarged.
3. An outer sepal, and 4, an inner sepal, from the same.
5. A petal, and 6, a stamen, from the same.
7. A petal, with the stamen, enlarged ; anther dehiscent.
8. Stamen, enlarged; the anther divided transversely before dehiscence.
9. Pistillate flower, enlarged.
10. A pistil, magnified ; the ovary divided longitudinally.
11. Drupes from a single flower, with a lobcd leaf, &c. ; natural size.
12. Vertical section of a drupe and the inclosed seed and embryo ; enlarged.
13. Putamen (the sarcocarp removed), enlarged.
14. Seed extracted, enlarged.
15. Embryo extracted, enlarged ; showing the slender cotyledons, &c.
MENISPERMACE.E. 73
Plate 29.
MENISPERMUM, Tourn.
Calyx 4-8-sepalus. Petala 6-S. Stamina 12-24, dis-
creta; antheris quadrilocellatis. Stigmata explanato-dilatata.
Drupse campylotropae ; putamine compresso, orbiculato-reni-
formi, osseo. Embryo in albumine putamini conformi gra-
cilis, hippocrepicus ; cotyledonibus contiguis radiculaque an-
gnste linearibus.
Menispermum, Tourn. in Mem. Acad. Par. 1705. p. 237. Linn. (excl.
sp.) Lam. 111. t. 824. Mcench, Meth. p. 277. Schkubr, Handb.
t. 337. DC. Syst. 1. p. 539. Torr. & Gr. Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 47.
excl. § 2.
Moonsccd.
Flowers dioecious. Ster. Fl. Sepals 5 to S, petaloid,
thin and membranaceous, imbricated in aestivation, spatulate-
oblong ; the two exterior narrower, and rather to be counted
as bractlets ; all early deciduous. Petals 6 to 8 (most com-
monly 7), shorter than the sepals, somewhat fleshy, orbicu-
lar-dilated from a short claw, cucullate-incurved, deciduous.
Stamens 12 to 24, much longer than the petals : filaments
filiform, gradually thickened above : anthers innate, of 1
globular cells before dehiscence, when the two proper didy-
mous cells are confluent at the longitudinal suture. Pistils
entirely wanting. Fert. Fl. Sepals 4 to 6, broader and
shorter than in the sterile flowers. Petals as in the sterile,
hypogynous, with about as many abortive stamens, at the
base of the thickish cylindrical-oblong gynophore. Pistils
2 to 4, sessile on the apex of tbe gynophore, distinct : ovary
seiniovate, one-celled, one-ovuled : stigma sessile, thickened,
fleshy, dilated, crenate-papillose, recurved. Ovule borne on
the middle of the ventral suture, amphitropous, oblong ; the
micropyle superior (directed to the apex of the cell).
Drupe baccate (one. or sometimes two or three, ripening
t;
7 I MENISPERMACEjE.
from each flower), somewhat stipitate, globular, excentric,
marked by the vestige of the stigma near the base ; the real
apex of the pericarp being incurved or bent down upon itself
during growth, like a campylotropous seed : the bony pu-
tamen accordingly annular-reniform, laterally compressed,
smooth and as if excavated on each side, longitudinally two-
grooved and transversely rugose-tuberculate round the cir-
cumference. Seed reniform, conformed to the cavity of the
putamen : testa membranaceous. Embryo slender, terete,
curved into rather more than a semicircle, or nearly in the
form of a horseshoe, occupying the axis of the fleshy albu-
men, and almost of equal length : the long and slender radi-
cle pointing to the organic apex of the fruit : cotyledons
very slender, incnmbently contiguous.
Suffruticose vines ; the zoncless wood with few and
very broad medullary rays. Leaves alternate, exstipulate,
rounded, palmately veined and angulate-lobed, long-petioled,
peltate near the cordate sinus. Flowers small, white, in
small panicles. Peduncles more or less supra-axillary.
Etymology. From iir/vt), the moon, and cjnr'pjua , seed.
Properties. The fruit is probably noxious, and the root tonic-demulcent.
Geographical Distribution!, &c. The original species is common
throughout the United States and Southern Canada ; and the second, which
very closely resembles ours, is Siberian. My specimens of the latter are not
apetalous (as is said in Torr. 4 Gray, Flora N. Amer. I. c).
PLATE 29. Menispermum Canadense, Linn.; — flowering branch of
the sterile plant ; natural size.
1. Diagram of the aestivation of the floral envelopes.
2. Staminate flower, enlarged.
3. A sepal ; 4, a petal, and 5, a stamen, enlarged.
6. Transverse section of an anther, enlarged.
7. A pistillate flower, enlarged.
8. Pistils, more magnified; with 2 sterile stamen
9. Vertical section of a pistil, magnified.
10. A drupe, and receptacle ; natural size.
1 1 . Same, enlarged ; upper part of the sarcocarp cut away.
12. Putamen ; the upper part removed, showing two sections of the embryo.
13. Vertical section of the drupe and seed : embryo seen in place.
14. Seed detached ; 15, embryo, detached ; — all the latter magnified.
MENISPERMACE.E 75
Plate 30.
CALYCOCARPUM, Nutt.
Sepala 6. Petala nulla. Stamina 12, discreta : antherae
biloculares introrsum adnata?. Ovaria 3 : stigma umbilica-
tum, radiato-multifidum. Drupa ovoidea, stigmate terminali
notata : putamen lasve, tenui-crustaceum, ventre profunde
excavatum cymbiforme. Embryo lamellseformis, in albu-
mine tenui leviter incurvus : cotyledonibus foliaceis per mar-
gines ad medium connatis, deinde divergentibus, late cordi-
formis ; radicula brevissima supera.
Calycocarpcm (Sect. Memspermi), Nutt. in Torr £ Gray, Fl. N. Am.
1. p. 48.
Flowers dioecious. Calyx minutely one-bracteolate at the
base, of 6 equal and similar petaloid oblong-obovate sepals,
in two series, imbricated in aestivation, spreading, deciduous.
Petals wanting. Ster. Fl. Stamens 12, distinct, occu-
pying the centre of the flower : filaments slender, slightly
flattened and dilated upwards : anthers introrsely adnate,
strictly two-celled, the oval cells opening longitudinally
down the inner face. Fert. Fl. Abortive stamens 6,
short, with small and imperfect anthers. Pistils 3, sessile,
one-ovuled : ovary fusiform, straight, terminated by an um-
bilicate and radiately laciniate dilated stigma. Ovule . . .
Drupe oval, tipped by the vestige of the terminal stigma ;
the sarcocarp thin: putamen smooth, crustaceous, broadly
convex on the back, very deeply and broadly excavated on
the ventral face, so as to become cup-shaped or boat-shaped
(the transverse section between crescent-shaped and horse-
shoe form, the vertical section also crescent-shaped), lightly
marked by dorsal and ventral sutures, which incline to open,
and by which it may readily be separated into 2 hall-carpels ;
the continuous cell very wide and shallow. Seed pendu-
76 MENISPERMACEjE.
lous from the upper part of the ventral suture, conformed to
the cell, cymbiform ; the hilum a little below the micropyle.
Embryo in the axis and about two thirds the length of the
fleshy albumen, which it almost separates into two thin
plates, very thin and foliaceous, concave so as to conform to
the shape of the albumen, slightly pointed at the radicular
apex, which is also flat, divergently two-lobed at the other
extremity, thus heart-shaped. Its peculiar form is evidently
due to the lateral junction by their contiguous edges of the
cotyledons, which were laterally separated like those of Ana-
mirta Cocculus.
Vine woody, climbing or twining : with alternate and ex-
stipulate palmately-veined and 3 — 5-lobed membranaceous
leaves (the lobes acuminate, sometimes wavy-toothed), cor-
date at the base, on long petioles. Flowers small, greenish-
white, in racemose panicles: peduncles supra-axillary, slender.
Etymology. From xdXuJ, a hush, or covering, or fluwer-cvp, and Kapiros,
fruit ; a name evidently meant to designate the cup-shaped she]] of the fruit.
Geographical Distribution. The single known species belongs to the
Southern States west of the Alleghanies.
Note. A genus manifestly allied to Anamirta, and also to Cocculus
crispus. DC, judging from the analyses given by Colebrooke.
PLATE 30. Calycocarpum Lyoni ; — leaf, panicle, &c, of a sterile
plant (from Texas, Mr. Charles Wright) ; natural size.
1. A staminate flower, enlai
2. Bracteole ; and 3, a sepal, enlarged.
4. A stamen, enlarged ; inside view.
5. A pistillate flower, enlarged. (Herb. Torrey; as also the following.)
6. A pistil, more magnified.
7. Drupe, natural size ; and 8, same, divided transversely.
9. The putamen ; the excavated inner face turned to the eye.
10. Section of the same through the sutures, cutting the seed and embryo.
11. A transverse section of the putamen a little below the middle, passing
through the two cotyledons lying separately in the thin albumen.
12. Embryo, of the natural size, spread out nearly flat.
Ord. BERBERIDACEJl.
Frutices ligno flavo, vel herba?, foliis plerumque eomposi-
tis alternis : dicotyledonese, hypogynas, polypetalee, herma-
phroditas, symmetrica? ; sepalis petalisque trimeris, aut 2-4-
meris, tripli — multiplici serie asstivatione alternatim imbri-
catis ; staminibus oppositipetalis ; antherae loculis valvula
sursum revoluta dehiscentibus ; ovario unico monocarpellari
pauci-multiovulato ; fructu baccato, rarius capsulari ; em-
bryone in albumine carnoso vel corneo.
Berberides, Juss. Gen. p. 286.
Berbf.ride.c, Vent. R Br.in Tuckey, Voy. p. 411. Endl. Gen. p. 851.
Berberiues; & Podophyli,ace.ze, Trib. 1, DC. Syst. & Prodr. 1. c.
Berberace* & Podophvlleje, Lindl. Introd. Nat. Syst. ed. 2.
BekberidacejE, Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 49.
The Barberky Family, well marked as it is by the imbricative arrange-
ment of the floral envelopes, and the stamens in a ternary, or sometimes bi-
nary or quaternary order in two series of each set, so that the petals taken
together stand opposite as many sepals, and the stamens likewise opposite
these, — and also by the valvular dehiscence of the anthers, and the single
pistil, — yet presents the following exceptions, in plants which, nevertheless,
certainly belong to this order. 1. The anther-cells open by a longitudinal
line in Nandina, and also in Podophyllum. 2. In Podophyllum peltatum
(but not in P. hexandrum) the stamens are twice the number of the petals.
3. In Achlys the stamens are indefinite, the ovule solitary, and the floral
envelopes altogether wanting (just as in Trochodendron, Zucc, among
Magnoliaceas Wintereae). 4. In Jeffersonia, the sepals (4 or 5 in number)
form a single series, and are fewer than the petals.
The position of the petals and definite stamens in Menispermacese is, of
course, to be explained in the same manner as in the Barberry Family ; and
this arrangement is not to be confounded with the different case of Vitaceas,
&c, where a single series of stamens is opposed to a simple whorl of petals.*
" The difference has been pointed nui by .Vlr. de Jussieu, Cours Elem />'«'
■ 386, 794
78 BERBERIDACEJE.
The close alliance of the Berberidaces to the preceding orders is admitted
by all botanists, perhaps, except Dr. Lindley, who has at length proposed a
widely different arrangement, which is evidently based upon peculiar grounds,
by no means compatible w-ith ordinary views of botanical affinity.*
The family consists of about 12 genera, all of few or single species, ex-
cepting Berberis itself, distributed over the northern temperate zone, chiefly
in the cooler parts, and extending southward along mountain ranges only.
In America the genus Berberis is also represented at the southern extremity
of the continent. The berries are usually acid and edible or harmless ; the
foliage is often acid ; the bark and roots of the woody species are astringent,
and the roots of one or two are drastic.
The compact wood of Berberis trifoliolata exhibits very broad medullary
rays, much wider, towards the circumference of old stems, than the woody
wedges themselves, which fork sparingly, after the manner of some Aristo-
lochias. The annual layers are indistinct. Young stems of Nandina exhibit
a similar structure.
Conspectus of the United States Genera.
* Anthers opening by uplifted valves.
■*- Shrubs. Embryo nearly as long as the albumen : cotyledons foliaceous.
Berberis. (Plate 31.) Stamens and petals 6. Stigma umbilicate.
Berry one- few-seeded. — Leaves or leaflets spinulose-toothed.
h — i- Herbs. Embryo small or minute : cotyledons thick.
Leontice $ Caulophvllum. (Plate 32.) Stamens and petals 6. Ovary
2-ovuled, bursting and evanescent after fertilization. Seeds drupa-
ceous. — Leaves 3-ternate.
Diphylleia. (Plate 33.) Stamens and petals 6. Berry few-seeded. —
Flowers cymose. Cauline leaves 2, peltate, deeply 2-cleft, 7 - 9-lobed.
Jeffersonia. (Plate 34.) Stamens and petals 8. Pod opening trans-
versely half round, many-seeded. Seeds with a lateral arillus. —
Scape naked, 1-flowered. Leaves 2-parted.
* * Anthers not opening by uplifted valves.
Podophyllum. (Plates 35, 36.) Petals 6-9: the stamens twice their
number (in Amer. species). Berry large, many-seeded. Seeds on a
very thick lateral placenta, inclosed in a pulpy arillus. — Flower sol-
itary, in the fork of the two peltate palmately-lobed leaves.
Croomia. (Plate 37.) Genus of doubtful affinity.
" Veg. Kingd. p. 432-445. — In his Berberal alliance, Dr. Lindley com-
bines, as the nearest allies of BerbcridiLcew, the DroseracetB, Fumariticete, Vita-
cur, Cyrillacea, Ac. He excludes, however, frum the Barberry Family the ge-
nus Podophyltums " which some botanists fency should stand here "; — a fancy
which originated with Mr. Brown, ami which does not appear extraordinary
when that genus (and especially its hexandrous species) is compared with Jef-
fersonia and Diphylleia.
berberidace.e. 79
Plate 81.
BERBERIS, L.
Calyx 6-sepalus, extus 3-2-bracteolatus. Petala 6, con-
cava, intus pi. m. biglandulosa. Stamina 6. Stigma pelta-
tum, umbilicatum. Bacca oligospermia, seminibus erectis.
Embryo magnus, cotyledonibus subfoliaceis ellipticis. — Fru-
tices, foliolis saepe spinulosis ; floribus racemosis.
Berberis, Bauliin. Linn. Gen. 442. Ga-rtn. Fr. t.42. Hook. Fl. Bor.-
Am. I . p. 28. Torr. & Gray, FI. 1. p. 49. Endl. Gen. 4814.
Berberis & Mahosia, Nutt. Gen. 1. p. 210. DC. Syst. 2. p. 18.
Odostewon, Raf in Amer. Month. Mag. 1819. p. 192.
Barberry.
Calyx calyculate with 3 or sometimes 2 close-pressed
bractlets : proper sepals 6, in two series, alternatively im-
bricated in aestivation, orbicular or obovate, concave-spread-
ing, more or less petaloid, deciduous. Petals 6, opposite
the 6 sepals, imbricated in aestivation in two series, hypogy-
nous, obovate, concave-connivent, unguiculate or sessile,
marked with two thickened glands, or more or less conspicu-
ous glandular spots, at the base of the lamina inside, decidu-
ous. Stamens 6, hypogynous, opposite the petals and short-
er than they : filaments thick, articulated with the recep-
tacle, spreading under the petals in the expanded flower,
starting forward towards the pistil with a sudden jerk when
touched with a point next the base on the inner side (thus
projecting the pollen upon the stigma): anthers two-celled;
the cells somewhat extrorsely adnate to the thick connec-
tive, nearly the whole face separating as a valve which is
lightly hinged at the apex. Ovary ovoid, one-celled, mark-
ed with a projecting placental line inside (toward the axis) :
style short and thick or none: stigma orbicular and peltate,
umbilicate, entire. Ovules 2 to 9, erect from the base ol
the placental line, towards which (he raphes are all turned
80 BERBERIDACE.-E.
Berry oblong or globular. Seeds 1 to 9, erect, oblong,
with a crustaceous testa and a narrow raphe. Embryo in the
axis and occupying nearly the whole length of corneous-
fleshy albumen, straight or nearly so : radicle slender, infe-
rior : cotyledons elliptical, fiat and nearly foliaceous, parallel
with the raphe, shorter than or equalling the radicle in length.
Shrubs, with yellow wood and inner bark, deciduous or
persistent 1 - many-lbliolate alternate leaves ; their petioles
dilated at the base. Stipules adnale, commonly minute,
caducous. Leaflets articulated, veiny, usually spinulose-
toothed or ciliate-serrate. Flowers yellow, racemose.
Etymology. From the Arabic name of the berries of the Barberry.
Properties. These well-known berries are pleasantly acid and astrin-
gent. The yellow bark and wood furnishes a dye, and is astringent, and
seems also, with the root, to contain a principle (berberine) which is cathartic.
Division. To the two recognized subgenera, I may here add a third.
§ 1. Bereeris proper. — Filaments usually inappendiculate. Primary
leaves mostly converted into triple, quintuple, or simple prickly spines ;
the secondary fascicled in the axils of these, unifoliolate (articulated
above the scale-like base which represents the real petiole), subsessile.
§2. Trilicina. — Filaments inappendiculate. Unarmed: leaves all evo-
lute, digitately 3-foliolate : leaflets sessile on the apex of the common
petiole. (B. trifoliolata, Moric.)
§3. Mahonia, Nutl. — Filaments appendiculate with two salient teeth
at the apex. Unarmed : leaves all evolute, pinnately 5 - 17-foliolate.
PLATE 31. Bereeris Canadensis, Pursh; — part of flowering stem,
natural size, from the Cambridge Botanic Garden.
1. Diagram of the flower (the upper side belongs next the axis).
2. A flower, enlarged.
3. An outer sepal; 4, an inner sepal, enlarged.
5. A petal, enlarged ; inside view.
6, 7. Stamens, enlarged ; the latter with the anther dehiscent.
8. Ovary transversely, and 9, vertically divided, magnified.
10. Berries, from a wild specimen. (Mountains of North Carolina.)
11. Vertical section of a berry, enlarged.
12. Magnified section of the seed and embryo.
13. Magnified embryo, turned flatwise, to show the broad cotyledons.
berberidace.f. 81
Plate 32.
LEONTICE, L.
Calyx 6-sepalus, petaloideus, interdum bracteolis calycula-
tus. Petala 6, nectariformia, dilatato-cucullata, sepalis multo
minora. Stamina 6. Ovarium e basi 2 — 4-ovulatum. Pe-
ricarpium tenui-membranaceum inflatum, indebiscens, vel, —
Subgen. Caulophyllum, grossificatione seminum longe
ante matnritatem ruptum, evanescens. Semina itaque nuda,
drupacea. — Folium triternatum.
Leontices Sp., Linn. R. Br. in Linn. Trans. 12. p. 143. t. 7. DC. Syst.
2. p. 23. Decaisne in Nouv. Ann. Sci. Nat. 2. t. 12. Torr. &
Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 52. Endl. Gen. 4810.
Caulophyllum, Michx. Fl. 1. p. 204. t. 21. Nutt. Gen. 1. p. 210.
Blue Cohosh. Pappoosc-root.
Calyx calyculate with 3 close-pressed bractlets : sepals 6,
consimilar, imbricated in aestivation in two separate series,
petaloid, ovate-oblong, flat, widely spreading or revolute,
early deciduous. Petals 6, hypogynous, one at the base
of each sepal and very much shorter than it, fleshy and
gland-like, viscid, unguiculate, cuneiform-dilated, the very
broad and rounded summit involute, deciduous. Stamens
6, hypogynous, opposite the petals and rather shorter than
they: anthers rather shorter than the filaments: the two
oblong cells somewhat extrorsely adnate to the thickish con-
nective ; the greater part of the face separating in dehiscence
as an uplifted valve. Ovary ovoid-oblong, one-celled, taper-
ing into a subulate oblique style, which is minutely stigma-
tose from the apex down the inner side. Ovules 2. collat-
eral, erect from the base of the cell, raised and as if articu-
lated on short fleshy funiculi, anatropous.
Pericarp very thin, raptured soon after the floral envel-
opes fall by the pressure of the growing seeds, and then
82 BERBERIDACE.E.
shrivelling away. Seeds (one or both maturing) therefore
naked, stipitate on their thickened funiculi, spherical, large,
with a fleshy at length baccate testa, appearing like drupes !
Albumen corneous, deeply umbilicate at the hilum, its verti-
cal section deeply reniform. Embryo minute, partly received
into a sort of cup formed by the folding of the tegmen in the
axis of the umbilicate basal depression, cylindrical : radicle
short, inferior, about the length of the thick cotyledons.
Herbaceous ; the fleshy rootstock sending up in early
spring a simple and naked stem, bearing near the summit a
triternately compound leaf destitute of a common petiole, and
often a smaller and similar leaf at the very base of the ter-
minal raceme or panicle. Leaflets 2-5-cleft at the apex,
glaucous, as also the blue drupaceous seeds.
(Characters from the North American species only.)
Etymology, &c. Leontice is a name abbreviated by Linnaeus from the
Leontopetalum of Tournefort. Caulophylluin, which may very probably re-
sume its generic rank, is formed of Kavhos, stem, and tfiCWov, leaf; the stem
seeming to form a stalk for the single, large and compound leaf.
Properties- The root is an " Indian medicine," but its real qualities
are unsettled. The albumen of the seed has been proposed as a substitute
for coffee.
PLATE 32. Leontice (Caulophyllum) thalictroides, Linn.; — sum-
mit of stem, natural size when coming into flower. (Botanic Gar-
den, Cambridge ; May : from Western Xew York.)
1. Back view of a flower-bud, showing the 3 bractlets (sepals of authors).
2. Diagram of the aestivation, &c.
3. Enlarged flower, seen from above.
4. A bractlet ; 5 and 6, sepals, enlarged.
7. Enlarged petal, from the outside ; 8, inside view of the same.
■J, 10. Magnified stamens, seen from the outside.
11, 12. Same, s sen from the inner side.
13. Pistil, enlai gi \
1-1, 15. Same, transversely and vertically divided.
Hi. Pistil, a week after the floral envelopes have fallen, enlarged.
IT, 18. Same, still later ; the pericarp ruptured by the growing seeds.
19. The two full-grown seeds on their funiculi ; natural size.
20. Vertical section of one of them.
21. Embryo, detached, and highly magnified.
berberidace^e. s3
Plate 33.
DIPHYLLEIA, Michx.
Sepala 6, caducissima. Petala 6, ovalia, plana. Stamina 6.
Bacca gibbosa, basin versus 2-4-sperma. Embryo majuscu-
la. — Caulis alternating diphyllus ; foliis maximis, peltatis,
bifidis, ambitu lobatis. Cyma terminalis.
Difhylleia, Michx. Fl. 1. p. 203. t. 19, 20. Bot. Mag. t. 1666. DC.
Syst. 2. p. 39. Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 52. Enrll. Gen.
4808. Gray, in Sill. Jour. 42. p. 23.
Calyx of 6 thin and membranaceous roundish-oval sepals,
imbricated in two series in aestivation, caducous when the
corolla opens. Petals 6, alternatively imbricated in aestiva-
tion, hypogynous, consimilar, larger than the sepals, round-
ish-obovate, sessile, not glandular, plane, spreading, early
deciduous. Stamens 6, hypogynous, opposite the sepals,
shorter than they: anthers oblong, longer than the terete
filament ; the cells somewhat extrorsely adnate to the con-
nective, their face (except an inner margin) separating in
dehiscence as an uplifted valve. Ovary oblong-ovoid, one-
celled, nearly straight : style very short : stigma terminal,
circular, depressed, slightly grooved across the middle.
Ovules 5 or 6, borne in two series near the base of the pla-
cental line which marks the inner side of the cell, ascend-
ing, globular, anatropous.
Berry globular, somewhat gibbous, apiculate with the
nearly sessile stigma, unilaterally 2 - 4-seeded ; the flesh thin.
Seeds 2 to 4, ascending from near the base of the cell on
the ventral side, oblong, gibbous, slightly curved ; the testa
fleshy-coriaceous. Albumen fleshy, or corneous when dried.
Emrryo in the axis of the albumen, extending from the base
nearly to the middle, slightly curved to correspond with the
curvature of the seed: radicle inferior, slender ; the coty-
ledons nearly of its length, oblong, pretty thin, parallel with
the raphe.
84 BERBERIDACE^E.
Herb of striking appearance, with much the habit of Po-
dophyllum : the thickened and creeping rhizoma formed of
distinct annual increments, sending up a stout alternately
two-leaved flowering stem (terminated by a cyme of white
blossoms), which separates at the base in autumn by a
marked articulation, leaving a broad excavated scar, in the
manner of the rootstocks of a Solomon's Seal. Leaves very
large (1 to 2 feet broad when full grown), thin, palmately
veined, reticulated, of dilated reniform or orbicular circum-
scription, deeply two-cleft, and the margins cut-lobed and
toothed ; the cauline excentrically, the radical centrally, pel-
tate on long and stout petioles. Berries blue, glaucous.
Etymology. From Sir, twice, or double, and divXkov, leaf.
Properties. Unknown: probably much like those of Podophyllum.
Geographical Distribution. Restricted to shaded springy places, or
the margin of mountain brooks, in rich and deep alluvial soil, along the Al-
leghanies from Virginia to Georgia. It (lowers in May, while the leaves
are yet but half grown.
PLATE 33. Diphylleia cvmosa, Michx. ; — flowering stem and rhizo-
ma, from plants cultivated in the Botanic Garden, Cambridge, and
dried specimens, from the mountains of North Carolina : lower
leaf cut away, the upper thrown back and reduced in size.
1. A magnified stamen, with the anther dehiscent ; outside view.
•2. A similar stamen, seen from the inner side.
3. A magnified pistil.
4. A vertical section of the same, .showing the ovules.
5. An ovule, more magnified.
6. Transverse section of the ovary made towards the base.
7. A berry ; and 8, a vertical section of the same, showing the seeds,
it. A seed, magnified ; lateral view.
10. Vertical section of the same, displaying the embryo, &c.
RKKRERIDACE/K.
Plate 34.
JEFFERSONIA, Bart.
Sepala 4, caduca. Petala 8, plana. Stamina S. Capsula
coriacea, obovata, polysperma, snb apice rima horizontali
operculatim dehiscens. Semina pluriseriata, arillo laterali
laciniato. — Scapus uniflorus niidns. Folia radicalia, bipar-
tita, segmentis semicordatis.
Jeffersonia, Barton, in Trans. Amor. Pliil. Soc. 3. p. 334. Michx. Fl.
1. p. 23C. DC. Syst. 2. p. 34. End!. Gen. 4807. Torr. & Gray,
FI.N. Am. 1. p. 53.
Twin-leaf.
Calyx of 4 (sometimes 3 or 5) linear-oblong petaloid
sepals, imbricated in aestivation in a single series, caducous.
Petals 8, imbricated in estivation in two series, hypo-
gynous, oblong, sessile, plane, spreading, early deciduous.
Stamens 8, hypogynous, one before each petal : anthers
oblong, shorter than the filiform filaments, scarcely if at all
extrorse ; nearly the whole face of each cell separating as an
uplifted valve. Ovary ovoid, slightly stipitate, one-celled,
marked by a horizontal line around the back above the mid-
dle, tapering at the summit into a short style : the stigma
terminal, somewhat dilated and two-lobed. Ovules indefi-
nite, borne in several rows on nearly the whole length of the
broad ventral suture, somewhat ascending, anatropous.
Fruit a coriaceous obovate pod, transversely dehiscent
half-way round on the back, near the summit, by a revolute
persistent lid, forming a broad lunate chink. Seeds numer-
ous in several series on the broad placenta, somewhat as-
cending, arillate; the arillus unilateral at the base of the
raphe, fleshy, laciniate : testa coriaceous. Embryo minute
at the base of the fleshy albumen : cotyledons short: radi-
cle next the hilum.
Herb low, with matted fibrous roots, sending up, in early
86 BERBERI DACEjE.
spring, a tuft of two-parted peltately-veined radical leaves,
on long petioles, and naked scapes terminated by a single
white flower.
Etymology. Dedicated by Professor Barton to Thomas Jefferson.
Properties. The plant has a popular reputation in Ohio, under the
name of Rheumatism-root, as a stimulant, diaphoretic, &e. (Riddell, Synop-
sis.) The seeds have an acrid taste, which is very persistent.
Geographical Distribution. The single species inhabits rich and cool
woods, from Northern New York southward through the Alleghany Moun-
tains, and in the Western States.
PLATE 34. Jeffersonia diphylla, Pers. ; — natural size in flower.
(Botanic Garden, Cambridge.)
1. Diagram of the flower.
2. A stamen, magnified.
3. A stamen, more enlarged ; the valves of the anther opening.
4. Same ; the anther divided transversely before dehiscence ; then 4-celled.
5. Pistil, magnified ; dorsal view.
6. Same, seen from the inner or placental side.
7. Same, transversely divided, showing the 4-ranked ovules.
8. An ovule, more magnified.
9. A growing seed, with the arillus just appearing ; enlarged.
10. The mature, dehiscent pod ; natural size.
11. Same, with the seeds removed, and the back cut away to show the
placenta.
12. A seed, with its arillus, magnified.
ID. Vertical section of the same, showing the minute embryo at the base
of the albumen.
berberidace.e. 87
Plate 35, 36.
PODOPHYLLUM, L.
Sepala 6, caducissima. PetalaG-9. Stamina petalis nu-
mero aequalia vel dupla ; antheris longitudinaliter dehiscen-
tibus. Bacca polysperma ; seminibus in arillo pulposo nidu-
lantibus. — Caulis apice uniflorus, diphyllus ; foliis peltatis
5-9-fidis.
Podophyllum, Linn. Gen. 643. DC. Syst. 2. t. 233. Bigel. Veg. Mat.
Med. t. 35. Jacquem. Voy. t. 9. Endl. Gen. 4806.
May-Apple. Mandrake.
Calyx (calyculate by 3 green bractlets which are cadu-
cous before anthesis) formed of 6 very thin and membrana-
ceous obovate sepals, imbricated in two series in asstivation,
caducous from the bud without expanding. Petals 6 or 9,
in two or three series, alternatively imbricated and slightly
crumpled in aestivation, hypogynous, dilated-obovate, large,
spreading, deciduous. Stamens as many as the petals and
opposite them in the Himalayan species, twice as many in
the North American, hypogynous : filaments very short :
anthers oblong-linear, adnate ; the cells opening longitudi-
nally by a single extrorse line, as it were by a laterally
hinged valve. Ovary ovoid, sessile, one-celled, crowned by a
large and thick peltate and undulate-crested stigma. Ovules
very numerous, covering the broad ventral placenta which
occupies the whole length of the cell, crowded in about 5
rows, horizontal, nearly amphitropous.
Fruit a large ovate fleshy berry ; the cell filled by the
lateral placenta and the mass of pulpy arilli developed
from its whole surface, inclosing the indefinite obovate
seeds. Embryo small, at the base of fleshy albumen.
Herbs, with thick fibrous roots from creeping rootstocks,
which send up in spring sterile stalks terminated by a single
orbicular centrally peltate leaf, or two-leaved stems termi-
88 BERBERIDACF.vE.
runted by a single large (white) flower, nodding on a short
peduncle. Cauline leaves excentrically peltate, palmately
5 — 9-ribbed and deeply cleft : the lobes incised and toothed.
Etymology. Name formed of 7ro0s , a foot, and <f)v\\ov, leaf; from a
fancied resemblance of the leaves to the feet of a web-footed bird.
Properties. The mawkish fruit of the May-Apple is edible, and is said
by Dr. Griffith to resemble that of Passiflora edulis in taste as well as in ap-
pearance : the herbage is poisonous : the root is a drastic cathartic.
Geographical Distribution. Our species (from which the above de-
tailed character is drawn) is indigenous nearly throughout the United States :
and there is another (P. hexandrum) in the mountains of Nepaul.
Note. The arillus was detected by Prof. Torrey several years ago, and
is noticed in his elaborate Flora of the Slate of New York, 1. p. 35. The
floral envelopes are first correctly described in my Ma/ma! of the Botany of
the Northern States, in the Errata, p. 4. A singular discrepancy in respect
to the size and shape of the embryo is shown on the annexed plate. As the
fruit does not ripen in Eastern New England, we have been unable to mul-
tiply observations upon this point.
PLATE 35. Podophyllum peltatum, Linn.; — one leaf cut away.
1. Early flower-bud, the green bractlets expanded ; natural size.
2. Flower-bud just before expansion, after the bractlets have fallen ; the
sepals separating from the base.
3. Diagram of the whole floral envelopes in the bud : the three outermost
lines represent the bractlets ; the six inner and wavy ones, the petals.
4. 5, 6. Stamens enlarged ; the latter with the anther dehiscent.
7. Cross-section of the last.
8. Pistil, enlarged.
9. Vertical section of the same, through the placenta.
10. Same, with the back cut away ; and 1 1, cross-section in the same position.
10. An ovule, magnified.
PLATE 36. Fruit with dissections ; natural size.
1. Ripe fruit : 2, a transverse section ; and 3, a vertical section.
4. The pericarp cut away, showing the surface of the arillate mass.
5. Same, with the arilli and placenta transversely divided.
6. Magnified arillus divided, to show the included seed.
7. Magnified seed, taken from a New Jersey specimen.
8. Same, divided, showing the minute embryo.
9. This cordate embryo detached and more magnified.
10, 11. Magnified seed and its section, from Philadelphian specimens.
12. This much larger and longer embryo detached, and more magnified.
berberidace.'e. s9
Plate 37.
CROOMIA, Torr.
Petala 4, persistentia. Petala nulla. Stamina 4, antheris
introrsis longitudinaliter dehiscentibus. Ovarium 3-6-ovu-
latum ; ovulis apice placentas unilateralis e summo loculo
pendulis. Pericarpium coriaceum demum bivalve. Semina
1-2, arillo criniformi obtecta. Embryo minimus. — Herba
gracilis; foliis tcnuibus, cordato-oblongis, integerrimis, 5 — 9-
costatis, in apice caulis approximatis ; pedunculis 2 — 3-floris.
Croomia, Torr. in Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. (Suppl.) p. 663.
Calyx of 4 broadly oval and nearly herbaceous sepals,
imbricated in two series in sestivation (two exterior and two
interior), persistent. Petals none. Stamens 4, hypogy-
nous, one opposite each sepal : filaments stout : anthers
shorter than the filament, obliquely introrse, fixed by the
middle, the oval or oblong cells opening by a longitudinal
line down the inner side. Ovary ovate-globose, one-celled,
tipped with a depressed and entire sessile stigma. Ovules
3 to 6, attached to the apex of a filiform placenta which is
adherent to one side of the cell for the whole length, thus
suspended, anatropous.
Fruit globose-ovate, apiculate ; the dry pericarp coria-
ceous, tardily two-valved from the apex ; the valves parallel
with the inner sepals. Seeds mostly 2, suspended each by
a short filiform funiculus, globose-oval, marked with a slen-
der raphe terminating in a broad apical chalaza, covered, ex-
cept the chalazal end, with a wig-shaped arillus composed of
copious slender and fleshy threads. Embrjo next the hiluin
in fleshy albumen, minute, globose-ovoid, obscurely two-
lobed (if we mistake not) at the cotyledonar extremity.
Herb low and slender, from a horizontal creeping rhizo-
ma. Stem simple, provided with two or three alternate
7
90 bekbeuidaci:-!:
sheaths at the base, then naked to the summit where it bears
4 to 6 alternate and approximate or irregularly fascicled
leaves, on slender petioles, and filiform peduncles in their
axils. Leaves thin and membranaceous, cordate at the base,
ovate-oblong, acuminate, entire, 5 - 9-ribbed, the ribs con-
verging to the apex, and connected by copious transverse re-
ticulated veinlets, as in Smilax or Dioscorea. Flowers 2 to
3, very small, greenish-white or tinged with purple. Pedi-
cels subtended by small alternate bracts, slender, articulated
above the middle ; the summit becoming thickened in fruit.
Etymology. The genus consists of a single species, dedicated by Pro-
fessor Torrey to the memory of his friend, the late Hardy B. (''room, Esq.,
the discoverer, who was also the author of a Monograph of Sarraceniu , and
of other botanical papers.
Geographical Distribution. The plant grows in woods in Middle
Florida, where it has been gathered by Dr. Chapman, as well as by the la-
mented botanist whose name and services to science it commemorates. Mr.
Buckley has also detected it in Alabama.
Note. For our knowledge of the ripe fruit, discovered since the first
volume of the Flora of North America was published, we are indebted to
Dr. Chapman and Mr. Buckley. Our analyses are taken partly from sketch-
es made by Dr. Torrey, and kindly furnished for our use. We discovered
the minute embryo in a single seed only, and are not certain whether it is
dicotyledonous or not. In either case, the affinity of the genus remains ob-
scure.
PLATE 37. Croomia pauciflora, Torr. ; — from a small specimen.
1. Diagram of the flower.
2. A flower, just expanding, enlarged.
3. A flower, taken at a later period. (From a sketch by Dr, Torrey.)
4. 5. Stamens, taken from fig. 2 ; back and front views.
6. Pistil, magnified.
7. Vertical section of the same, showing the suspended ovules (but not so
delineated as to exhibit the adnate placental cord, from the partly
free apex of which they hang).
8. Pod, enlarged.
9. A dehiscent pod, enlarged. (Herb. Torr.)
10. Vertical section of a pod, magnified, showing the two seeds.
11. A seed, with its comose arillus, more magnified.
12. Vertical section of the same, showing the minute embryo.
13. Detached embryo, more magnified (inverted, the hilar end down.)
Ord. cabombacej:.
Herbae aquaticas foliis peltatis : dicotyledoneae, polypetalas,
hypogynas ; sepalis, petalis, staminibus, pistillisque discretis
definitis, ordine saspissime ternario ; asstivatione imbricativo ;
carpellis sutura dorsali 2 - 3-ovuliferis ; seminibus atque em-
bryone Nymphasacearum.
Cabombeje, Rich. Anal. Fr. (1303) & in Ann. Mus. 17. p. 230. t. 5.
Endl. Gen. p. 412.
Cabombacej:, Torr. & Gray, Fl. 1. p. 54. Lindl. Veg. Kingd. p. 412.
P0D0PHYLLACE«, Trib. HvDROPELTIDE.C, DC. Sj'St. 2. p. 36.
Nvmpb£acex, Subord. Hvdropeltides;, Lindl. Introd. Nat. Syst. ed. 2.
Hydropeltideje, Meisn. Gen. p. 6. Schleid. in Wiegm. Arch. 5. p. 230.
Ranuncclace.e, Trib. Cabombeje, Gardner, in Hook. Ic. PI. 641.
The Water-shield Family, which it is most convenient to regard as a
separate order, is nevertheless only a simplified form of Nymphaeaceae, as has
always been maintained by Mr. Brown,* — the pistils of Brasenia being to
that of Nymphaea just what those of Platystemon, Benlh., are to, that of a
Poppy. Viewed as distinct, it should stand between Ranuneulaceaa and
Nelumbiaceae ; but it is only from an overestimate of the external charac-
ters that it has been proposed to merge it in the former instead of the latter
order. The seed and embryo exhibit precisely the peculiar structure of
those of the Water-Lilies, as our illustrations clearly show.
The figure copied by Lindley ( Veget. Kingd. p. 412) is either taken from
an unripe seed of Cabomba aquatica, in which the cotyledons are not full-
grown, and the walls of the inclosing sac are vastly thicker than afterwards ;
or else, which is more likely, the cotyledons have been mistaken for the sac,
and the plumule for the entire embryo. In the accompanying section of the
carpels, after Turpin, the ovules are placed on the wrong suture.
The anomalous attachment of the ovules to the dorsal suture of the ovary,
first noticed by Mr. Brown in Brasenia, and recorded in his notes made upon
the living plant in New Holland, which he had the kindness to show me,
* General Remarks in Flinders, Voy. p. 598 ; and in Jlorsefield's I'lantic
Javan. liar. p. 108.
7*
92 cabombacEjE.
is also explicitly mentioned by Salisbury, in 1806,* and by Nuttall, in
1818.
The last-named author has also well described the circularly disposed air-
tubes, &c, of the stalks of Brasenia ; which, however, are constructed near-
ly as in the stems of most aquatics ; except that they are said by Schleiden
and Lindley to be entirely destitute of spiral vessels.
The two genera of which the group consists are both represented in the
United States, to which and to Eastern New Holland ! Brasenia is confined ;
while Cabomba is divided between the Southeastern United States and the
eastern side of South America near the equator.
The roots and herbage of these plants are mucilaginous, with some as-
tringency. They are entirely destitute of acridity and of any noxious
qualities.
* In Konig and Sims, Annals of Botany, ~. p. 74.
CAB0M13ACE.E. 93
Plate 38.
CABOMBA, Aubl.
Sepala 3. Petala 3, breviter unguiculata, 2-auriculata.
Stamina 6, antheris extrorsis. Ovaria 3, raro 2 v. 4: styli
stigmate depresso terminati. — Folia submersa capillaceo-
multipartita ; emersa integra.
Cabomba, Aublet, Guian. 1. p. 321. t. 124. Rich. I.e. Juss. Gen. p. 46.
DC. Syst. 2. p. 36. Gray, in Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. New York,
4. p. 46. Torr. & Gray, FI.l.p. 34. Endl. Gen. 5024. Gardn.
in Hook. Ic. PI. t. 641, 642.
Nectris, Sclireb. Gen. 610. Pursh, Fl. 1. p. 239. Nutt. Gen. 1. p. 230.
Sepals 3, oval or obovate, petaloid, imbricated in aestiva-
tion, persistent. Petals 3, hypogynous, alternate with the
sepals and similar to them, but more or less unguiculate,
with the base of the lamina auriculate on each side, imbri-
cated in aestivation, spreading, persistent. Stamens 6, shorter
than the floral envelopes and inserted opposite them, hypo-
gynous : filaments subulate : anthers oval or oblong, the
cells opening extrorsely lengthwise. Pistils 3, sometimes
2 or 4, sessile : ovary ovoid-oblong, one-celled : style short,
subulate : stigma terminal, depressed. Ovules usually 3,
and inserted one on the ventral suture, one on the dorsal,
and the third on some part of the wall of the cell near one
or the other suture, anatropous, pendulous.
Fruit (one or two carpels ripening) indehiscent, coria-
ceous, pointed with the persistent style, 1-3-seeded. Seeds
pendulous, ovoid or globose ; the crustaceous testa cristate-
ribbed or echinate-roughened by the projecting ends of the
innumerable cells of which it is composed ; a mamillseforrn
portion at the hilum separates at maturity in the form of a
minute cap (doubtless serving to facilitate the protrusion of
the radicle in germination) : inner integument thin and
membranaceous. Albumen farinaceous, filling the cavity of
94 CABOMBACE.E.
the seed, except the hilar extremity, where it is depressed to
make room for the lenticular sac {vitellus, sac of the amnios)
which incloses the embryo, perforated by a central canal
(the vestige of the extension of the sac in the ovule to the
chalaza). Embryo small, lenticular, conformed to the sac,
which it fills : radicle nearly obsolete, superior : the coty-
ledons very thick and fleshy, much thicker than long, in-
closing an oblong fleshy plumule.
Herbs growing in ponds and slow streams, with slender
stems, furnished under water with chiefly opposite palmately
or peltately and filiformly many-parted leaves ; the upper-
most leaves floating, entire or emarginate, centrally peltate
on long petioles. Flowers solitary on long axillary pedun-
cles, white or yellowish.
Etymology. Apparently an aboriginal name.
Geographical Distribution. There are two species in Brazil anil
Guiana, and one in the Southern United States.
PLATE 38. Cabomba Caroliniana, Gray; — summit, of the natural size.
1. A flower, enlarged.
2. A sepal, enlarged.
3. A petal, equally enlarged ; inside view.
4. A magnified stamen ; seen from the outside.
5. Same, seen from the inner side.
6. The pistils, magnified.
7. A magnified pistil, the ovary divided longitudinally.
8. Fruiting pistil, with an infertile one ; enlarged.
9. A magnified seed, with the hilar operculum, 10, detached.
11. Vertical section of the same, showing the embryonic sac at the extrem-
ity of the albumen.
12. A portion (the hilar end) of the same section, more magnified (and re-
versed), displaying the embryo, surrounded by the sac, which is
seen in section, at the base of the albumen.
13. The embryo, detached, with the cotyledons separated, to show the
plumule.
CABOMBACEjE 95
Plate 39.
BRASENIA, Schreb.
Sepala 3. Petala 3, sessilia, linearia, sepalis consimilia.
Stamina 12-lS^vel 18-36?), antheris levissime introrsis.
Ovaria 6- 18 : stigma unilaterale sessile. — Folia omnia na-
tantia, integerrima, centra peltata.
Brasenia, Schreber, Gen. 938 (1789). Nutt. Gen. 2. p. 23. Torr. &
Gray, 1. c. p. 55. Endl. Gen. 5025. Gray, Bot. N. U. S. p. 22.
Hydropeltis, Michx. Fl. 1. p. 324. t. 29 (1803). Rich. 1. c. Salisb. in
Ann. Bot. 2. p. 74. DC. Syst. 2. p. 37.
Water-shield.
Sepals 3, or sometimes 4, narrowly oblong, imbricated in
aestivation, herbaceous, colored inside, persistent. Petals
as many as the sepals and alternate with them, hypogynous,
linear-oblong, sessile, not appendiculate, persistent. Stamens
12 to IS, or sometimes more numerous, hypogynous : fila-
ments filiform : anthers linear-oblong, innate, the cells
opening longitudinally by a slightly introrse line. Pistils
4 to IS, capitate-crowded, sessile : ovary oblong, one-celled,
terminated by an oblong and brush-shaped introrse stigma of
almost its own length. Ovules 2, superposed on the dorsal
suture, pendulous, anatropous ; the raphe towards the suture.
Fruit (few or several of the carpels maturing) indehis-
cent, coriaceous, pointed with the persistent stigma, oblong
or obovoid, usually only one (the upper) seed ripening.
Seed ovoid, large ; the crustaceous testa nearly smooth.
Albumen farinaceous, marked by a central canal, as in Ca-
bomba. Embryo depressed-globular, filling the membrana-
ceous sac which occupies and is partly imbedded in the hilar
extremity of the albumen: radicle a mere papilla at the
junction of the two very thick and lleshy cotyledons, which
lie parallel with the raphe (or anterior and posterior), and in-
close an oblong two-lobed plumule.
96 cabombacejE.
Herb growing in ponds and pools, sending up, from a
fleshy prostrate rhizoma, long and forking stems bearing
above alternate oval and entire centrally peltate leaves, invo-
lute in vernation, brought by the elongation of the petioles
to the surface of the water, on which they float. Peduncles
axillary, equally elongated, bringing the solitary dull purple
flower to the surface, where it expands only in anthesis.
The stalks and other submersed parts are covered, especially
when young, with a thick coating of transparent jelly.
Etymology. Brasenia is unexplained ; perhaps it was designed to com-*
memorate some obscure German botanist. Hydropeltis, which, being un-
fortunately the later name, must give precedence to that imposed by Schre-
ber, is the Greek equivalent of Water-shield.
Geographical Distribution. The single species is abundant through-
out the United States and Upper Canada. It is most remarkable that what
appears to be the same species is also a native of Eastern New Holland,
where it was long ago detected by Mr. Brown !
Note. The jelly by which the stalks, &c, are thickly coated, I find to
arise from the rapid formation and rupturing of successive epithelial cells,
in the same way that mucilage is formed on the surface of animal mucous
membranes. The rhizoma of Brasenia contains oblong and transversely an-
nulated starch-grains of unusual size, the larger being 6^3 of an inch in length.
PLATE 39. Brasenia peltata, Pursh; — of the natural size.
1. Diagram of the sepals and petals (in the bud each set is imbricated).
2. Vertical section of a flower-bud, enlarged.
3. A magnified anther, seen obliquely from the outside.
4. The same ; inside view, showing the slightly introrse dehiscence.
5. A magnified pistil, seen laterally; and 6, posteriorly.
7. Same, the ovary divided vertically, showing the dorsally inserted ovules !
8. An ovule, more magnified.
9. Fruit, with the persistent perianth ; of the natural size.
10. A ripe carpel, enlarged.
11. Vertical section of the same, and of the ripe seed and embryo in its sac.
12. Vertical section of the hilar end of the seed (much more magnified)
made at right angles to that in fig. 11, parallel to the cotyledons,
one of which is cut away, and through the included 2-lobed plumule.
13. Similar section, cutting the cotyledons at right angles to fig. 12; or
same as fig. 11, reversed and more magnified.
11. Embryo, magnified ; the cotyledons opened, showing the plumule.
Ord. NELUMBIACE^E.
Herbae aquaticse insignes, Nymphaeoideas ; at ovariis intra
alveolos tori obconici segregatis, uniovulatis, fructu nucifor-
mibus; embryone exalbuminoso, plumula maxime evoluta.
Plate 40, 41.
NELUMBIUM, Juss.
Character ut ordiais monotypici.
Nelumbicm, Juss. Gen. p. 68. Turp. in Ann- Mus. 7. p. 210. 1. 11. Rich.
Ibid. 17. p. 249. t. 9. DC. Syst. 2. p. 43. Wight, 111. Ind. Bot.
t. 9. Hook. Bot. Mag. t. 3753. Endl. Gen. 5026.
Nelumbo, Tourn. Inst. 261. Adans. Fam. 2. p. 76. Ga?rtn. Fr. t. 19.
Cyahds, Salisb. -in Ann. Bot. 2. p. 75. Smith, Exot. Bot. 1. p. 59. t. 31,
32. Barton, Fl. N. Am. t 63.
Nelumbo. Sacred Bean. Water Chiuquepiu.
Calyx and corolla confounded, consisting of numerous
sepals (the exterior) and petals imbricated in 5 or 6 series
in aestivation, oblong or oval, the exterior shorter and less
colored, early deciduous. Stamens indefinite, hypogynous
in several series below the enlarged torus, very deciduous :
filaments short and slender : anthers linear, elongated, in-
trorsely adnate to the connective, which is prolonged at the
apex into a conspicuous appendage ; the cells contiguous,
opening longitudinally. Torus much enlarged above the
stamens, obconical. Ovaries numerous (12 to 25), separate-
ly immersed in hollows of the flat upper surface of the dilat-
ed torus, ovoid, one-celled, one-ovuled (1-2-ovuled, Endl.),
marked with a dorsal gibbosity: style a short and thick
neck : stigma peltate, umbilicate. Ovule suspended from
the summit of the cell, anatropous ; the raphe dorsal.
9S NELUMBIACEiE.
Fruit consisting of 12 to 25 acorn-like nuts immersed in
the hollows of the dry, top-shaped torus, tipped with the
persistent stigma : the pericarp coriaceo-crustaceous. Seed
suspended, soon loose in the cell, globular : testa membrana-
ceous. Albumen none. Embryo filling the seed : radicle
extremely short, superior : cotyledons thick, fleshy, hemi-
spherical, hollowed within, the two joined by their edges
form a globose, albumen-like body, inclosing a highly de-
veloped green plumule, which is covered by an extremely
delicate membranous sheath, and consists of 2 or 3 ready-
formed leaves with their petioles imiexed.
Herbs growing in water ; with very large and orbicular
entire centrally peltate leaves, and solitary long-peduncled
flowers, floating on the surface or raised above it, arising
from a prostrate tuberous rhizoma. Vernation involute.
Etymology. Nelumbo, the Ceylonese name of the Oriental species.
Properties and Affinity. Same as of Nymphameeae ; of which Nelura-
bium is only a peculiar apocarpous form, with the embryo in a further de-
veloped, or as it were germinating, state, at the expense of the albumen. —
The seeds and the farinaceous rootstocks are edible.
Geographical Distribution. Of this genus, so remarkable for the great
size of the leaves and flowers, there are perhaps two species indigenous to
the warmer parts of Asia, and one in the United States, and also in Jamaica.
PLATE 40, 41. Nelumbium luteum, Willd. ; — from specimens from
the Delaware River, communicated by Miss Dix and Miss Morris.
1. A leaf; a small one, and considerably reduced.
2. Flower-bud and peduncle ; of the natural size.
3. Flower of the natural size, showing the summit of the torus, &c.
4. Vertical section of the torus and receptacle, dividing one of the ovaries.
5. A stamen, enlarged ; inside view.
6. A detached pistil, enlarged ; and 7, same, with the ovary divided.
8. The top-shaped torus in ripe fruit ; natural size.
9. A fruit, with the pericarp divided, showing the contained seed.
10. Same, with the seed, cotyledons, and the contained plumule, divided.
11. Embryo detached and reversed; the cotyledons opened to show the
plumule in its transparent delicate sac.
12. Plumule, with the sac removed.
13. The same, magnified, spread out ; the lower leaf cut across.
Ord. NYMPH^ACEH.
Herbee aquaticse, foliis plerumque peltatis floribusque po-
lymeris natantibus : dicotyledoneae, polypetalre ; petalis et
staminibus indefinitis, toro hypogyno crasso vel ovario pluri-
loculari multiovulato imbricatim insertis ; ovulis parietibus
dissepimentorum insertis ; bacca polyspermia ; embryone in-
tra sacculum proprium incluso, albuminis fovea superficiali
basilari applicito ; cotyledonibus carnosis plumulam inclu-
dentibus.
Nwphsacm, Salisb. in Ann. Bot. 2. p. 69. (excl. gen.) DC. Prop.
Med. ed. 2. & Syst. 2. p. 30. Bartl. Ord. p. 88. Lindl. Introd.
Nat. Syst. ed. 2. p. 10. Endl. Gen. p. 898.
The Water-Lily Family is the first of the series which exhibits a truly
compound pistil, formed by the union of a whorl of carpels into one syncar-
pous ovary. It also furnishes instances of the partial cohesion of the floral
envelopes with each other, and especially with the surface of the compound
ovary. It likewise affords the finest examples of the gradual transition of
sepals into petals, and of petals into stamens ; as in the White Water-Lily,
in which every intermediate gradation may be traced between the naked pe-
tals and perfect stamens of the ordinary structure and appearance. Both the
petals and stamens are numerous, or indefinite, and imbricated in several
series. The pistil consists of several (six to fifteen or more) cells ; that is,
of as many carpels, vertieillate and coalescent in a solid mass around a cen-
tral axis.
A remarkable characteristic of this family is found in the insertion of the
ovules. These are scattered over the whole face of the dissepiments, that is
to say, " the whole internal surface of the carpels is equally ovuliferous,"
instead of the inner angle or suture only, as in all ordinary cases. Indeed,
the inner angle of the cells in Nymphsea and Nuphar is the only part of the
surface which is not ovuliferous, or scarcely so. The tendency to produce
ovules is greatest towards the middle and posterior part of the parieties, and
(in Nuphar) at or near the dorsal angle itself. This fact, viewed in con-
nection with the circumstance already mentioned under Cabomba (p. 93),
namely, that one of its ovules is often found attached to the wall of the cell
100 NYMPHiEACEjE.
at some distance from either suture, affords the completest confirmation of
Mr. Brown's remark upon this subject.*
Our analyses clearly demonstrate that the embryo in Nymphaeaceas and in
Cabombaceae is just that of Nelumbium on a smaller scale : the difference
being that the albumen has been absorbed into the latter, which has taken a
further development ; and that the amniotic sac has disappeared, or become
confluent with the coats of the seed, unless, indeed, it may be identified with
the diaphanous membrane which surrounds the plumule. The state of our
fresh specimens of Nelumbium, transmitted to us at midsummer from a great
distance, forbade an investigation of this and other points, which a botanist
who has the growing plant before him might prosecute with success.
Besides Nymphasa and Nuphar, the order comprises three exclusively
tropical genera, namely, Barclaya of Pegu, Euryale of Northern India, and
the superb Victoria of Guiana and Northern Brazil, the most gigantic of
water-plants, its orbicular peltate leaves being from six to eight feet, and its
fragrant blossoms often fifteen inches, in diameter ! f
These plants are destitute of noxious, or any active properties, excepting
a moderate astringency. The stalks are also mucilaginous ; and the farina-
ceous seeds are edible, as likewise are the thickened rootstocks of some spe-
cies, when cooked.
* " A case of this kind is found in a portion of one of those families in which
the whole surface is generally ovuliferous, namely, in Hydropeltideae, which I
have always regarded as a mere section of Nymphceaceae; and from the nature
of these differences in placentation, which are more apparent than real, an ar-
gument might even be adduced in favor of that opinion.' II. Br. in Horsef. PI.
Jav. Rar., note, p. ]08.
t The latest and fullest account of this Titanic Water-Lily is that given by
Hooker in the Botanical Magazine for January, 1847.
NYMPH.EACE^E. 101
Plate 42, 43.
NYMPHJEA, Tourn.
Petala et stamina indefinita, ovario (mediante toro) pluri-
seriatim inserta, exteriora sepalis 4 liberis axrailonga et con-
formia. Stigmata linearia, circa glandulam in centro globo-
sam radiata. Semina indefinita arillo inclusa. — Flores sse-
pius suaveolentes, nunquam fiavi.
Nvmph.ea, Tourn. Linn. (excl. spec.) Neck. Elem. 1828. Smith,
Prodr. Fl. Grtec. 1. p. 361. Schkuhr, Handb. 1. 142. (excl. spec.)
DC. Syst. 2. p. 49. Endl. Gen. 5020.
Leuconymphjf.a, Boerh. Hort. Lugd. p. 364.
Castalia, Salisb. in Kon. & Sims, Ann. Bot. 2. p. 71.
Water-Lily. Lotus (Egyptian).
Calyx of 4 oblong sepals, green outside and colored
within, imbricated in asstivation, free, tardily deciduous.
Petals numerous, distinct, imbricated in several series in
aestivation, inserted by means of the thin adnate torus over
the whole exterior surface of the ovary, upon which their
persistent vestiges remain in fruit ; the exterior as large as
the sepals and similar in form ; the inner series passing by
gradual transition into stamens. Stamens indefinite, insert-
ed on the ovary above the petals : filaments petaloid, or the
innermost linear-filiform : anthers introrsely adnate, the
cells opening longitudinally. Compound ovary many- ( 12 -
24-) celled, crowned with as many linear stigmas radiating
around its broadly umbilicate summit, which bears a globu-
lar knob in the centre. Ovules very numerous, inserted
over the whole face of the dissepiments except at the inner
angle of the cells, anatropous, pendulous ; the raphe external
(the micropyle next the wall of the carpel) ?
Fruit baccate, globular, covered with the scaly vestiges
of the sepals, pulpy or gelatinous internally, many-celled,
many-seeded. Seeds pendulous, each inclosed in a mem-
102 NYMPH^EACEjE.
branaceous cellular arillus, which is open at the extremity :
testa crustaceous, marked with a narrow raphe ; the inner
integument membranaceous. Albumen farinaceous, perforat-
ed with a central canal leading to the membranaceous clos-
ed sac, immersed in a depression at its hilar extremity,
which is filled by the globular embryo. Radicle very mi-
nute, next the hilum : cotyledons fleshy, rounded, excavat-
ed internally to contain the two-lobed plumule.
Herbs, growing in quiet water, with rounded peltate
leaves and solitary showy (white, purple or blue) flowers,
raised to the surface on long petioles and peduncles, which
spring from a fleshy prostrate lactescent rootstock. Verna-
tion involute. Blossom closing in the afternoon, usually-
sweet-scented. Fruit ripening under water.
Etymology. Niyjc^nm, dedicated to the Water-Nymphs.
Geographical Distribution. Natives of the northern temperate and
subtropical regions. Our single United States species is one of the finest of
these beautiful plants.
Note. The arillus in N. alba is pretty well figured by Schkuhr (1791).
PLATE 42,43. Nymph^ea odorata, Ait. ; — flower-bud, flower, and a
small leaf; natural size.
1. Diagram of the aestivation and position of the parts of the flower.
2. An outer petal, natural size.
3. An inner petal, showing the rudiment of an anther at its tip.
4. 5. Exterior petaloid stamens, natural size ; inside view.
6. An inner stamen, seen from within.
7. Pistil, &c. ; the floral envelopes and all the stamens but one removed.
8. Vertical, and 9, transverse section of the pistil ; magnified.
10. An ovule, more magnified.
1 1 . Fruit, covered with the scaly bases of the persistent petals ; nat. size.
13. Vertical section of the same, showing the seeds on the partitions.
13. Magnified seed in the arillus ; and 14, with the arillus divided.
15. Longitudinal section of a magnified seed, dividing the albumen, and the
sac, and cutting away one cotyledon, so as to show the plumule.
16. Transverse section of the base of a seed, cutting through the sac and
embryo. (Shows that the cotyledons are parallel with the raphe.)
17. Embryo, magnified ; the cotyledons opened, showing the plumule.
N \ M I'll EACJ I 103
Plate 44.
NUPIIAR, Smith.
Petala 10-20, glandulaeformia, cum staminibus appresso-
iinbricata, toro hypogyno sen perigyno inserta, sepalis 5-0
liberis et stigmate peltato radiatim 12 — 20-striato breviora.
Semina indefinita, exarillata. — Flores lutei.
Ndphar, Smith, Prodr. Fl. Grec. 1. p. 361. DC. Syst. 2. p. 59. Deless.
[< .' t. (i. Endl. Gen. 5021. Trecul, in Ann. Sci. Nat. 3. eer.
2. p. 286. t. 10-13.
Nuirii.v ■>■ Sp., Tourn. Linn. Gajrtn. Schkubr, I c.
Nymph ea, Boerh. 1. c. p. 363. Salisb. in Kon. & Sims, Ann. Bot. 2. p. 71.
N i mpbosahthi :-, Rich. Anal. 1'r. p. 68 & Ann. Mue. IT. p. 230. t. '.).
Yellow Pond-Lily. Spatterdock.
Calyx of 5 or 6 roundish and concave coriaceous sepals,
imbricated in aestivation, green at the base, yellow above
and inside, five, persistent. Petals 10 to 20, small, usually
thick and glandular or stamen-like, imbricated, inserted into
a thickened (hypogynous or barely perigynous) torus or disk
at the base of the ovary. Stamens indefinite, short, insert-
ed on the torus within the petals in many series, closely im-
bricated and appressed to the pistil, at length elastically re-
curved, persistent: filaments very short, stout, continued
into a similar linear glandular-truncate connective: anther
adnate to its inner face (introrse); the linear cells parallel,
contiguous, opening longitudinally. Ovary columnar, na-
ked, many-striatc, 10 - 25-celled, crowned with a circular and
convex 10-25-crenulate and 10-25-rayed peltate sessile
stigma, umbilicate in the centre. Ovules as in Nymphaea,
but rather fewer.
Fruit baccate with a firm rind, naked, ovoid or oblong,
terminated by the concave-truncate persistent radiated stig-
ma, pulpy inside, many-celled,*many-seeded ; the pulpy en-
docarps capable of being detached entire from the firmer axis
104 NYMPHLEACE.<E.
and rind. Arillus wanting. Seeds smooth, and with the
albumen, embryo, &c, of essentially the same conformation
as in Nymphsea. Cotyledons parallel with the raphe, or
rarely at right angles to it.
Herbs, growing in quiet or stagnant water ; the floating
or frequently emersed and erect leaves cordate, sagittate, or
reniform, thickish, entire, involute in vernation, fixed at the
sinus to the long and stout petioles, which with the one-
flowered peduncles spring from a prostrate rhizoma, as in
Nympluea. Flowers dull yellow, not showy.
Etymology. A name used by Dioscorides, said to be of Arabic origin.
Geographical Distribution. Natives of the cooler parts of the north-
ern hemisphere : a genus of five or six species, of whieh there are three in
the United States.
PLATE 44. Nlthar advena, Ait. (From spontaneous specimens.)
1. A flower-bud, of the natural size.
2. An expanded flower ; natural size.
3. Diagram of the eestivation of the sepals (in two series).
4. Vertical section of an unexpanded flower ; natural size.
5. Enlarged petal, outside view ; and 6, lateral view of the same.
7. A stamen, enlarged, seen from the inside.
8. Same, as seen from the outside ; and 9, seen laterally.
10. Half of a transverse section of an ovary, moderately magnified.
11. An ovule, more magnified.
12. Fruit, of the natural size, with remains of stamens, &c, at the base.
13. Vertical section of a fruit with the receptacle, dividing one of the cells.
14. A pulpy cell or carpel, detached entire from the adjacent side of fig. 13.
15. A seed, enlarged.
16. Vertical section of the hilar end of a seed, magnified, cutting through
the fleshy sac, removing one cotyledon, and showing the plumule.
17. The sac removed entire ; enlarged.
18. Same, cut through, showing the embryo (edgewise) entire.
19. Embryo, more magnified, the cotyledons opened to show the plumule.
Ord. SARRACENIACEtE.
Herbae paludosae acaulescentes, foliis coloratis, petiolo tu-
bseformi seu amphorasformi : dicotyledoneae, hypogynas, poly-
apetalae, polyandra? ; aestivatione imbricativo ; ovario 3-5-
loculari, placentis axi exsertis multiovulatis ; capsula poly-
sperma loculicida ; embryone parvo in basi albuminis car-
nosi incluso.
Sarracenie/e, Pylaie, in Ann. Soc. Lin. Par. 6. p. 388. t. 13. Hook.
FI. Bor.-Am. 1. p. 33.
Sarraceniaceje, Dumort. Anal. p. 53. Torr. & <jray, FI. N. Am. 1.
p. 58, 664. Lindl. Veg. Kingd. p. 429.
This group consists of two genera of American Pitcher-plants ; namely,
Sarracenia of the United States and Canada, of which five or six species
have long been familiarly known ; and Heliamphora, Benth. , founded on a
plant which Mr. Schomburgk gathered on the mountain of Roraima, in Brit-
ish Guiana. The latter differs from the type of the family in bearing several
flowers in a raceme on the bracteate scape, in the total absence of the caly-
culus, of petals, and of the peculiar umbrella-shaped summit of the style
which is so remarkable in Sarracenia, and also in having the seeds sur-
rounded by a wing.
Unfortunately, this accession does rot appear to throw any new light upon
the affinities of Sarracenia, which are still obscure, notwithstanding that Dr.
Planchon * has recently pointed out some striking points of resemblance be-
tween this genus and Pyrola, which in his mind leave no doubt of their im-
mediate affinity.
The pitcher or open tube of the leaves evidently belongs to the petiole,
which is also simply winged or margined along the inner side ; while the
blade is represented by the hood, or rounded appendage at the apex, which
cannot be called a lid, as it never closes the orifice, nor is it so much incurv-
ed as at all to cover it, except in two speices. This proper lamina is rudi-
mentary in Heliamphora, and very small in proportion to the ample orifice,
which extends some way down the inner side: and thence a double wing-
like border extends to the base, appearing just as if the two margins of an
In London Journal of Botany, 5. p. 252.
106 SARRACENIACE.E.
infolded leaf were united by a seam, so as to leave the free edges outside.
In Sarraeenia this wing or margin is simple and entire. The pitchers, espe-
cially those of S. purpurea, are generally found partly filled with water and
dead Hies with other small insects. Whether the water is secreted by the
leaf itself, or caught from the rain, is still undetermined. The point might
readily be ascertained by proper observations, made especially upon S. psit-
tacina, the pitchers of which are so protected by the hood that the fluid they
contain (if any) can hardly be supposed to have entered by the orifice.
That the water in the open pitchers of S. purpurea is not secreted by the
internal hairs, as Dr. Lindley and Mr. Bentham suppose,* would appear
from the fact, that the younger leaves are empty, and that during the spring
and summer it is those of the previous season, from which these hairs (in
this species very long and delicate) have mostly disappeared, which alone or
principally are found to contain water.
But, however derived, this water serves to drown the flies and other in-
sects, which these leaves are admirably adapted to catch and retain. Ac-
cording to Elliott and others, there is a saccharine exudation at the throat of
the Southern species which attracts insects ; but this is not noticeable in S.
purpurea. Immediately below the surface it is very smooth and polished,
and still lower it is beset with sharp hairs, in most species long and slender,
or else like those of the hood (in S. Drummondii extremely short and close),
but in all pointing directly downwards so as to allow insects to descend, but
effectually to obstruct their return. The inner surface of the hood is like-
wise lined with stiff and sharp retrorse bristles, which subserve a similar
purpose, except in S. flava, which is smooth ; but in that species this ap-
pendage is erect, with its sides turned away from the mouth of the tube,
which thus it bears no part in guarding.
An anatomical investigation of the leaves is still a desideratum.
The six described species of Sarraeenia are all restricted to the Atlantic
border of the United States, from Virginia southward ; except S. purpurea,
the range of which extends from Florida to Newfoundland, and northwest
to Ohio.
* Bentham, in Linn. Trans. 18. p. 421*.
SARRACENIACEiE. 107
Plate 45, 46.
SARRACENIA, Tourn.
Calyx 3-bracteolatus, 5-sepalus. Petala 5. Stylus um-
braculifer, persistens. Capsula 5-locularis. — Scapus ebrac-
teatus, uniflorus.
Sarracena, Tourn. Inst. p. 657. t. 476.
Sarracenia, Linn. Gen. 885. Mill. Ic. t. 241. Bart. Elem. Bot. t. 1.
Nutt. Gen. 2. p. 10. Croom, in Ann. Lye. New York, 4. p. 98.
t. 6. Torr. & Gray, Fl. 1. p. 58. Endl. Gen. 5023.
Coilophylldm, Morison, Hist. p. 533.
Bucanaphyllum, Pluk. Aniallh. t. 376. f. 5, 6.
Side-saddle Flower. Trumpets.
Calyx calyculate at the base by three small coriaceous
bractlets, quincuncially imbricated in aestivation : sepals 5,
ovate, coriaceous, colored (dull purple or yellowish), spread-
ing, persistent. Petals 5, hypogynous, alternate with the
sepals, broadly unguiculate, the obovate lamina concave-
connivent over the pistil, imbricated in aestivation, decidu-
ous. Stamens indefinite, hypogynous in several series, de-
ciduous : filaments filiform or subulate : anthers oval, fix-
ed by the middle, introrse ; the chartaceous cells opening
longitudinally down the inner face : pollen simple. Ovary
globular, five-lobed, five-celled (the cells opposite the se-
pals): the style columnar from its umbilicate summit, ex-
panded at the apex into -a very large and petaloid five-lobed
and five-rayed umbrella-shaped body which covers the ovary
and stamens, the five slender rays terminating in the emargi-
nate lobes (alternate with the petals), and stigmatose at their
indexed apex underneath. Ovules very numerous, covering
the dilated placenta which projects from the axis into each
cell, anatropous.
Capsule protected below by the persistent calyx and
above by the umbrella-shaped persistent style, globular, cori-
aceous, umbilicate, five-lobed, five-celled, loculicidally dehis-
108 SARRACENIACE.E.
cent, the five valves cohering hy the dissepiments with the
axis. Seeds very numerous, covering the projecting axile
placentas, horizontal, anatropous, with a dilated raphe : testa
crustaceous. Albumen fleshy. Embryo very small in the
axis next the hilum, cylindrical : cotyledons short.
Herbs of singular aspect, growing in bogs and marshes ;
with fibrous roots from a short perennial rootstock, produc-
ing trumpet-shaped or pitcher-shaped coriaceous colored and
reticulated leaves, and a naked scape terminated by a large
(yellow or purple) nodding flower.
Etymology. Dedicated to Dr. Sarrazin, of Quebec, who sent the north-
ern species to Tournefort. The origin of the popular name, Side-sadd/e
Flower, is not evident. From the shape of the leaves, the common species
is called Huntsman's Cup; and the tubular leaves of S. flava, &c. , are call-
ed Trumpets in the South.
PLATE 45. Sarracenia purpurea, Linn.; — with rather small leaves ;
one of them cut across.
1. Flower-bud, showing the calyculate bractlets.
2. Diagram of the iestivation, &c, including an enlarged transverse sec-
tion of the ovary (the cells alternate with the petals).
PLATE 46. Analyses of the flower and fruit.
1. A sepal ; and 2, a petal ; inside view, natural size.
3. Outside, and 4, inside view of a stamen, magnified.
5. Pistil, with two stamens left on the receptacle ; natural size.
6. Umbrella of the style, seen from above.
7. Same, seen from underneath, showing the stigmas.
8. Vertical section of the whole pistil, enlarged (showing two stigmas).
9. Magnified view of the apex of one of the lobes, showing the stigma.
10. An ovule, magnified.
11. Capsule dehiscing; part of the calyx and umbrella torn away.
12. Capsule (with the persistent style) divided transversely.
13. A seed, magnified.
14. Longitudinal section of the same parallel with the wing-like raphe,
showing the embryo in the albumen.
15. Embryo, detached and more magnified.
Ord. PAPAVERACEtE.
Herbas (succo lacteo vel croceo) exstipulatas : dicotyle-
doneas, hypogynas, polyandras, hermaphrodites ; sepalis peta-
lisque di — trimeris regularibus caducis ; ovario uniloculari,
placentis 2-20 parietalibus pauci-multiovulatis ; ovulis ana-
tropis ; embryone in basi albuminis oleoso-carnosi parvo.
PapaveracEjE, Juss. Gen. p. 236. DC. Syst. 2 p. 67. Torr. & Gray,
Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 60. Lindl. Veg. Kingd. p. 430.
Papaverace*, Subord. 1, Bernh. in Linntea, 8. p. 401 & 12. p. 651.
Endl. Gen. p. 854.
The Poppy Family is usually known, among the hypogynous polyan-
drous and polypetalous orders, by its milky or colored, and narcotic or acrid
juice ; the usually alternate and lobed or divided leaves without stipules ; the
caducous calyx of only two or three sepals ; the early deciduous petals of
twice, thrice, or some higher multiple of the same number, imbricated and
commonly crumpled in aestivation, and by the one-celled compound ovary,
composed of from two to twenty carpels, with as many parietal placentae,
which usually separate from the edges of the valves of the capsule in dehis-
cence. The anatropous seeds are frequently crested at the raphe ; and the
embryo is small or minute at the base of the copious fleshy and usually oily
albumen. They are principally annuals. One genus, Dendromecon of Cal-
ifornia, alone is shrubby : and a most remarkable anomaly is presented by
another Californian genus (Platystemon, Bcnth.), which has a cluster or
whorl of apocarpous pistils !
The family consists of about 19 genera, none of which is numerous in
species except Papaver itself. Much the larger part of the order belongs to
the South of Europe and the adjacent portion of Asia. Another focus is
found in a country of very similar climate, namely in California, to which,
and to the regions adjacent, seven or eight of the genera are peculiar. One
or two perennial Poppies alone are arctic, and constitute the only represent-
atives of the typical genus in the New World. Chelidonium, the Celan-
dine, is a common weed around dwellings, but has been introduced from
Europe. It is remarkable that, among our numerous weeds, imported with
grain, &c, the Corn-Poppies of the Old World have not found a place, ex-
cept in one or two local instances.
110 PAPAVERACE.E.
The well-known narcotic properties of the Poppy pervade the order, ex-
isting in the milky or colored juice ; which, however, is extremely acrid rath-
er than narcotic in some genera, as in the Celandine. The oily seeds of the
Poppy are bland and wholesome : but those of the Prickly Poppy are said
to be acrid and noxious.
Most Papaveraceaj have showy flowers, and many are cultivated for orna-
ment ; particularly the Poppy itself, and Eschscholtzia.
The three genera which alone are indigenous within the United States
proper, namely, Argemone, Stylophorum, and Sanguinaria, scarcely require
a conspectus.
PAPAVERACE/E. Ill
Plate 47.
ARGEMONE, Tourn.
Sepala2 — 3, muricata. Petala 4 vel 6. Stigmata 4-7,
subsessilia, discreta. Capsula oblonga, saepius muricata,
apice 4 - 7-valvis ; placentis intervalvularibus filiformibus,
intus haud productis, polyspermis. Sernina scrobiculata,
raphe nuda. — Herba setosa, succo flavo ; foliis sessilibus
inciso-piimatifidis, dentibus spinulosis. Alabastra erecta.
Argemone, Tourn. Inst. p. 220. t. 121. Linn. Gen. 649. Gfertn. Fr. t.
60. Lara. 111. t. 452. DC. Syst. 2. p. 85. Endl. Gen. 4821.
PricbJy Poppy.
Calyx of 2 or 3 concave herbaceous sepals, nearly valvate
in aestivation, prickly outside, horned at the apex, caducous.
Petals twice as many as the sepals, imbricated in two series
and more or less crumpled in aestivation, hypogynous, dilat-
ed obovate-cuneiform, deciduous. Stamens indefinite, hy-
pogynous : filaments filiform : anthers innate, oblong, the
cells opening longitudinally by a slightly extrorse line.
Ovary oblong, clothed with bristly prickles, strictly one-
celled, with 4 to 7 parietal placentas which do not project
into the cell : stigmas nearly sessile, as many as the placen-
tae and placed directly over them, distinct, oval, disciform,
radiant. Ovules numerous in several rows on each placen-
ta, ascending, anatropous; the raphe superior.
Capsule oblong or ovoid, usually prickly, many-seeded,
4 - 7-valved at the apex, leaving a replum of as many fili-
form intervalvular placentas which remain united by the
stigmas. Seeds horizontal, obovate-spherical, with a salient
smooth and naked raphe ; the crustaceous testa deeply re-
ticulated-scrobiculate. Embryo cylindrical, in the axis of
fleshy albumen, and two thirds its length ! cotyledons as
long as the radicle.
112 PAPAVERACE/E.
Herbs of a glaucous appearance, with annual, biennial, or
rarely perennial roots, branching stems beset with prickly
bristles and abounding with a yellow juice, and alternate
pinnatifid-incised sessile leaves, which are often mottled
with white along the midrib ; the lobes and teeth spinulose-
pointed. Flowers terminal and solitary, short-peduncled or
subsessile, not drooping in the bud (as in the Poppy and
most of the allied genera) : petals yellow or white.
Etymology and Properties. Name said to be derived from dpye/ia, a
disease of the eye ; the acrid juice being a native ophthalmic medicine. The
seeds share in the active properties of the plant ; and are employed in the
West Indies as a substitute for Ipecacuanha, and in South America as a
purgative.
Geographical Distribution. The few species are natives of tropical
America and, apparently, of the southern border of the United States ; but
A. Mexicana has been from an early period widely diffused over the world.
PLATE 47. Argemone Mexicana, Linn. ; — summit of a stem, with a
flower-bud, flower, and unripe pod ; natural size.
1. A sepal, detached ; seen from the inner side.
2. A magnified stamen, outside view ; and 3, seen obliquely edgewise.
4. Pistil enlarged ; the ovary divided longitudinally.
5. Transverse section of the same.
6. An ovule, more magnified.
7. A capsule, dehiscent ; natural size.
8. A seed, enlarged.
9. Longitudinal section of the same ; showing the embryo, which is re-
markably large for this family
PAPAVERACE.fi 1 13
Plate 48.
STYLOPHORUM, Nutt.
Sepala 2, pilosa. Petala 4, orbicularia. Stylus columna-
ris, longus : stigma 3 - 4-lobum. Capsula ovoidea, setulosa,
polysperma, 3 — 4-valvis, placentis intervalvularibus filiformi-
bus intus haud productis. Semina cristata. — Folia petio-
lata, 1 - 2-pinnatifida. Alabastra nutantia. Succus flavus.
Stylophorum, Nutt. Gen. 2. p. 7. Bernh. in Linna?a, 8. p. 461. Meisn.
Gen. p. 7. Endl. Gen. 4S20.
Meconopsis, Sect. Stylophorum, DC. Syst. 2. p. 87. Torr. & Gray,
Fl. 1. p. CI.
Celandine Poppy.
Calyx of 2 rounded and very concave herbaceous sepals,
hairy outside, their margins slightly overlapping in aestiva-
tion, caducous. Petals 4, hypogynous, nearly orbicular,
imbricated two and two and slightly crumpled in aestivation,
spreading, early deciduous. Stamens indefinite (20 or more),
hypogynous : filaments filiform : anthers oblong, the cells
opening longitudinally by a slightly extrorse line. Ovary
ovoid, strictly one-celled, with 3 or 4 parietal placentae
which do not project into the cell : style columnar, slen-
der: stigma 3 -4-lobed, spreading (the lobes alternate with
the placentas). Ovules numerous, horizontal, in two or
three rows on each placenta, anatropous.
Capsule ovoid, herbaceo-coriaceous, beset with weak bris-
tles, many-seeded, 3 - 4-valved to the base, leaving a replum
of as many filiform intervalvular placentas united by the
style. Seeds globular, with a conspicuously crested raphe :
testa crustaceous, minutely scrobiculate-reticulated. Em-
bryo minute and short at the base of the fleshy albumen.
Herbs with perennial roots, yellow juice, and somewhat
hispid or setose stems ; the leaves alternate (or the floral op-
posite), petioled. 1 -2-pinnatifid. Flowers showy (yellow
114 PAPAVERACE.E.
or brick-red), somewhat corymbose or umbellate, on slender
naked peduncles ; the buds and pods drooping.
Etymology. From arvKos, a style, and <f>epa, to bear; the conspicuous
style being one of the characteristics of the genus.
Properties. The juice is acrid, much like that of the Celandine.
Geographical Distribution. A genus of two species, one of which
belongs to the Northwestern United States ; the other to the Himalayan
Mountains. — Our species bears very showy yellow flowers, and continues
to blossom through the summer.
PLATE 48. Stylophorum diphyllum, Nutl. ; — a vernal specimen;
natural size. (Botanic Garden, Cambridge ; from Ohio, Dr. Short.)
1 . Diagram of the aestivation and parts of the flower, in a cross section.
2. A sepal, of the natural size ; inside view.
3. A petal, natural size.
4. A magnified stamen ; outside view.
5. Pistil, magnified.
6. A transverse section of the same.
7. A magnified ovule, after fertilization, showing the incipient crest,
which grows from the raphe.
8. A capsule, of the natural size (rather small).
9. A capsule, dehiscent to the base by 4 valves, and.seeds.
10. The persistent intervalvular placentae and style of the same.
11. A magnified seed; the crested raphe towards the eye.
12. Longitudinal section of the same through the raphe, and the embryo.
13. Embryo, detached and more magnified.
PAPAVERACE.E. 115
Plate 49.
SANGUINARIA, Dill.
Sepala 2. Petala 8 - 12, oblonga vel spathulata, aestiva-
tione haud corrugata. Stamina 24. Stylus brevis, stigmate
bisulco. Capsula oblonga, 2-valvis ; placentis 2 intervalvu-
laribus polyspermis. Semina cristata. — Scapus uniflorus et
folium unicum palmatilobum, vernatione florem involvens,
e gemma bivalvi rhizomate crasso enata, primo vere orientes.
Sadguinaria, Dillen. Hort. Elth. p. 334. t. 252. Linn. Gen. 645. Lam.
111. t. 449. DC. Syst. 2. p. 88. Bigel. Med. Bot. 1. p. 75. t. 7.
Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 62. Endl. Gen. 4818.
Blood-root.
Calyx of 2 ovate sepals, slightly imbricated in aestivation,
caducous. Petals 8 to 12, obovate-oblong or spatulate, im-
bricated in two or three series, hypogynous, spreading, the
innermost often narrower, early deciduous. Stamens about
24, hypogynous, much shorter than the petals : filaments
filiform, short : anthers oblong-linear, innate, the cells
opening longitudinally by a marginal and obscurely extrorse
line. Ovary oblong, one-celled, with two parietal placentas :
style short, columnar : stigma broad, sulcate - two-lobed, the
lobes alternate with the placentae. Ovules very numerous,
horizontal in several rows on the two placentae, anatropous.
Capsule oblong, somewhat compressed, herbaceo-coria-
ceous, many-seeded, pointed by the short persistent style,
two-valved ; the valves separating from the replum formed
of the two intervalvular filiform placentas. Seeds horizon-
tal, obovoid, with a smooth crustaceous testa, the raphe
strongly crested. Embryo minute at the base of the fleshy
albumen, cordate.
Herb with a large branching tuberous rhizoma, surcharg-
ed with orange-red juice, sending up in earliest spring, from
1 10 I'AI'AVERACEjE.
terminal 2-3-valved buds, a long-petioled leaf and a naked
one-flowered scape. Leaf roundish, palmately 5 - 9-ribbed
and obtusely 5 — 9-lobed, reticulated-veiny, wrapped around
the flower-bud when it rises from the ground, much en-
larged after expansion and becoming reniform. Flower
large for the size of the plant, handsome : petals white.
Etymology. Name from sayiguis, blood, in allusion to the color of the
juice, which flows copiously from the rootstock or petioles when wounded.
Properties. An acrid narcotic, the former quality prevailing ; of con-
siderable importance and promise in the materia medica. The active prop-
erties appear to be principally due to a peculiar, extremely acrid alkaloid
principle, called sanguinarina. The juice was used by the aborigines as a
paint or dye ; and hence, like several other tinctorial plants, it was called
Puccoon.
Geographical Distribution. Common, in rich woods, throughout the
United States and Canada. •
PLATE 49. Sanguinaria Canadensis, Linn.; — vernal plant, of the
natural size.
1. A sepal, enlarged, seen from the inside.
2. A petal, equally enlarged.
3. An enlarged stamen, seen from the inner side.
4. Same, seen obliquely from the outer side.
5. Pistil, enlarged ; and 6, same, divided transversely.
7. An ovule, magnified.
8. A pod, of the natural size.
9. Same, the valves cut away ; the seeds removed from the placenta; above.
10. A seed, enlarged, with its large, crested raphe.
11. Section of the same, showing the embryo at the base of the albumen.
10. Emhrvo, detached and more magnified.
Ord. fumariacej:.
Herbae tenerse (succo aqueo innocuo), dissectifoliae, exsti-
pulatae : dicotyledoneas, hypogynae, hermaphrodita?, dimerae ;
petalis 4 cruciatis irregularibus ; staminibus 6 diadelphis
dimorphis ; ovario uniloculari, placentis 2 parietalibus ; ovu-
lis amphitropis ; embryone in basi albuminis subcurvati
minimo.
Fcmariaceje, DC. Syst. 2. p. 105, & Prodr. 1. p. 125. Meisn. Gen. p. 8.
Lindl. Veg. Kingd. p. 435.
Papaverace^e, Subord. Fumariace.e, Bernh. in Linnaea, 8. p. 401, 473.
Endl. Gen. p. 858.
The Fumitory Family accords so nearly with Papaveracea? in the struc-
ture of the fruit and seeds, that these plants were included in that order by
Jussieu, and are still regarded by eminent botanists as forming merely a di-
vision of it with irregular flowers. Indeed, of the botanists who receive the
family as distinct, some admit Hypecoum and its allies to form a component
part of it (as does Lindley, notwithstanding his removing the family to
another alliance than that which contains the Poppy Family), while others
exclude them. According to the latter view, which is manifestly to be adopt-
ed when (from considerations of convenience chiefly) the family is kept dis-
tinct, Fumariaceaj are to be characterized by the irregular 1 - 2-spurred or
saccate corolla, the four connivent petals of which, or at least the two inner,
are more or less coherent ; and by the diadelphous stamens, placed three in
each set before the exterior petals, with dimorphous anthers ; the central one
of each set being two-celled, while the lateral are only one-celled and but half
the size. The anthers with the stigma remain inclosed in the little, cavity
formed by the cohesion of the spoon-shaped tips of the two inner petals,
which never open. The bitterish or slightly acid and watery (instead of
colored or milky) juice is not diagnostic : for it is quite the same in Esch-
scholtzia and other undoubted Papaveraceae, which apparently are equally
destitute of any narcotic quality.
To account for the nature and position of the four stamens with one-celled
anthers, De Candolle suggested that these result from the fission of the two
stamens of the inner series which (in the regular symmetry of the binary
flower) should stand before the inner petals; — a view which was reproduced
118 FUMARIACE^.
by Lindley (Inlrod. to Nat. System, ed. 1, etc.). On the other hand, M.
Gay has recently maintained,* that these are the four normal stamens of a
complete inner verticel, while two of those of the outer vertic'el (with 2-cell-
ed anthers) are wanting, and that the flower is therefore really hexandrous
and with the same arrangement as in Cruciferas. The objection to this
view is, that it presupposes a truly quaternary, instead of a binary, plan of
the flower.
Taking a still different view, I presume that the lateral stamens in this
case will be found to arise by the process called " didoubhment " by the
French botanists (happily translated deduplication by Mr. Henfrey) ; — a
mode of increase in the number of ■parts, particularly of the stamens, which
must be allowed to occur in analogous cases, if the observations of Duchatre
were accurately made, and which is not at all incompatible with received
morphological views ; for a single phyton may as readily give rise to a clus-
ter of stamens as to the several leaflets of a digitate leaf.
The two sepals are anterior and posterior and the carpels lateral (right
and left as respects the axis), just as in Cruciferse ; hut, by the torsion of
the pedicel in flower, the carpels, with the outer petals to which they corre-
spond, appear to be anterior and posterior.
As to sensible qualities, Fumariaceas are slightly bitter and astringent, or
with the tubers, &c, a little acrid ; but of no especial importance.
This small order, with the exception of two species indigenous to the
Cape of Good Hope, belongs entirely to the temperate zone, and chiefly to
the Old World. One species of the genus Fumaria (which gives its name
to the order, although it is a greatly simplified form, as to the fruit, which
is reduced to a one-seeded nutlet) is sparingly naturalized around old gar-
dens and dwellings in the Northern States. The indigenous representatives
of the family in North America, scarcely a dozen in number, are restricted
to three genera ; namely, Dicentra and Adlumia, with both of the exterior
petals gibbous or saccate at the base, and Corydatis, in which only one of
them is saccate or spurred.
* In Jinn. Sci. JVat. ser. 2. (Oct. 1842.) 2. p. 216.
FUMARIACE.E. 119
Plate 50.
DICENTRA, Borkh.
Corolla aequaliter 2-calcarata vel 2-saccata, saepius decidua ;
petalis distinctis. Capsula siliquosa ; seminibus cristatis.
Dicentra, Borkh. in Rom. Arch. 2. p. 40 (err. typogr. Dichjtra). Bernh.
in Linnsea, 8. p. 468. Meisn. Gen. p. 10. Endl. Gen. 4836.
Diclytba, DC. Syst. 2. p. 107, & Prodr. 1. p. 125.
Dielytra, Hook. Fl. Bor.-Am. 1. p. 35. Torr. &. Gray, Fl. 1. p. 66.
Fumarls Sp., Linn. Andr. Bot. Rep. t. 395. Michx. Fl. 2. p. 51.
Corydalis Sp., Neck. Pers. Nutt. Gen. 2. p. 85.
Cdcullaria, Raf. in Med. Rep. 2. p. 350, & Desv. Jour. Bot. 2. p. 159.
Perizomanthus, Pursh. Fl. 2. p. 462 (sub Corydali), excl. spec.
Brceclies-Flower. Squirrel-corn.
Calyx of 2 very small petaloid or scarious sepals, resem-
bling bractlets, never inclosing the flower-bud. Corolla
cordate, or two-spurred at the base, compressed, hypogynous,
of 4 connivent but distinct petals in two series ; the two
exterior larger, alternate with the sepals, similar, saccate or
calcarate at the base, appressed, inclosing the inner pair ex-
cept their midribs and apex, contracted above, and with short
and spreading hooded tips : the two interior opposite the
sepals, unguiculate, spoon-shaped or excavate-hooded at the
apex, where the two lightly but permanently cohere over the
anthers and stigma, their prominent midrib dilated at the sum-
mit to form a salient crest : all deciduous, or else scarious-per-
sistent around the base of the pod. Stamens 6, in two sets
of three each, one set opposite each outer petal and lightly
cohering with its insertion and with a linear (or sometimes
nearly obsolete) gland that descends into the spur or sac :
filaments subulate-filiform, distinct, or the three slightly
united, especially about the middle : anthers more or less
extrorse, fixed by the base, that of the middle stamen two-
celled, those of the lateral one-celled ; the cells opening lon-
gitudinally. Ovary one-celled, with two parietal placentas
120 FUMARIACE.E.
placed opposite the inner sepals : style subulate or filiform :
stigma crest-like, flattened contrary to the placentae, 2 - 4-
lobed or horned. Ovules numerous, horizontal in two rows
on each placenta, between amphitropous and anatropous.
Capsule siliquaeform, lanceolate or oblong, membrana-
ceous ; the two valves separable from the filiform interval-
vular placentas, which remain with the persistent style.
Seeds several, globular-reniform, with a shining crustaceous
testa, conspicuously crested at the hilum. Embryo minute,
at the narrowed base of I he fleshy albumen next the hilum.
Herbs low and acaulescent ; the slender rootstocks tuber-
iferous or granuliferous, sending up slender petioles support-
ing a ternately-compound leaf with pinnately multifid divis-
ions, and scapes, bearing a simple raceme or else cymulose
clusters of handsome (white, purple, or cream-colored) flow-
ers. Pedicels bracteate and bibracteolate, nodding.
Etymology. From Sty, double, and Kivrpov, spur. A slip or typograph-
ical error by Borkhausen (who however gave the derivation correctly) gave
rise to much confusion respecting the name, as the synonymy shows.
Geographical Distribution and Division. A genus of a few North
American and two Siberian species. (D. chrysantha, Hook. 6f Am., from
California, will probably be found not to belong to the genus.) — Our species
form two sections, to be characterized differently from Bernhardi, as follows.
§ 1. Cucullaria, Raf. — Flowers simply racemose, vernal (either 2-gib-
bous or 2-spurred). Gland at the base of the stamens spur-like. Calyx
and corolla early deciduous. (D. Cucullaria and D. Canadensis.)
§ 2. Capnorchis, Borkh. ex Endl. (Eucapnos, Bernh.) — Raceme com-
pound ; the flowers c.ymulose-fascicled, produced through the summer.
Glands obsolete. Floral envelopes marcescent ! (D. formosa & D.
eximia.)
PLATE 50. Fig. 1-5. Dicentra Canadensis, DC. (under Diclylra).
1. Dissected flower, enlarged; with 2, the inner petals, removed.
3. Upper part of one set of stamens, more magnified.
4. Enlarged pistil, the ovary cut across to show the ovulation.
5. A fertilized ovule, magnified ; the crest appearing from the raphe above.
6. Ripe pod, with the persistent floral envelopes, of D. eximia.
7. Same, with the valves detached from the replum, and seeds fallen.
8. A seed, from the same, and 9, a section through the crest ; magnified.
10. The embryo taken from the last, and highly magnified.
FUMARIACE.E. 121
Plate 51.
ADLUMIA, Raf.
Corolla e petalis 4 coalitis, basi 2-saccata, marcescenti-
persistens, capsulam siliquosam iiicludens. Semina ecrista-
ta. — Herba scandens, petiolis cirrhiformibus.
Adlumia, Raf. in N. Y. Med. Repos. (hex. 2.) 5. p. 350, &in Desv. Jour.
Bot. 2. p. 169. DC. Syst. 2. p. 111. Bernh. in Linnaja, 1. c.
Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 68. Endl. Gen. 4837.
Corydalis Sp., Vent. Choix. t. 19.
Calyx of 2 small and scarious sepals, deciduous. Co-
rolla as in Dicentra, but the petals all firmly coalescent
into an ovate-cordate body, which is marcescent-persistent
and perfectly incloses the mature pod. Stamens as in Di-
centra, except that the filaments of each set are united
nearly to the top into a lanceolate scarious synema. Ovary
linear-lanceolate, one-celled, with two parietal placentae :
style subulate : stigma flattened and dilated contrary to the
placentae, two-lobed. Ovules 4 to 6 on each placenta, alter-
nately inserted in a single series, horizontal, nearly anatro-
pous ; the raphe superior.
Capsule siliquaeform, lanceolate, tipped with the persist-
ent style and stigma, always covered by the marcescent
corolla, inclosed within the inner petals and the stamineal
sheath, two-valved, the intervalvular filiform placenta; form-
ing a replum. Seeds 8 to 12, alternately inserted on each
placenta in a single series, horizontal, obovoid-reniform, na-
ked (not crested at the raphe or hilum); the black crusta-
ceous testa smooth and shining. Albumen fleshy, reniform-
incurved. Embryo small, cylindrical, in the hilar curvature
of the albumen.
Herb biennial, with elongated branching stems, climbing
gracefully by its tendril-like young petioles ; the leaves al-
ternate, 3 - 4-ternately or pinnately decompound, with a
9
122 FUMARIACE^E.
very short general petiole, but with elongated secondary di-
visions : leaflets delicate, 3 — 5-lobed. Flowers in axillary
cymulose panicles, drooping on slender pedicels, white, ting-
ed with rose-color.
Etymology. Dedicated to the late Major Adlum, an amateur botanist
and cultivator.
Geographical Distribution. A genus of a single species, native of
damp tcopses, &c, in the Northern United States, and often cultivated to
form light and delicate bowers in shady places.
PLATE 51. Adlumia cirrhosa, Rqf. ; — branch with a single leaf and
panicle, natural size. (Cambridge Botanic Garden.)
1. An enlarged persistent flower divided vertically, showing the stamens,
with the anthers withdrawn from the cavity at the tip of the inner
petals, and the included capsule, one of the placentas towards the
eye.
2. A flower, at an earlier stage, with the sepals still present, cut across
towards the summit, enlarged.
3. Diagram of the flower ; the two exterior lines representing the sepals ;
the next the outer, the others the inner pair of petals, as they
would appear in a cross section at their free summits : the inclosed
rounded figures represent the anthers, three in each set, and the
central figure is a section of the ovary.
4. Anthers of one set, magnified; seen from the outside.
5. Vertical section of the ovary, magnified, showing the ovules.
C. Transverse section of the same, in the same position.
7. The replum, enlarged, with two seeds attached.
8. A seed, magnified.
9. Vertical section of the same, showing the albumen and the embryo.
10. Embryo, detached, and more magnified.
fumariace/e 123
Plate 52.
CORYDALIS, Vent., Bernh.
Corolla unicalcarata, ringens, decidua. Capsula silkmosa,
polysperma, stylo persistente. Semina crista concava saspe
conchiformi strophiolata. — Caulis ramosus e radice subsim-
plici.
Corydalis, Vent, ex DC. Bernh. in Linnaja, 7. p. 604. (non Neck.)
Corydalis, Sect. Capnoides, DC. Syst. 2. p. 122. excl. C. Capnoides.
Corydalis, Sect. Capnites, Endl. Gen. 4839. non DC.
Fumarij: Sp., Linn. Juss. Lam.
Calyx of 2 very small sepals resembling bractlets, decid-
uous. Corolla of 4 hypogynous petals, deciduous, irregu-
lar, ringent at the summit, where the two exterior are alike,
the larger (and in the full-grown flower becoming the upper)
one alone calcarate or saccate at the base : the two interior
opposite the sepals, similar, much smaller than the exte-
rior which inclose them, unguiculate, spoon-shaped, then-
concave tips cohering over the stigma and anthers, their keel
enlarging into a salient dorsal crest at the summit. Stamens
6, diadelphous, hypogynous, one set inserted opposite each
outer petal ; the filaments united nearly to the tip into a di-
lated membranaceous synema : the middle anther of each
set two-celled, the lateral one-celled (as in Dicentra, &c).
A hypogynous gland or spur just under the insertion of the
corresponding synema projects into the spur or sac of the
upper petal. Ovary one-celled, with two parietal placentae
opposite the inner petals : style subulate : stigma flattened
and two-lobed contrary to the placentae. Ovules indefinite,
horizontal, alternately inserted in a single row upon each
placenta, nearly amphitropous ; the raphe superior.
Capsule siliqueeform, one-celled, tipped with the persist-
ent style and stigma, several — many-seeded, two-valved ■
the valves separating from the replum formed of the persist-
124 FUMARIACEiE.
ent filiform intervalvular placental;. Seeds globular-reni-
form, with a smooth and shining crustaceous testa, partly
covered by a concave or shell-shaped hilar crest. Embryo
minute, at the smaller curved extremity of the fleshy albu-
men, next the hilum : cotyledons as long as the radicle,
foliaceous and lanceolate in germination.
Herbs with slender or simple roots (no tuberous caudex),
often biennial or annual ; the stem more or less branching,
and with ternately or pinnately compound or dissected leaves.
Racemes terminal, or becoming opposite the leaves, bracte-
ate, often yellow or purple.
Etymology. An ancient name for the "crested lark," and for some
plant of the Fumitory family, which probably took the name from the spur
of the flower, somewhat like that of the Larkspur.
Geographical Distribution, &o. Natives of the northern temperate
zone, much the greater part Siberian. The two species in the United
States, with one on the Pacific coast, belong to the genus as restricted by
Bernhardi, whose view it is therefore most convenient to adopt.
PLATE 52. Corydalis aurea, Willd. ; — summit of a stem in flower
and fruit; natural size. (Botanic Garden, Cambridge ; from Ver-
mont, Oakcs.)
1. A flower (with a bractlet), enlarged.
2. Diagram of the disposition of its parts.
3. A dissected flower, more enlarged ; with 4, its pair of inner petals.
5. Pistil, more enlarged, its base cut away, showing a section of the ovary.
6. Vertical section of the lower part, showing the ovules.
7. An ovule, more magnified (the incipient crest forming from the raphe).
8. Enlarged replum of a pod, and seeds; the valves fallen away.
9. A seed, with its crest, more magnified.
10. Vertical section of the same ; showing the minute embryo in place.
11. Embryo, detached and more magnified-
Ord. CRUCIFERJ1.
Herbas exstipulatas, alternifoliae (succo aqueo pungente) :
dicotyledoneae, hypogynae, hermaphroditae, tetramerae ; sepa-
lis et fetalis 4 cruciformibus ; staminibus tetradynamis ;
siliqua septo membranaceo inter placentas 2 parietales saspis-
sime biloculari ; ovulis campylotropis vel amphitropis ; semi-
nibus exalbuminosis, cotyledonibus radicular accumbentibus
vel incumbentibus.
Cruciformes, Tourn. Inst. p. 210.
Tetradynam*:, Linn. Gen. p. 329.
Sii.i9.uosa:, Linn. Prelect, ed. Giesek. p. 481. ,
Cruciferx, Adans. Fani. 2. p. 409. Juss. Gen. p. 237. DC. Syst. 2. p.
139, & Prodr. 1. p. 131. Endl. Gen. p. 861.
Brassic ace*, Lindl. Introd. Nat. Syst. ed. 2. p. 58, & Veg. Kingd. p. 351 .
The Mustard or Cress Family, one of the most strictly natural and
homogeneous which the vegetable kingdom affords, is at once distinguished
by its regular cruciform flower, tetradynamous stamens, and by that sort of
pod termed a siHque, or, when very short, a silicle.
The flowers are formed on the quaternary plan. There are always four
sepals, of which the two exterior in the bud are situated one anterior and
the other posterior, while the two interior, which are often the larger, are
lateral, or right and left, as respects the axis of inflorescence. Although the
edges of the outer pair cover those of the inner in the bud (except in the
few instances where the aestivation is valvate), yet the plan of the flower is
not binary, like that of Fumariaceae (p. 117), but the four sepals constitute
a single verticel ; for the four petals are alternate with them, instead of being
opposed to them, as would necessarily be the case on the former supposi-
tion. The laminae of the four petals, spreading opposite each other in pairs,
produce the cruciform shape which gives the name to the order. In aestiva-
tion, the petals are imbricated with usually one exterior, two half exterior
and half interior, and the fourth wholly interior, or else they are regularly
convolute ; the latter mode being only a slight deviation from the former.
Both the calyx and the corolla are deciduous in all the family, or at least in
all ordinary cases.
126 CRUCIFER.t:.
The peculiarity of the stamens gave the name and character to the class,
Telradynamia, which in his Artificial System Linnaeus framed for the recep-
tion of these plants. Of the six stamens, two are shorter and inserted one
opposite each lateral sepal ; while the four longer, which are commonly in-
serted a little higher on the receptacle or hypogynous disk, are placed one
pair before the posterior, and the other before the anterior sepal. This
brings them partly before the four petals respectively ; which has not unnat-
urally been taken to be their normal position by several botanists, as by
Kunth,* and Gay,f who thus view them as forming the complete inner
stamineal verticel, and consequently suppose that half of the exterior verticel
(namely, the two stamens which should stand before the anterior and poste-
rior sepals respectively) has been suppressed. But it is plain, as our dia-
grams (Plates 53, 54, 63, &c.) show, that these four stamens are not oppo-
site the petals. As already remarked, they stand in pairs before the anterior
and posterior sepals, or alternate, with the two upper and two lower petals,
that is to say, just in the places which should be occupied by single stamens
to complete the symmetry of the tetramerous flower. In other words, the
anterior and posterior stamens of the simple verticel are doubled, just as the
two stamens of Fumariaceae are trebled, by deduplication.
This explanation, as applied to Fumariaceae, was in type, as it now stands
(on page 118), when, just in the nick of time, I received the London Jour-
nal of Botany, for January, 1848, containing a beautiful elucidation of the
Structure of Cruciferous Floicers, by Prof. Moquin-Tandon and my friend
P. Barker Webb, in which this view is brought forward and enforced in a
much more thorough and convincing manner than. I could have hoped to do-
it. % To the instances cited by them in which one or both of these stamens
* L'bcr die Blilthen- vnd Fruchllildung dcr Cruciferen, in Abhandl. Konigl.
Mad. lilssensch. Bcrl. 1832.
t In Ann. Sci. JVat. Oct. 1842. p. 218.
t "De Candolle, himself, has shown in his Memoir on Crucifera, that each
pair of geminate stamens has really only the value of a single organ, and con-
sequently that the andrceceum in Cruciferae may, like the corolla and calyx, be
reduced to the quaternary type."
" This theory of the didoubhment of the two longer stamens in this group is
confirmed by numerous facts, both normal and anomalous. 1. In many Cru-
ciferee, and more particularly in the Clypeola cyclodontea, Del., the filaments of
the solitary stamen are furnished with two teeth, one on each side, whilst those
of the double stamens have but one on their outer side ; if we join these two
stamens together, so that they form but one, a bidentate filament will result en-
tirely similar to those of the solitary stamens.
" 2. In other Cruciferffi a longer or shorter portion of the filament remains
simple. Thus, in the Sterigma tomentosum, DC, the division takes place as
tar as the middle; in the Anchonium Billardieri, DC, in a third part only of
the upper portion of the filament. Here the position of the longer stamens,
double only in their upper portion, is exactly the same as that of the solitary
stamens.
" 3. In the Vella psendocytisus, Linn., we find, in the place of the double sta-
mens, a single one: its filament being frequently rather broader, sometimes di-
vided only at its summit, sometimes entirely undivided, but bearing in that case
an anther, wholly or partially geminate.
"4. Many Crucifcrae become tetrandrous by pclorization, others are normally
so. In either case, the four stamens are then equal.
CRUCIFERAE. 127
habitually or frequently remain undivided below, we may add the genus
Streptanthus (Plate 61, fig. 4). Although these able botanists do not allude
to the analogous case of Fumariaceae, yet it is perfectly evident that they
would apply the same principle to the explanation of the anomaly in that
family. The six anthers are all alike and two-celled.
The gynsecium consists of two united carpels, which stand right and left
as respects the axis of inflorescence, or one before each of the lateral sepals.
The peculiarity of the silique consists in its being two-celled, while the pla-
centae are strictly parietal. The explanation of this long since indicated by
Brown, and by Lestiboudois, is doubtless the true one ; namely, that the
false dissepiment is an extension of the parieties of the carpels, or, so to
say, of the epicarp of each, stretching inwards beyond their ovuliferous
edges, so as to form, sometimes a narrow border, as in Selenia (Plate 67),
&c , but commonly a perfect partition by their union in the centre. The
line of junction is frequently indicated by a median nerve (Plates 53, 55, 57,
64). This partition, however thin, is separable into its two component la-
mella;, composed apparently of a single stratum of compressed cells, which
are of different forms in different plants. Besides this areolation, the par-
tition is sometimes veiny, or traversed, more or less copiously, by " tubes
having the appearance and ramification of the veins of a leaf." These dif-
ferences were pointed out by Mr. Brown, and turned to account in distin-
guishing genera.* We have endeavoured to figure the principal forms of
areolation which are presented by the species we have illustrated ; but are
not prepared to offer any opinion respecting the value of this character.
In several Cruciferae, this partition is altogether wanting, especially in the
Isatideae, where the pod is indehiscent and only 1-2-seeded, and in Cakile
(Plate 74) and its allies, in which the pod is transversely divided and joint-
ed. In the dehiscent genera, the two valves always separate from the fili-
form placentae, which form the frame (rcphtm) for the partition, and bear
the persistent style or stigma.
The styles, if any, are always consolidated into one. The two stigmas
are either combined, or more or less distinct (2-lobed) ; and the lobes are
anterior and posterior, or are placed over the parietal placentas, and not over
the cells; just as happens in most Papaveraceae, and in many other cases of
parietal placentation. This, along with the abnormal partition and dehis-
cence, gave rise to some ingenious hypotheses respecting the structure of the
Cruciferous fruit, which need not be here recounted, since their foundations
"5. Finally, certain Cruciferae, instead of returning to the quaternary type,
recede from it. Their single stamens undergo a change analogous or very sim-
ilar to that of the double pair. One of us lias observed flowers of Matthiola in-
cana, in which the single stamens were cleft throughout their entire length
each portion being provided with half an anther and half a filament. M. Lesti-
boudois speaks of a Cheiranthus Cheiri in which these stamens were completely
geminated, not laterally as the longer pair, but from without inwards. M. Se-
ringa met with a flower of the same species (var. grandiflora) which had the
lower stamens ' didoubldes ejartcment comma les sup&rieures.' " — Moq.-Tand. tfc
Webb, in 1. c. p. 5, and p. 6, 7.
* Ohserr. PI. Oudney, Denham,ty Clappcrlon, p. 12. cl Bcq, 1826
128 CRUCIFER^E.
have been entirely swept away by Mr. Brown's masterly exposition of the
real nature and composition of the stigma, as well as of the placenta.* In
this family the two half-stigmas of different carpels are combined over the
placentae, just as those placentae are themselves formed by the junction of
the contiguous edges of two different carpellary leaves, that is, of the two
half-placentae of different carpels. As applied to Cruciferse, this view has
just been very satisfactorily reproduced by Moquin-Tandon and Webb, in
the article before cited, and entirely de novo on their part, as they were un-
acquainted with Mr. Brown's exposition of this subject until after their arti-
cle was prepared for the press.
The structure of the flower and fruit in this strictly natural family is so
uniform, that it is unnecessary to repeat continually, in our detailed descrip-
tions, the characters which are common to the whole, or to which there are
few if any exceptions ; such, for instance, as the alternate leaves (to which
Dentaria offers the only exception) ; the indefinite racemose inflorescence ;
the absence of bracts and bractlets (of which the exceptions are noted where
they occur) ; the introrse 2-celled anthers ; the aestivation of the calyx and
corolla, which as to the former is imbricated with the anterior and posterior
sepals outside, as already mentioned, in all our genera ; and, as to the lat-
ter, the same genus or even the same individual exhibits both the imbri-
cated-convolute and the truly convolute modes.
As at present known, this family comprises at least 1600 species, under
about 180 genera. Cruciferous plants are found in every part of the world,
but are most abundant by far in the northern temperate zone. There is a
larger proportion in the Old World than in the New.
The sensible properties of the order are exemplified by its familiar escu-
lent and officinal representatives, such as the Mustard, Horseradish, Radish,
Cabbage, Turnip, Scurvy-Grass, &c. All have more or less of the volatile
acrid principle upon which their stimulant, rubefacient, and antiscorbutic
qualities, as well as the pungent flavor, depend. Diffused among abundance
of saccharine and farinaceous or mucilaginous matter, this acridity serves as
a wholesome natural condiment. Some Cruciferae, like the Rape, are culti-
vated for the fixed oil that abounds in the embryo of the exalbuminous seeds.
Many are prized for the beauty or fragrance of their flowers ; as the Wall-
flower, Stock, &c
In a local Flora, it is most convenient to characterize the primary divisions
from the fruit, whether dehiscent, indehiscent and nucamentaceous, or lo-
mentaceous. In a general system, some characters taken from the seed and
embryo should doubtless have precedence ; but it is still uncertain which
should take the lead. For the present purpose it will suffice to dispose our
comparatively few genera according to the following conspectus.
* In Plantce Javanica Rariores, part 2. 1840. p. 106-112, note. For an exposi-
tion of this view, see Gray's Botanical Text-Booh, ed. 1. p. 144 (1842), and ed.2.
p. 238 (1845).
CRUCIFER.E. 129
Conspectus of the Genera of the United States.
Ser. I. SiLiquosiE. — Silique 2-valved, jointless. (Cotyle-
dons plane, in N. Amer. species.)
Tribe I. ARABIDE^E. — Cotyledons plane, parallel with the parti-
tion, accumbent (o=), one edge lying against the ascending radicle, which
occupies the side remote from the placenta. (Embryo straight in Leaven-
worthia.) Silique elongated or sometimes short, many-seeded.
* Silique terete or slightly compressed ; the valves nerveless or nearly so.
Nasturtium. (Plate 53.) Silique short, often a silicle. Seeds numer-
ous, two-ranked in each cell, very small, punctate, on capillary fu-
niculi. Calyx spreading : petals sometimes wanting.
Iodanthus. (Plate 54.) Silique linear. Seeds one-ranked in each cell,
marginless, as broad as the septum. Calyx erect.
* * Silique compressed ; the valves flat and nerveless. (Seeds 1-ranked.)
Cardamine. (Plate 55.) Silique linear or linear-lanceolate. Seeds
wingless, on filiform funiculi.
Dentaria. (Plate 56.) Silique lanceolate. Seeds wingless, on dilated
and flattened funiculi.
Leavenworthia. (Plate 57.) Silique oblong. Seeds winged. Em-
bryo straight !
* * * Silique compressed, or somewhat quadrangular; the valves 1-nerved.
Arabis. (Plate 58.) Silique linear, elongated ; the valves nearly flat,
1-nerved. Seeds 1-ranked in each cell. Petals somewhat unguicu-
late or sessile, the claw plane.
Turritis. (Plate 59.) Silique, &c, as in Arabis. Seeds 2-ranked in
each cell.
Streptanthus. (Plates 60, 61.) Silique linear, elongated ; the valves
flat or flattish, 1-nerved. Seeds 1-ranked in each cell. Claw of the
petals canaliculate or involute, commonly twisted.
Barbarea. (Plate 62.) Silique linear, nearly quadrangular from the
carinate- 1-nerved valves. Seeds 1-ranked. Flowers yellow.
Tribe IT. SISYMBRIE^E. — Cotyledons plane, placed with their
edges to the partition, incumbent (o||), the back of one of them lying against
the ascending radicle, which occupies the side remote from the placenta,
sometimes oblique, so as to become partly accumbent. Silique mostly linear
and elongated, many-seeded.
# Silique not stipitate.
Erysimum. (Plate 63.) Silique linear, quadrangular, the valves acute-
ly carinate- 1-nerved. Calyx erect.
Sisymbrium. (Plate 64.) Silique linear or oblong, terete or 4 - 6-an-
gular ; the valves convex, 1-3-nerved. Calyx equal, usually open.
» # Silique long-stipitate, linear. Petals with long claws.
130 CRUCIFER.E.
Stanleva. (Plate 05.) Claws of the petals connivent into a tube ; the
linear sepals spreading. Silique nearly terete or quadrangular.
Flowers yellow or greenish.
Warea. (Plate 66.) Claws of the (white or rose-purple) petals spread-
ing. Silique compressed, the valves nearly flat, 1-nerved.
Ser. II. SiLicuLosa:. — Silicle (rounded, or not much long-
er than broad) opening by valves. Cotyledons plane,
not longitudinally plicate nor spirally convolute.
Tribe III. ALYSSINEiE. — Silicle with a broad partition (or rarely
none) which is parallel with the flat or convex valves. Cotyledons broad,
accumbent against the ascending radicle (o=), parallel with the partition.
# Silicle compressed. Seeds on free funiculi.
Selenia. (Plate 67.) Silicle oval, flat, subulate with the long style,
many-seeded. Seeds orbicular, surrounded by a wing.
Draea. (Plates 68, 69.) Silicle elliptical, oval, or linear-oblong, com-
pressed, many-seeded. Seeds wingless.
• # Silicle globose-inflated. Funiculi partly adnate.
Vesicaria. (Plate 70.) Valves of the several-seeded silicle hemispherical.
Tribe IV. SUBULARIE^E. — Silicle oval, turgid, with a rather
broad partition, the cells several-seeded. Cotyledons bent transversely be-
low the middle and incumbent on the ascending radicle.
Subularia. (Plate 71.) Silicle somewhat flattened contrary to the par-
tition, the convex valves rather boat-shaped. Leaves all radical,
subulate.
Tribe V. SENEBIEREiE. — Silicle compressed contrary to the very
narrow partition, didymous ; the globular-ventricose valves closed or nearly
so, 1-seeded. Cotyledons as in Tribe IV.
Senebiera. (Plate 72.) Cells of the silicle rugose-reticulated, separat-
ing entire. Flowers minute.
Tribe VI. LEPIDINE2E. — Silicle compressed contrary to the very
narrow partition ; the valves strongly boat-shaped or carinate. Cotyledons
plane, incumbent (rarely accumbent) on the ascending radicle.
Lepidium. (Plate 73.) Seeds solitary in each cell : funiculi free.
Ser. III. Lomentaceje. — Silique or silicle transversely 2-
several-celled, and articulated.
Tribe VII. CAKILINE/E. Cotyledons plane, accumbent.
Cakile. (Plate 74.) Silicle 2-jointed ; the joints 1-celled, 1-seeded.
Seed suspended tn the lower, erect in the upper cell.
CRUCIFEll^E. 131
Plate 53.
NASTURTIUM, R. Br.
Siliqua abbreviata vel silicula teretiuscula, valvis turgidis
enerviis. Semina in loculis biseriata, numerosissima, parva,
immarginata ; funiculis capillaribus. Cotyledones planse ac-
cumbentes. — Calyx patens. Petala flava vel alba, iiiterdum
abortiva.
Nasturtium, R. Br. in Ait. Kew. ed. 2. 4. p. 109. DC. Syst. 2. p. 187.
Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 72. Endl. Gen. 4850.
Sisymbrii Sp., Linn. Schkuhr, Handb. t. 187. excl. spec.
? Armoracia, Rupp. Fl. Jen. Koch, Fl. Germ. p. 66.
Water-Cress.
Calyx spreading, somewhat colored ; the sepals imbricat-
ed in aestivation, equal at the base. Petals spreading, obo-
vate or cuneiform, sometimes obsolete. Filaments subulate
or filiform, toothless: anthers oval or sagittate. Hypogy-
nous glands 4 or 6. Ovary ovoid, oblong, or linear, some-
times one-celled from the incompletion of the partition :
style short or none, rarely slender : stigma capitate or de-
pressed, obscurely two-lobed. Ovules numerous, irregu-
larly crowded in several rows on each placenta (in two or
more ranks in each cell), nearly horizontal.
Silique or silicle varying from linear or oblong to ellip-
tical or even globose-ovoid, terete or slightly compressed
parallel with the partition, two-valved ; the turgid or strong-
ly convex valves destitute of keel or midnerve ; the partition
nerveless or one-nerved in the middle. Seeds indefinite and
usually very numerous, occupying two rows in each cell,
on irregularly crowded capillary free funiculi, more or less
pendulous, flattish, rounded, impressed-punctate. Radicle
ascending on the side towards the axis (remote from the pla-
centa) ; the cotyledons accumbent, plane, parallel with the
partition.
132 CRUCIFER^E.
Herbs growing in water or wet places, smooth or simply
hirsute ; with annual, biennial, or perennial roots, and branch-
ing stems which are frequently rooting below. Leaves usu-
ally lyrately toothed or pinnatifid, or pinnately parted ; the
petioles often auriculate-dilated at the base. Flowers small
or minute, yellow or white ; the racemes prolonged in fruit.
Etymology. An old name for several pungent Cruciferous plants, said
to be compounded of nasus and tortus, from their effect upon the nostrils.
Geographical Distribution, &c. A cosmopolite genus, the species of
which are of difficult extrication, especially those of the section Brachylo-
bos, DC, which have for the most part yellow or yellowish flowers. The
Water-Cress is the type of a peculiar section of the genus (Cardaminum,
DC). While many species bear linear siliques, others by gradual transi-
tion have oblong, elliptical, ovoid, or even globular silicles, some of which
C. A. Meyer therefore refers to Cochlearia § Armoracia. Indeed, the white-
flowered N. lacustre, Gray, ined.,* is so exactly an Armoracia as to con-
vince me that that group, if it can be detached from Cochlearia, will have to
be appended to the present genus ; — which, taken as a whole, would be
more naturally placed among Alyssineae than in Arabideae. — The Ameri-
can N. palustre (which usually has shorter pods than the European plant)
sometimes exhibits 3 - 4-carpellary and completely 3-4-celled ovaries.
PLATE 53. Nasturtium sessiliflorum, Nutt. ; — a small specimen
(from St. Louis, Engelmann) ; natural size. (Excl. fig. 1 -5.)
1. Diagram of the flower of N. palustre, the common North American
plant so called.
2. An enlarged flower of the same.
3. Stamens and pistil ; and 4, inside view of a stamen, more enlarged.
5. Pistil and receptacle, more magnified.
6. Silique of N. sessiliflorum, enlarged ; one valve and most of the
seeds detached.
7. Tissue from the partition, highly magnified.
8. A seed ; and 9, section across the accumbent cotyledons and radicle ;
magnified.
* The Nasturtium natans, Hook. FL. Bor.-Jlm., Torr. fy Gr. Fl., &c. (N. na-
tans 8. Americanum, Gray, in Jinn. Lye. N. Y.) Its flowers are much larger
than in N. natans, DC. (which is the Cochlearia amphibia, ft. Mryer) ; the
white petals are twice the length of the calyx, and there is no partition to the
pod, except a narrow border.
CRUCIFERiE. 133
Plate 54.
IODANTHUS, Torr. fy Gr.
Siliqua linearis, teres, valvis convexis fere enerviis. Se-
mina in loculis uniserialia, immarginata. Cotyledones plana?
accnmbentes. — Calyx erectus, unguibus petalorum brevior.
Iodanthus, Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 72 (sub Cheirantho). Gray,
Man. Bot. N. U. S. p. 33.
Hespebidis Sp., Michx. Fl. 2. p. 31. Nntt. Gen. 2. p. 69. DC. 1. c.
False Rocket.
Calyx erect, imbricated in aestivation : the lateral sepals
slightly gibbons at the base, in the bud furnished with a
cornute process next the apex. Petals spreading, spatu-
late-obovate, tapering into a narrow claw which is longer
than the sepals, entire, imbricated-convolute in aestivation.
Stamens strongly tetradynamous : filaments subulate-fili-
form, toothless : anthers sagittate. Glands 4. Ovary
linear-oblong : style short and thick : stigma hemispheri-
cal. Ovules numerous, alternately inserted and forming
only one row in each cell.
Silique linear, terete, rather fleshy, somewhat torulose
when dry, tipped with the short style, two-valved ; the con-
vex valves not carinate or nerved on the back (or with an
obscure midnerve when dry) : the partition nerveless, com-
posed of linear-oblong longitudinal areolae, bounded by
nearly straight lines. Seeds several in each cell, forming a
single series, occupying the whole breadth of the partition,
oval, pendulous on short and free ascending funiculi which
are geniculate-inflexed at the apex, not margined. Radicle
ascending on the side farthest from its placenta ; the coty-
ledons parallel with the partition, plane, accumbent.
Herb with a branching stem from a perennial fibrous root,
and oblong-ovate and acuminate leaves, which are sharply
and irregularly toothed ; the lower lyrate, with small lateral
134 CRUCIFER.f:.
divisions, the margined petiole auriculate-sagittate at the
base. Racemes loose, elongated, somewhat panicled, ebrac-
teate : the rather large and showy flowers violet-purple.
Etymology. From itiSijr, viokl-colored , and Svdos, flower, in allusion to
the color of the petals.
Geographical Distribution, &c. A genus of a single species, indi-
genous to the Western United States, removed, on account of its accumbent
cotyledons, from Hesperis, with which genus in all other respects it seems
substantially to accord.
PLATE 54. Iodanthus hesperidoides, Tott. <Sr Gr. ; — a small speci-
men (from Ohio, Sullivant), the stem shortened.
1. Diagram of the flower.
2. A flower, enlarged.
3. One of the lateral sepals ; and 4, a petal, enlarged.
5. Stamens and pistil, enlarged.
6. A silique, of the natural size.
7. The upper end of a silique, enlarged ; seen edgewise.
8. Lower part of the same, with a portion of the valves above cut away.
9. Base of an enlarged pod, the valves removed, showing three seeds; the
lower one cut in two, so as to display a section of the accumbent
cotyledons and radicle.
10. Tissue of the partition, highly magnified.
11. Embryo, detached entire ; enlarged.
CRUCIFERiE. 135
Plate 55.
CARDAMINE, Tourn.
Siliqua linearis, compressa ; valvis planis enerviis (elastice
saepius disilientibus), placentis dorso non alato-marginatis.
Semina in loculis uniserialia, e funiculis filiformibus liberis
pendula, immarginata. Cotyledones planae accumbentes. —
Calyx basi aequalis. Petala alba vel purpurea.
Cardamine, Tourn. Linn. Gen. 812. Schkuhr, Handb. t. 167. DC-
Syst. 2. p. 245. C. A. Meyer, in Ledeb. Fl. Alt. 3. p. 32. Endl.
Gen. 4859.
Bitter Cress.
Calyx erect or rather open ; the sepals equal at the base.
Petals obovate, with the lamina spreading, or sometimes
narrow and erect. Filaments subulate or filiform : anthers
cordate or sagittate at the base. Glands 4 or 6, variously
disposed. Ovary oblong or linear : style usually short :
stigma capitate or depressed, entire or two-lobed. Ovules
pendulous and alternately inserted, forming only one row in
each cell.
Silio.ue linear or linear-lanceolate, compressed (the pla-
centae not bordered and projecting), two-valved, for the most
part elastically dehiscent from the base upwards ; the valves
flat, nerveless : partition with, or commonly without, a mid-
nerve ; the areolae short and roundish or amorphous, bound-
ed by even lines. Seeds several or numerous in a single
row in each cell, pendulous 'on filiform free funiculi, or-
bicular or oblong, compressed, wingless, smooth. Radicle
ascending, remote from the placentas : cotyledons plane,
parallel with the partition, accumbent.
Herbs with fibrous or granulate roots, or rarely with tu-
berous rootstocks, sending up radical scapes, or more com-
monly simple or branching stems, bearing alternate and sim-
ple or pinnately divided leaves, and terminal racemes of
136 crucifer^:.
white or rarely purple ebracteate flowers. Petioles of the
lowest leaves elongated, usually not dilated at the base.
Etymology. From KdpRafiov, an ancient name for Cress.
Geographical Distribution. A pretty large, cosmopolite genus, most
abundant in the cooler temperate zones and on mountains, extending into the
arctic and antarctic regions.
Note. The genus is not yet well divided into natural sections. The
species here figured is one of those which approach Dentaria.
PLATE 55. Cardamine rhomboidea, DC; — a small specimen.
1. A sepal, enlarged, seen from the inner side.
2. A petal, equally enlarged.
3. Stamens and pistil, with the glands of the receptacle; enlarged.
4. Magnified pistil, seen sidewise, showing three of the four crescent-
shaped hypogynous glands.
5. Same, with the ovary transversely divided.
6. An ovule, more magnified.
7. A silique, of the natural size.
8. A dehiscent silique, magnified, showing part of the seeds of one cell,
the partition, &c.
9. Portion of the tissue of the partition, highly magnified.
10. Magnified seed, divided transversely, through the accumbent cotyledons.
cruc1fer/e. 137
Plate 56.
DENTARIA, Town.
Siliqua lanceolata. Funiculi seminum plani seu alato-
dilatati. Cotyledones crassae* — Caulis e rhizomate carnoso
horizontali dentato vel moniliformi simplicissimus, medio
paucifolius ; foliis verticillatis alternisve, compositis. Ca?tera
fere omnia Cardamines.
Dentaria, Tourn. Inst. p. 225. t. 111. Linn. Gen. 811. Lam. 111. t.
562. Schkuhr, Handb. 1. 183. DC. Syst. 2. p. 271. C. A. Mey-
er, I.e. Torr. &Gray, Fl. N. Am. l.p. 86. Endl. Gen. 4861.
Cardamines Sp., R. Br. in Ait. Kevv. ed. 2. 4. p. 101.
Toothwort. Pepperroot.
Calyx equal at the base, the sepals erect. Petals much
larger than the sepals, obovate, spreading, more or less un-
guiculate. Stamens and Pistil as in Cardamine.
Siliq.ue lanceolate, compressed, subulate with the style,
elastically two-valved from the base ; the valves flat, nerve-
less ; placenta? not wing-margined : partition nerveless or
nearly so ; the areolation nearly quadrate and uniform (as in
Cardamine). Seeds several in each cell forming a single
row, round-oval, turgid, smooth, pendulous on broad and flat
free funiculi. Radicle ascending on the side remote from
the placenta : cotyledons accumbent, parallel with the par-
tition, very thick and fleshy, sometimes unequal.
Herbs with a horizontal and fleshy toothed or moniliform-
tuberous rhizoma, which sends up in spring an erect and
simple flowering stem, bearing near the middle two or three
(or rarely more) verticillate or alternate 3 - 7-foliolate leaves
on naked petioles, and terminated by a corymbose raceme
of handsome white or rose-purple flowers. Radical leaves
sometimes wanting.
10
138 CRUCIFERjE.
Etymology, &c. Name from dens, a tooth ; in allusion to the rhizoma,
which is beset with tooth-like processes (the rudiments or vestiges of leaf-
stalks) in most species : these are very strongly marked in our D. diphylla ;
which is commonly called Pepperroot, from the pungent taste (much like
that of Water-cresses) of its coral-like rootstock. The proper English pop-
ular name is Toothwort.
Geographical Distribution, &c. A genus (scarcely distinct from
Cardamine) of about twenty known species, natives of the northern temper-
ate zone. Five species belong to trie United States ; two of which are
widely diffused, while the others are local or rare. — The species chosen for
our illustration is the least known of all. Mr. Nuttall described it from un-
usually luxuriant specimens, which he found " in the western parts of the
State of New York and Pennsylvania.'' It has since been gathered only at
Watertown, New York, by the lamented Dr. Crawe (in whose untimely
death by drowning, since our drawing was made, Botany has lost a most as-
siduous devotee) : but none of the specimens are so tall and leafy as Nuttall
describes, nor do they deserve the name of D. maxima.
PLATE 56. Dentaria maxima, Nutt. ; — in fruit, of the natural size.
(Specimen from Watertown, New York, Dr. Crawe.)
1. A flower, of the natural size.
2. Upper part of a silique, from which the valves have fallen, magnified ;
showing two of the seeds, the lower one transversely divided.
3. Tissue from the partition, highly magnified.
4. The fleshy embryo detached, magnified.
5. A transverse section of the same, showing the unequal accumbent
cotyledons. .
CRUCiFER.E lo'J
Plate 57.
LEAVENWORTHIA, Torr.
Siliqua oblonga, comprasso-plana, valvis, enerviis. Semi-
na uniseriata, plana, alata. Embryo recta! — Herba? pusillas,
foliis omnibus radicalibus lyratis, scapis nudis 1 - 8-floris.
Leavenworthia, Torr. in Ann. Lye. Nnt. Hist. New York, 3. p. .s? i !j
Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 89. Endl. Gen. 4862.
Calyx equal at the base ; the sepals nearly erect. Petals
spatulate-cuneiform, emarginate or truncate, spreading, much
longer than the calyx, tapering gradually into a short claw.
Stamens strongly tetradynamous : filaments filiform, tooth-
less : anthers linear-oblong. Ovary linear, tipped with a
short style, and a capitate stigma. Ovules several in each
cell, alternately inserted on each placenta, pendulous on free
funiculi.
Silio^ue oblong-linear or oblong, compressed, often some-
what torulose, two-valved ; the valves nearly flat, minutely
veiny, destitute of a midnerve : partition thin, marked with
a midnerve, the areola? oblong-linear, straight and transverse.
Seeds 4 or 5 in each cell, forming a single series, pendulous
on slender free funiculi, orbicular, flat, with a broad winged
margin, often overlapping each other. Embryo small in pro-
portion to the size of the seed, straight ! or with the orbicu-
lar flat cotyledons slightly inclined accumbently ; the radi-
cle short and thick, straight, obliquely ascending 011 the
side remote from the placenta.
Herbs of small size, chiefly acaulescent ; with biennial
or annual roots, lyrate-pinnatifid radical leaves and one-
flowered radical peduncles, or 3 - 8-flowered scapes which
often bear a single leaf below. Pedicels elongated. Petals
yellow.
10*
140 CRUCIFER^E.
Etymology and Geographical Distribution. Dedicated to Dr. M. C.
Leavenworth, the discoverer of one species, if, indeed, L. aurea is distinct
from L. Michauxii, the Cardamine uniflora, Michx. These little plants
grow on wet rocks, &c, in Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama :
also in Arkansas. .
Note. The embryo in this genus exhibits a remarkable " arrest of de-
velopment," of which there is no other example in the family. In the fully
ripe seeds, the cotyledons remain straight, in the same line with the radicle,
just as in the half-grown embryos of other Cruciferae, or else (in L. Mi-
chauxii, Torr.) the cotyledons are slightly inclined to one side, so as to
manifest barely a disposition to become accumbent.
PLATE 57. Leavenworthia aurea, Torr.; — specimen from Tennes-
see, Mr. Buckley; of the natural size.
1 . A flower, enlarged.
2. A sepal, more enlarged ; inside view.
3. A petal, equally magnified.
4. Stamens and pistil, magnified.
5. An enlarged silique, the valves removed, showing the seeds, &c.
(From an Arkansan specimen, gathered by Dr. Leavenworth.)
6. Tissue of the partition, highly magnified.
7. Magnified seed, divided transversely through the cotyledons.
8. Embryo, detached.
CRUCIFERjE. 141
Plate 58.
ARABIS, L.
Siliqua elongata, linearis, compressa, valvis planiusculis
uninerviis. Semina in locnlis plurima, uniserialia. Cotyle-
dones planae accumbentes. — Calyx erectus. Petala (alba
seu rosea) sessilia vel breviter unguiculata, ungue piano.
Arabis, Linn. Gen. 818. R. Br. in Ait. Kew. 1. c. p. 104. DC. Syst. 2.
p. 218. Deless. Ic. 2. t. 24-28. C. A. Meyer, in Ledeb. Fl.
Alt. 3. p. 15. Endl. Gen. 4854.
Rock-Cress.
Calyx erect : sepals equal, or the two lateral saccate at
the base. Petals obovate, spatulate, or oblong, sessile or
usually with a short and flat claw. Filaments filiform or
subulate, toothless : anthers oblong. Glands 4 to 8. Ova-
ry oblong or linear : style usually short or none : stigma
truncate or capitate. Ovules numerous on both placentae,
pendulous.
Siliq_ue linear, elongated, compressed, not stipitate, two-
valved ; the valves flat or flattish, marked with a prominent
midnerve, the sides sometimes minutely veiny : partition
destitute of a midnerve ; the areolae oblong or amorphous,
and bounded by more or less sinuous or sometimes (in
A. Canadensis, laevigata, &c.) exceedingly contorted lines.
Seeds numerous, pendulous on filiform and mostly free
funiculi, forming a single row in each cell, compressed or
flat, with or without a winged margin. Cotyledons flat,
parallel with the partition, accumbent against the ascending
radicle, which is remote from the placenta.
Herbs, with annual, biennial, or perennial roots, and
leafy steins ; the radical leaves usually petioled, sometime^
lyrate or pinnatifid ; the cauline usually sessile and undi-
vided, often sagittate or auriculate at th base. Raceme at
142 < Kl < II KK.E.
length elongated, ebracteate. Corolla white, rarely rose-
color or purplish.
Etymology. An old name, said by Linnaeus to be derived from the
country, Arabia.
Geographical Distribution. A genus of over seventy species, widely
scattered over the northern temperate zone, and partly subarctic or alpine.
Note. The arrangement of the species is not yet well settled. The
North American A. Canadensis and A. laevigata, with the Siberian A. pen-
dula (Sect. Catolobus, C. A. Meyer, or Lomaspora, DC. excl. sp.), have
winged seeds, with their funiculi partly adnate to the partition, the elongat-
ed areolae of which are bounded by exceedingly tortuous lines (just as in
Plate 59, fig. 6), the petals small, the style very short or none, and the
ovules biseriate in each cell ; and certainly ought not to be separated from
Turritis.
PLATE 58. Arabis patens, Sulliv. ; — of the natural size (the stem
shortened) ; from Ohio, Sullivant.
1. A lateral sepal ; and 2, a petal; enlarged.
3. Stamens and pistil, enlarged.
4. A ripe silique, of the natural size.
5. Same, cut across, near the base, and magnified.
6. The replum, from the upper part, with the seeds, magnified , two of
the seeds transversely divided, showing the accumbent cotyledons.
7. Tissue from the partition, highly magnified.
8. A magnified seed of A. Canadensis, Linn., transversely divided.
CRUCIFERjE 113
Plate 59.
TURRITIS, Tourn., Dill.
Semina in lociilis biserialia. Caetera omnia Arabidis.
Tukritis, Tourn. (excl. spec.) Dillen. Nov. Gen. p. 120. t. 6. Gcertn.
Fr. t. 143. R. Br. in Ait. Kew. 1. c. (excl. spec.) DC. Syst. 2.
p. 213. (excl. spec.) C. A. Meyer, in Ledeb. FI. Alt. 3. p. 13.
Hook. Fl. Bor.-Am. 1. p. 40. Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p.
78. Endl. Gen. 4853.
Tower-Mustard.
Calyx loosely erect ; the sepals equal at the base, or the
lateral gibbous. Petals spatulate, linear-oblong, or obovate,
the claw plane. Filaments filiform, toothless : anthers
oblong-linear or sagittate. Ovary linear : style very short
or none : stigma capitate. Ovules very numerous, forming
two rows in each cell.
Siliqjje linear, elongated, not stipitate, flattened or com-
pressed-quadrangular, two-valved ; the valves one-nerved in
the middle, nearly flat or somewhat carinate : partition des-
titute of a midnerve, formed of oblong-linear and irregular
areola? bounded by exceedingly tortuous lines. Seeds very
numerous on both placentae, forming two rows in each cell,
pendulous on filiform free funiculi, smooth, oval, compress-
ed, marginless, or surrounded by a winged margin. Em-
bryo, &c, as in Arabis.
Herbs, chiefly with biennial or annual roots, and virgate
leafy stems ; the radical leaves spatulate and often toothed ;
the cauline sessile or partly clasping by a sagittate or auricu-
late base, lanceolate or oblong, chiefly entire. Raceme elon-
gated in fruit, ebracteate. Petals white (the calyx yellow-
ish) or purple.
Etymology. An early name, from turris, a tower, of uncertain application.
Geographical Distribution, &c. Tins genus, as now received, con-
144 CRUCIFER/E.
tains a single European and North Asiatic species (T. glabra, Linn.), which
is also found in the northern parts of this country, to which several, chiefly
more boreal, American species have recently been added. It should,
perhaps, form only a section of Arabis, and comprise A. Canadensis, A. lae-
vigata, and A. pendula.
PLATE 59. Turritis stricta, Graham; — summit of a flowering, and
of a fruit-bearing stem ; of the natural size ; from Watertown,
New York.
1. A sepal ; and 2, a petal; enlarged.
3. Pistil, magnified ; the base cut away ; showing the two ranks of ovules
in each cell.
4. Silique transversely divided below, magnified, showing the two ranks
of seeds in each cell.
5. Replum from the upper end of a silique, with the seeds in place ; mag-
nified.
6. Tissue from the partition, highly magnified.
7. Magnified seed, divided transversely.
crucifer.-e. 145
Plate 60, 61.
STREPTANTHUS, Nutt.
Siliqua et semina fere Axabidis. Calyx coloratns. Petala
(ssepius purpurea) ungue canaliculato plerumqne torto.
Streptanthus, Nutt. in Jour. Acad. Philad. 5. p. 134. t. 7. Hook. Bot.
Mag. t. 3317, 3516, & Ic. PI. t. 40, 44. Torr. & Gray, Fl. N.
Am. 1. p. 75. Endl. Gen. 4852.
Calyx colored (purple or purplish): the sepals erect, the
lateral or all four sometimes gibbous or saccate at the base.
Petals conspicuously unguiculate ; the claw canaliculate,
often twisted ; the lamina dilated and obovate, or narrow
and linear-oblong or lanceolate. Filaments subulate, those
of the longer pair of stamens frequently united into one !
anthers linear-sagittate. Ovary linear or oblong : style
short or none : stigma truncate or two-lobed.
Silio.ue lineal-, usually much elongated, not stipitate, or
scarcely so, compressed ; the valves flat or sometimes con-
vex, strongly one-nerved in the middle ; the partition desti-
tute of a midnerve (areolation various). Seeds numerous in
a single row in each cell, pendulous on filiform free funiculi,
oval, compressed, usually wing-margined and as broad as the
partition. Cotyledons flat, parallel with the partition, ac-
cumbent against the ascending radicle which is remote
from the placenta.
Herbs, chiefly annual or biennial, with undivided leaves,
or the lowest lyrate-pinnatifid, the cauline sessile or clasp-
ing, and virgate racemes of usually showy purple (rarely
greenish -yellow) flowers. Limb of the petals frequently
rose-color, with a deep purple spot in.the centre. Pedicels
ebracteate, except in S. bracteatus, Plate 60 !
Etymology. Name composed of a-Tpenros. twisted, and &v8ot. flower ;
from the contorted claws of the petals.
I It") CRUCIFER.E.
Geographical Distribution and Division. A genus of a dozen or
more known species, natives of the drier and nearly unwooded portions of
temperate North America west of the Mississippi, from Arkansas to Cali-
fornia. Two well-marked sections have been recognized, namely, —
$ 1. Eustkeptanthus. — Petals with a broad dilated lamina. Calyx
loosely erect.
§2. Euclisia, Nutt. — Limb of the petals narrow (often linear) and un-
dulate as well as the claw. Calyx erect, often inflated-eonnivent.
Note. The areolation in S. bracteatus and S. obtusifolius consists of
vertical linear or oblong cells bounded by even lines ; that of S. heterophyl-
lus ? (PI. Coult.) is similar, except that the cells are nearly quadrate ; S.
glandulosus exhibits long and very irregular curved .cells, bounded by sinu-
ous lines of uniform strength ; while, in S. hyacinthoides, the lines are of
very unequal strength, some of them appearing like veins, and branching
so as to form minute amorphous reticulations, as shown in Plate 61, fig. 8.
PLATE 60. Streptanthus bracteatus, n. sp. (Texas, Lindheimer) ;
— a branch, with a cauline leaf, of the natural size.
1. A sepal, inside view ; and 2, a petal, enlarged.
3. Stamens and pistil, enlarged.
4. A mature silique of S. obtusifolius, Nutt. (Arkansas, Herb. Torr.) ;
of the natural size.
5. Base of an enlarged silique, transversely divided.
6. Tissue from the partition, highly magnified.
7. A magnified seed, divided transversely.
8. Embryo detached entire, and enlarged.
PLATE 61. Streptanthus (Euclisia) hyacinthoides, Hook.; — from
Texas; the flowering summit, of the natural size.
1. A flower, enlarged.
2. A sepal; and 3, a petal, more enlarged.
4. Stamens (one of the larger pairs united), and pistil, enlarged.
5. A silique, of the natural size.
6. Summit of a silique, enlarged, showing a transverse section.
7. Base of a replum, with three seeds, enlarged, two of them cut across.
8. Tissue from the partition, highly magnified (the stronger lines are rep-
resented somewhat too continuous and direct).
CKUCIFERjE. 117
Plate 62.
BARBAREA, R. Br.
Siliqua tetragono-anceps, valvis carinatis. Semina pluri-
ma, in loculis uniserialia, immarginata. Cotyledones plana?
accumbentes. — Flores flavi. Calyx erectus. Folia lyrato-
piimatifida, petiolis auriculato-amplexicanlibus.
Barbarea, R. Brown, in Ait. Kew. ed 2. 4. p. 109. DC. Syst. 2. p.
205. Deless. Ic. 2. t. 10. C. A. Meyer, in Ledeb. Fl. Alt. 3.
p. 9. Torr. & Gray, FI. N. Am. 1. p. 75. Endl. Gen. 4851.
Ervsimi & Sisymbrii Sp , Linn.
Winter-Cress. Yellow Rocket.
Calyx almost equal at the base (yellowish); the lateral
sepals more or less gibbous at the base, often with a cor-
nute appendage near the apex. Petals unguiculate with a
broad and plane claw, the lamina rounded. Stamens strong-
ly tetradynamous : filaments subulate, toothless. Glands
6, two of them larger and very prominent, one at the base
of each pair of long stamens. Ovary linear : style short :
stigma two-lobed. Ovules pendulous, forming a single se-
ries in each cell.
SiLiauE linear, slightly compressed, but quadrangular, the
cross section rhombic, two-valved ; the valves prominently
carinate-one-nerved, the placentas or edges of the rephun
also a little salient : partition nerveless ; the areolae oblong
and very irregular, bounded by sinuous lines. Seeds nu-
merous, pendulous on free filiform funiculi, forming a single
row in each cell, nearly or quite as broad as the partition,
oval, a little compressed, not margined ; the testa minutely
punctate. Cotyledons plane, thickish, parallel with the
partition, accumbent against the radicle, which ascends on
the side remote from the placenta.
Herbs with biennial or perennial roots, erect and branch-
ing leafy stems, and lyrate-pinnatifid leaves, mostly auricu-
148 CRUCIFER.E.
late-clasping at the base ; glabrous throughout. Racemes
elongated in fruit, ebracteate. Flowers rather large, yellow.
Etymology. The Herb of Santa Barbara; an early popular name.
Geographical Distribution, &c. A genus of few species, natives of
Europe and the colder parts of North America. B. vulgaris is widely nat-
uralized, and B. praecox sparingly so, in the United States, but not truly in-
digenous, except, perhaps, on our northern frontier. Besides the popular
names given above, they are sometimes called Srurvy- Grass, an appellation
which properly belongs to Cochlearia officinalis.
PLATE 62. Barbarea vulgaris, R. Br.; — summit of a stem, of the
natural size (from the naturalized plant).
I. A sepal ; and 2, a petal ; enlarged.
3. Stamens and pistil, with the hypogynous glands ; enlarged. (The
pistil is wrongly turned flatwise, instead of edgewise, to the eye.)
4. A pistil, more magnified.
5. An ovule, much magnified.
6. Silique, enlarged, and transversely divided.
7. Same, dehiscent, showing the seeds.
8. Portion of the replum and partition from the base of the pod, with the
seeds, more enlarged.
9. Tissue from the partition, highly magnified.
10. A magnified seed, cut across, showing the thick accumbent cotyledons.
11. Detached embryo, magnified.
crucifer.e. 149
Plate 63.
ERYSIMUM, L.
Siliqua tetragona, valvis uninerviis placentisque acute ca-
rinatis. Cotyledones oblongas, planae, incumbentes. — Calyx
erectus. Petala flava vel aurea. Folia angusta, integra,
haud amplexicaulia.
Erysimum, Linn. Gen. 814. (excl. spec.) Gaertn. Fr. t. 143. R. Br. in
Ait. Kew. 1. c. p. 115. DC. Syst. 2. p. 491. (excl. § 1.) C. A.
Meyer, in Ledeb. Fl. Alt. 3. p. 147. Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am.
1. p. 97. Endl. Gen. 4908.
Treacle-Mustard. False Wall-Flower.
Calyx erect ; the sepals equal, or the lateral ones gibbous
at the base, and sometimes appendiculate or cornute at the
apex. Petals unguiculate, the slender claw erect, the di-
lated oblong or roundish lamina spreading. Glands 4. Fil-
aments subulate or filiform, toothless : anthers linear -oblong
or elliptical, often sagittate. Ovary linear, not stipitate :
style mostly short and thick : stigma capitate or two-lobed.
Ovules numerous, forming a single row in each cell.
Silique linear, usually long and slender, and exactly four-
sided (the cross section square or rhombic), with four sharp
and nearly similar angles, two of them the projecting placen-
ta?, the others formed by the strong nerve which occupies
the middle of each carinate (and rather coriaceous) valve :
partition nerveless. Seeds numerous, pendulous on fili-
form or setaceous free funiculi, forming a single row in each
cell, oblong, turgid or somewhat three-sided, not margined.
Cotyledons plane, oblong, thickish, parallel with the pla-
centae and incumbent on the ascending radicle, which oc-
cupies the side remote from the placenta and is sometimes
oblique.
Herbs, chiefly biennials, more or less scabrous with
closely appressed rigid hairs, which are two-parted (appear-
150 CRUC1FER.E.
ing like a single bristle fixed by the middle), or stellately
3 - 5-parted ; the stems virgate, leafy. Cauline leaves linear
or lanceolate, entire or merely toothed, sessile or short-peti-
oled, never dilated and auriculate or clasping at the base ;
the radical sometimes runcinate-pinnatifid. Raceme elon-
gated in fruit, ebracteate. Flowers yellow, often showy.
Etymology. 'Epio-ipov, an ancient name, thought to conic from epva,
to draiv blisters, in allusion to the acrid properties.
Geographical Distribution. A pretty large European, and especially
North Asiatic genus, of which there are several Western N. American
species, but only two or three this side of the Rocky Mountains (excepting
E. cheiranthoides, which was doubtless introduced from Europe). The
species here illustrated alone crosses the Mississippi, Mr. Sullivant having
long since detected it in Central Ohio.
Note. The areolatiun appears to vary considerably in different species.
In E. Arkansanum, the uniform amorphous areolae are bounded by very tor-
tuous lines, much as in Turritis. In this species and its near allies, also,
the radicle is often oblique, or the cotyledons, in part, almost accumbent.
PLATE 63. Erysimum Arkansanum, Nutt. ; — summit of a flowering
stem ; natural size. (From Ohio, Sullivant.)
1. Diagram of the flower.
2. Diagram of the aestivation of the petals at an earlier period (more
deeply convolute) .
3. A flower-bud, enlarged.
4. A lateral, and 5, an anterior sepal, enlarged.
6. A petal, equally enlarged.
7. Stamens and pistil, enlarged.
8. A silique, of the natural size.
9. Transverse section of the base of a pod, magnified.
10. Replum, with style and stigma, and three seeds in place, enlarged ;
two of these cut across to show the cotyledons, which in the lower
seed are almost accumbent.
11. Tissue from the partition, highly magnified.
L'RUCIFER.E. 151
Plate 64.
SISYMBRIUM, L., R. Br.
Siliqua haud stipitata, hexagono-teretiuscula vel compres-
so-teretiuscula, valvis convexis, 1 - 3-nerviis. Cotyledones
lineari-oblongas, planae, incumbentes. — Calyx laxus. Flores
albi, interdum flavi.
Sisymbrium, Linn. Gen. 813. Allioni, Fl. Piedm. 1. p. 274. R. Br. in
Ait. Kew. 1. c. C. A. Meyer, in Ledeb. Fl. Alt. 3. p. 122.
Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 91. Endl. Gen. 4'JOG.
Erysimum, Tourn. Inst. p. 228. t. 111. non Linn.
Hedge-Mustard.
Calyx loosely erect ; the sepals equal at the base. Pe-
tals obovate or oblong, more or less unguiculate. Fila-
ments filiform or subulate-setaceous, toothless : anthers
oblong or oval. Glands various. Ovary sessile on the
receptacle, oblong or linear : style usually very short or
none : stigma subcapitate, mostly undivided. Ovules nu-
merous in one or two rows in each cell.
Silio.uk not stipitate, cylindrical or tapering-subulate,
linear, or rarely oblong, mostly elongated, obscurely six-
sided, the convex valves being marked with three nerves,
or rarely somewhat four-sided, the lateral nerves being in-
conspicuous or obsolete, sometimes more flattened, two-
celled ; the partitions 1 - 2-nerved in the middle, or nerve-
less ; the areolae of various forms (in S. canescens nearly as
in Barbarea, Plate 62, fig. 9, but the lines more descending
and scarcely tortuous). Seeds numerous, pendulous on fili-
form free funiculi, in one row, or irregularly in two rows
in each cell, oblong, not margined, smooth. Cotyledons
linear-oblong, plane, parallel with the placentas, incumbent
(sometimes obliquely) on the outer side of the ascending
radicle.
Herbs, either smooth, or with simple or branched pubes-
152 CRUCIFER.E.
cence, with simple or 2 - 3-pinnately dissected leaves, and
white or yellow flowers. Racemes elongated in fruit, ebrac-
teate, or rarely with the flowers subtended with leaf-like
bracts.
Etymology. 'Sio-ifi^piov, an ancient name for some plants of this family.
Geographical Distribution, &c. A pretty large genus, widely dis-
tributed over the world, comprising some heterogeneous forms. S. offici-
nale, the Hedge-Mustard, an introduced plant with us, represents a section
which may perhaps be taken as the type of the genus. Our figure illus-
trates only the section Irio, D C.
PLATE 64. Sisymbrium canescens, Nutt. ; — a small plant; natural
size. (Texas, Lindheimer.)
1 . A flower, enlarged.
2. A sepal, and 3, a petal, more enlarged.
4. Stamens and pistil.
5. A ripe silique, enlarged.
6. The same, divided transversely near the base.
7. Portion of the replum, with seeds, more magnified.
8. A magnified seed, divided, showing the incumbent cotyledons.
9. Hairs from the foliage, magnified.
CRUCIFERjE. 153
Plate 65.
STANLEYA, Nutt.
Siliqua longe stipitata, gracilis, tetragono-teretiuscula, val-
vis carinato-uninerviis. Semina in loculis uniserialia. Co-
tyledones lineares iiicumbentes. — Herbae perennes. Sepala
patentia, ligulata. Petala angusta, lutea, unguibus praelon-
gis conniventibus.
Stanleya, Nutt. Gen. 2. p. 21. DC. Syst. 2. p. 511. Torr. & Gray, Fl.
N. Am. 1. p. 97. Endl. Gen. 4016.
Podolobus, Raf. in Amer. IMontli. Mag. 6. p. 194.
Calyx loosely spreading, colored (yellow) : sepals equal,
or the lateral ones somewhat gibbous at the base, linear-lig-
ulate, elongated, slightly imbricated in aestivation. Petals
scarcely exceeding the calyx, with very long claws, which
are connivent, and in S. pinnatifida slightly coherent by the
pubescence of their margins into a slender quadrangular tube,
in S. integrifolia the glabrous and distinct claws are dilated
at the base ; the short and spreading lamina linear or spatu-
late, entire. Stamens tetradynamous ; the filaments but
little unequal, filiform, elongated and exserted, toothless :
anthers linear, spirally revolute when dry. Torus dilated,
bearing 2 to 4 large glands. Ovary oblong-linear or linear,
raised from the torus on a stipe (gynophore) much longer
than itself, two-celled, somewhat flattened contrary to the
cells: stigma sessile or nearly so, entire. Ovules numerous,
pen'dulous, forming a single row in each cell.
Siliqjje linear, slender, long-stipitate (the stipe exceeding
the pedicel), between terete and quadrangular, the valves
carinate with a midnerve : partition nerveless, the areolae
(in S. pinnatifida) narrowly linear and elongated, vertical,
bounded by even lines. Seeds pendulous, forming a single
row in each cell, on filiform free funiculi, oblong or linear-
11
151 CRUCIFERjK
oblong, somewhat flattened parallel with the partition, not
margined, smooth. Cotyledons linear, almost terete, par-
allel with the placentae, a little longer than the radicle
against which they are incumbent (on the side next the
placenta).
Herbs with perennial roots, leafy stems, and glaucous
smooth foliage ; the leaves pinnately divided or entire.
Flowers golden-yellow or greenish-yellow, pretty large, in
more or less elongated racemes, ebracteate. Flower-buds
linear-clavate.
Etymology. Dedicated by Mr. Nuttall to Lord Stanley, who was dis-
tinguished as an ornithologist and patron of natural history.
Properties. These plants differ from the rest of the family, and resem-
ble Capparidaceee (to which they approach somewhat in structure) in their
nauseous and emetic qualities. (Vide Nuttall, I. c.)
Geographical Distribution. The genus was established on S. pinna-
tifida (the Cleome pinnatifida, Pursh, first gathered on the Upper Missouri
by Bradbury), of which Mr. Nuttall gave an admirable description ; a sec-
ond species from the base of the Rocky Mountains was detected by Dr.
James, and two others were subsequently found in the same region by Nut-
tall himself. The genus is restricted to the Rocky Mountains, except as to
the original species, which descends the Missouri for a great distance.
PLATE 65. Stanleya pinnatifida, Nutt.; — summit of a young flow-
ering stem, collected on the Missouri by Mr. Sprague; of the nat-
ural size.
1. A flower, enlarged.
2. An anterior sepal ; and 3, a petal, enlarged.
4. Pistil, with the stipe and receptacle, enlarged.
5. A ripe dehiscent silique, enlarged ; from an original specimen of Brad-
bury, in Herb. Lambert.
6. Tissue from the partition, highly magnified.
7. Seed, magnified. (From specimens gathered by Mr. Sprague.)
8. The same, transversely divided.
9. Embryo detached entire, equally magnified.
CRUCIFERjE. 155
Plate 66.
WAREA, Nutt.
Siliqua longe stipitata, gracilis, compressa, valvis planius-
culis dorso uninerviis. Semina in loculis uniserialia. Coty-
ledones oblongEe, planas, oblique incumbentes, radicula ad
apicem saspe rimali. — Herba? annua?. Sepala erectiuscula.
Petala patentia, longe unguiculata, lamina dilatata, purpurea
seu alba. Racemi umbelliformes.
Warea, Nutt. in Jour. Acad. Pliilad. 7. p. 83. t. 10. Torr. & Gray, Fl.
N. Am. 1. p. 98. Endl. Gen. 41117.
Cleomes Sp., Mulil. Cat. p. 64.
Stanley* Sp., Nutt. in Sill Jour 5. p. 297. DC. Prodr. 1. p. 200.
Calyx equal, colored (purplish or greenish-white) ; the
sepals linear or spatulate, soon spreading. Petals un-
guiculate, the elongated claws exceeding the calyx, loosely
spreading, bearing a dilated cuneiform-spatulate or nearly
orbicular lamina, often with minutely erose-undulate mar-
gins, in aestivation either convolute, or with one petal entire-
ly external. Stamens rather slightly tetradynamous : fila-
ments almost capillary, much exserted : anthers linear-
oblong, spirally revolute when dry. Glands of the dilated
torus 4, conspicuous in pairs in front of the shorter stamens.
Ovary oblong-linear, two-celled, raised above the torus on a
filiform stipe (gynophore) which is usually longer than the
ovary : stigma sessile, emarginate. Ovules numerous, in a
single row in each cell.
Silio_ue narrowly linear, conspicuously stipitate, falcate-
curved, compressed parallel with the partition, two-celled ;
the flattish valves one-nerved in the middle and minutely
veiny; the delicate partition nerveless, composed of slender
longitudinal areolae of various outline, many of them bound-
ed by sinuous lines. Seeds very numerous, pendulous on
11 *
150 CRl < M'Ui.i.
fililbrm free funiculi, forming a single row in each cell, as
broad as the partition, oblaug, somewhat compressed, not
margined. Cotyledons narrowly oblong, thickish, plane,
sometimes parallel with the placenta and incumbent on the
ascending radicle, which rests on the middle of one of
them, or is exactly dorsal, sometimes oblique and at the
upper part parallel with the partition, so as there to be nearly
or quite accumbent.
Herbs, entirely glabrous, with annual fibrous roots, and
slender upright and branching stems, bearing numerous spat-
ulate-oblong or ovate-oblong entire leaves, which are nearly
sessile or partly clasping, and handsome rose-purple or white
flowers in abbreviated umbel-like racemes, the rachis of
which scarcely elongates in fruit ; the slender pods recurved-
spreading or pendulous. Bracts none.
Etymology. Dedicated by Nuttall to Mr. N. A. Ware, who collected
one species in Florida.
Geographical Distribution. A genus of two closely allied species of
Georgia and Florida, allied to Stanleya, and especially to Thelypodium, Endl.
(Pachypodiuin, Nutt.), with which, as our figures show, it frequently ac-
cords in having the cotyledons oblique, so as to become almost accumbent.
PLATE G6. Warea cuneifolia, Nutt.; — summit of a stem in flower
and in young fruit ; of the natural size. (Georgia, Dr. Wray.)
1. Diagram of a flower ; the petals convolute in aestivation.
2. ^Estivation of the corolla of a different flower ; one petal external.
3. A flower, enlarged.
4. A sepal, inside view ; and 5, a petal, enlarged.
6. Stamens, pistil, and receptacle, equally enlarged.
7. A silique, transversely divided above the base, with its stipe, torus, and
part of the pedicel ; enlarged.
8. Replum, from the base of the silique, enlarged ; the two lower seeds
cut across, showing the cotyledons accumbent at the section in the
lowest, and very oblique in the middle one.
9. Tissue from the edge of the partition, highly magnified.
10. A magnified seed thrice divided, to show the position of the radicle
and the cotyledons at various points ; namely, the radicle dorsal
where it joins the cotyledons, and rimal at the summit.
CRUCIFEIkE. 157
Plate 67.
SELENIA, Nutt.
Silicula ovalis, compressissima, vix stipitata, stylo longe
subulata j valvis fere planis septo lato (saspe incompleto)
parallelis. Semina plurima, plana, alata, funiculis filiformi-
bus liberis. Cotyledones plana? accumbentes ; radicula
brevi placentas remota. — Flores flavi, in racemis folioso-
bracteatis ; foliis pinnatifidis.
Selenia, Nutt. in Jour. Acad. Philad. 5. p. 132. I. 6. Torr. & Gray, Fl.
N. Am. 1. p. 99. End!. Gen. -1^4.
Calyx nearly equal at the base, colored (yellow); the
sepals loose or spreading, oblong-linear. Petals spatulate,
spreading, tapering into a claw nearly as long as the calyx.
Stamens shorter than the petals : filaments filiform, tooth-
less : anthers oblong, emarginate at both ends. Glands
10, yellow, of which 8 form an outer series, one before each
sepal and petal, and two thicker ones stand one before each
of the shorter stamens (opposite the valves of the pod).
Ovary oblong, turgid, contracted at the base but scarcely
stipitate, two-celled, or only one-celled, the partition being
imperfect : style filiform, much longer than the ovary :
stigma depressed-capitate, entire. Ovules several (6 to 10)
on each placenta, horizontal, on long and filiform free fu-
niculi, forming two rows in each cell.
Silicle broadly oval, much compressed parallel with the
very broad partition, slightly margined, abruptly subulate
with the long persistent style, contracted into a slightly
stipitiform base ; the valves membranaceous, flattened, or
when young slightly turgid, minutely veiny, nerveless ; the
broad partition very thin, complete or fenestrate, sometimes
reduced to a mere border not wider than the filiform or ca-
pillary free funiculi ; the areola: irregular and bounded by
158 CRUC1FER.-E.
nearly even lines. Seeds 4 to 8 on each placenta, horizon-
tal, or toward the summit pendulous, forming two rows in
each cell, orbicular, flat, surrounded by a firm and rather
broad wing, the cavity extended into a kind of pouch or
CEecum next the hilum on the lower or placental side, into
which the embryo does not extend. Cotyledons orbicular,
flat, parallel with the partition, accumbent against the radi-
cle, which is very short and ascending, or nearly horizon-
tal, on the side remote from the placenta.
Herb annual or biennial, low, smooth, branching from the
base, leafy, terminated by racemes of pretty large, yellow
flowers ; the leaves runcinate-pinnatifid : the filiform pedicels
subtended by foliaceous bracts like the leaves.
Etymology. From o-(\i)vr), the moon ; a name chosen to express the near
relationship of the genus to Lunaria.
Geographical Distribution. Only one species is known (unless the
form with the partition obsolete should prove distinct), which grows in damp
prairies of Arkansas and the adjacent part of Texas.
Note. The areolae of the partition are said to be linear and transverse
by Torrey, in Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. New York, 3. p. 94, and in the Flora of
North America, 1. c. (which would lie like those of Lunaria rediviva) ; but
in our specimens, which, however, all belong to the variety with an incom-
plete partition to the pod, they are seldom more than oblong, and in great
part oblique or vertical, as represented at fig. 7. The singular pouch just
below the hilum gives to the seed so exactly the appearance of being resu-
pinate, as in Cremolobus, that it was thus described in the Flora of North
America, 1. c, and a distinct tribe accordingly established for its reception.
But the radicle lies on the other side, as shown in our analyses ; and the
genus therefore belongs to Alyssinese, next to Lunaria.
PLATE 67. Selenia aurea, Nutt.; — var. with the partition of the pod
incomplete, natural size ; from Arkansas, Dr. Leavenworth.
1. A sepal ; and 2, a petal, enlarged.
3. Stamens and pistil, enlarged.
4. Pistil, more magnified (the glands not well represented).
5. Silicle, of the natural size, transversely divided.
6. The replum and seeds, enlarged.
7. Tissue from the imperfect partition, highly magnified.
8. A seed, enlarged.
9. Same, with the integuments cut away to show the embryo in place.
10. An enlarged seed, transversely divided.
11. The embryo detached entire, enlarged.
cruc1fer.e 159
Plate 68, 69.
DRABA, L.
Silicula oblonga v. ovalis, plano-compressa, polysperma,
valvis septo lato parallelis complanatis. Semina compressi-
uscula immarginata. Cotyledones plana? accumbentes. Fi-
lamenta edentula, seepius complanata.
Draba, Linn. Gen. 800. (excl. spec.) Schkuhr, Handb. t. 179. R. Br.
in Ait. Kew. ed. 2. 4. p. 91. Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 103.
Draba <& Erophila, DC. Syst. 2. p. 331, 356. (excl. spec.) C. A. Mey-
er, in Ledeb. Fl. Alt. 3. p. 69. Endl. Gen. 4880, 4881.
Whitlow-Grass.
Calyx equal at the base •; the sepals erect or a little
spreading. Petals somewhat unguiculate ; the lamina di-
lated, entire, emarginate, or (in Sect. Erophila) two-lobed.
Stamens moderately tetradynamous : filaments mostly flat-
tened and more or less dilated towards the base, not toothed
nor with membranaceous appendages : anthers roundish or
oval. Ovary two-celled : style short or elongated : stigma
capitate or depressed, usually entire. Ovules 6 to 30 in
each cell in two series.
Silicle varying from oval to linear-oblong, not stipitate,
sometimes twisted, compressed parallel to the broad and
mostly 1 - 2-nerved partition ; the valves flat with incurved
edges, one-nerved, or sometimes three-nerved, and minutely
veiny (areola? of the partition much as in Arabis). Seeds
6 to 30 in each cell, pendulous in two rows, on slender free
funiculi, oval or oblong, more or less compressed, not mar-
gined, smooth. Cotyledons parallel with the partition,
oval, rather thick, accumbent ; the radicle ascending on
the side remote from the placenta.
Herbs low, of various aspect, with entire or toothed
leaves, the radical mostly rosulate, the cauline when present
sessile. Flowers yellow or white, in ebracteate racemes.
160 CRUCIFER.&.
Etymology. Name from hpajin, acrid; in allusion to the pungent taste.
Geographical Distribution and Division. A genus of 70 or 80 de-
scribed species, the greater part natives of the colder, and especially of the
arctic and alpine, regions of the northern hemisphere. There are 22 South
American species, of which three belong to Patagonia and the Falkland Isl-
ands, and the rest to the Andes. The species (of which there are very few
in the United States) are grouped under several sections, and divided by De
Candolle into two genera, namely, —
§ 1. Draba, DC. — Petals entire or merely emarginate. Silicle ellipti-
cal, oblong, or linear.
§2. Erophiljj, .D C. — Petals 2-cleft. Silicle oval or elliptical.
PLATE 68. Draba arabisans, Michx. ; — specimen in fruit, of the nat-
ural size, from St. Lawrence county, New York.
1. A flower, enlarged.
2. A sepal ; and 3, a petal, more enlarged.
4. Stamens and pistil, enlarged.
5. A silicle, enlarged.
6. Portion of the replum, with the seeds, more enlarged.
7. Magnified seed, divided, to show the accumbent cotyledons.
PLATE 69. Draba (Erophila) vernta, Linn.; — of the natural size.
1. A magnified flower.
2. A sepal ; and 3, a petal, more magnified.
4. A stamen, equally magnified.
5. A magnified silicle, transversely divided.
6. The replum with the seeds, more magnified.
7. Tissue from the partition, highly magnified.
8. A magnified seed, divided, showing the accumbent cotyledons.
CRUCIFERiE. 1(31
Plate 70.
VESICARIA, Lam.
Silicula inflata, globosa ; valvis haemisphericis aut valde
convexis : septo lato orbiculari. Semina plura, funiculis basi
septo adnatis. Cotyledones planas accumbentes. Filamen-
ta edentula. — Herbae pilis stellatis plerumque canescentes.
Flores flavi.
Vesicaria, Lam. III. t. 550. R. Br. in Ait. Kcw. ed. 2. 4. p. 07. Desv.
in Jour. Bot. 3. p. 171. DC. Syst. 2. p. 205. Torr. & Gray, FI.
N. Am. 1. p. 101 (excl. § 3). Endl. Gen. 4869.
Alyssi Sp , Linn. Schkuhr, Handb. t. 181.
Calyx equal at the base ; the sepals loose, oblong. Pe-
tals obovate or cuneiform-spatulate, entire or barely emar-
ginate, more or less unguiculate, spreading, in aestivation
either entirely convolute, or one of them exterior. Fila-
ments filiform or subulate, toothless, commonly more or less
thickened at the base : anthers oblong. Glands (in V.
Engelmannii) two more or less united at the base of each
short stamen. Ovary globular or ovoid, usually raised on a
very short thick stipe : style filiform, elongated : stigma
capitate. Ovules numerous, horizontal or pendulous in two
rows in each cell ; the funiculi adnate more or less to the
partition.
Silicle globose-inflated, sessile on the receptacle, or some-
what stipitate : the valves hemispherical and membrana-
ceous, or strongly convex and nearly coriaceous, nerveless :
partition (rarely imperfect) broad, orbicular or broadly obo-
vate ; the areolae (in V. Engelm. ) oblong or linear, sinuous,
directed towards the axis. Seeds 4 to 12 in each cell, in
two rows, on filiform funiculi which are adnate to the parti-
tion for a part of their length, orbicular, compressed, often
margined. Cotyledons flat, parallel with the septum, ac-
cumbent : the radicle ascending on the side remote from
the placenta.
162 CRUC1FER.E.
Herbs low and spreading or tufted ; with entire or repand,
rarely pinnatifid, narrow leaves, usually canescent or hoary
with close stellate pubescence ; the showy yellow flowers in
ebracteate terminal racemes.
Etymology. Name from vesica, a bladder; in allusion to the inflated or
bladder-like silicles.
Geographical Distribution. A genus of a very few South European
species, of one subarctic American, and about a dozen other known species
(several of which are yet undescribed) belonging chiefly to the region be-
tween the Mississippi and the Rocky Mountains, the greater portion Texan
Only one species (V. Shortii, Torr. <Sf Gr.) is found east of the Mississippi.
Note. The section Physaria, Nutt. in Torr. Jir Gray, Fl. 1. c, found-
ed on V. didymoearpa, Hook., now confirmed by a second species (V. Gey-
eri, Hook.), must surely be raised to the rank of a genus, distinguished from
Vesicaria, and differing from the character of Alyssineae, by the strongly di-
dymous silicle with a narrow partition. (P. didymoearpa and P. Geyeri.)
PLATE 70. Vesicaria Engelmannii, n. sp. ; — a small specimen of the
natural size (the sinuate-toothed radical leaves wanting), from
Texas, Lindheimer.
1. Apex of a sepal, magnified, to show the stellate pubescence.
2. One of the stellate hairs, more magnified.
3. Diagram of the flower, in a cross section.
4. A flower, enlarged.
5. A sepal (inside view) ; and 6, a petal, more enlarged.
7. Stamens and pistil, enlarged. (In the living plant the filaments are
thicker at the base than is represented.)
8. A stamen (wanting the base of the filament), more enlarged.
9. Enlarged replum, with the style, &c, and one seed.
10. Tissue from the partition, highly magnified.
11. Transverse section of an enlarged silicle, and of the seeds.
12. A magnified seed.
13. Magnified embryo, detached entire.
crucifer^e. 163
Plate 71.
SUBULARIA, L.
Silicula globoso-ovalis, mutica, septo elliptico contrarie
compressiuscula ; valvis ventricosis. Semina plura. Coty-
ledones incumbentes, lineares, bicrures. — Herba parva, foliis
omnibus radicalibus elongato-subulatis cellulosis, scapo pau-
cifloro, floribus minimis albis.
Scbularia, Linn. Gen. 799. Fl. Dan. t 35. R. Br. in Ait. Kew. I. c.
p. 91. DC. Syst. 2. p. 697. Hook. Fl. Lond. 1. 135. C.A.Mey-
er, in Ledeb. Fl. Alt. 3. p. 218. Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1.
p. 113. • Endl. Gen. 4977.
Awlwort.
Calyx equal, spreading ; the sepals oval, caducous. Pe-
tals spatulate or narrowly oblong, entire, spreading, scarcely
exceeding the calyx, caducous. Stamens slightly but dis-
tinctly tetradynamous : filaments subulate, toothless: an-
thers roundish, somewhat cordate. Ovary globular, two-
celled, somewhat compressed contrary to the partition : style
none : stigma obscurely two-lobed. Ovules numerous,
forming two rows in each cell.
^ilicle somewhat pyriform-oval, turgid, slightly com-
pressed contrary to the elliptical nerveless partition, raised
at the base on a short or obscure stipe, abrupt at the point-
less apex, membranaceous ; the valves convex-ventricose,
1— 3-nerved: areolae of the partition oblong-linear, sinuous
or curved. Seeds elliptical, somewhat compressed parallel
with the partition, not margined, smooth, 4 to 6 in each
cell, pendulous on setaceous funiculi which are slightly
adnate to the partition at their base. Cotyledons linear,
thickish, parallel with the placentae, thrice the length of the
short ascending radicle against which they are incumbent
at their upper portion, their base forming half of the radicu-
lar (inner) side of the embryo; that is, the cotyledons are
104 CRUCIFEIUE.
transversely folded upon themselves, instead of being up-
wardly bent upon the radicle at their very base.
Herb small, aquatic, with a tuft of annual fibrous roots,
from which rise clustered terete and elongated-subulate
loosely cellular leaves, and naked scapes, bearing a raceme
of few and minute white flowers.
Etymology. Name formed from subula, an awl ; in allusion to the shape
of the leaves.
Geographical Distribution. A genus of a single species, indigenous
to the colder parts of the northern temperate zone, growing on the gravelly
margins of lakes and pools, where it is ordinarily covered with water. In
the United States this little plant has as yet heen detected only in the State
of Maine, where it was gathered long ago by Nuttall* and recently by Tuck-
erman and by Oakes. Probably it is not local, however, but has escaped
notice in the North from its size and the place of growth as much as from
its rarity.
PLATE 71. Subularia aqdatica, Linn. ; — in flower and fruit, of the
natural size ; from fresh specimens gathered in Maine and sent by
Mr. Oakes.
1. A magnified leaf, cut across at the base, to show the air-cells.
2. A flower, magnified.
3. A sepal ; and 4, a petal, more magnified.
5. A magnified stamen, back view ; and 6, inside view of the same.
7. Pistil, magnified.
8. A transverse section of the same, showing the ovules, &c. •
9. An ovule, much magnified.
10. A silicle, magnified.
1 1 . Same, dehiscent, showing the seeds.
12. A detached valve of the same, seen obliquely from the inside.
13. Replum and seeds, with the partition towards the eye ; magnified.
14. A seed, more magnified.
15. Same, showing two transverse sections of the embryo at different
heights.
Hi. Magnified embryo, detached entire.
CRUCIFERjE. 165
Plate 72.
SENEBIERA, Poir.
Silicula didyma, septo angustissimo contrarie compressi-
uscula, 2-locularis ; loculis indehiscentibus, reticulato-rugosis
vel cristatis, monospermis. Cotyledones incumbentes, line-
ares, bicrures. — Herbae multicaules ramosse, foliis incisis vel
1 - 2-pirmatifidis, floribus minimis albidis.
Senebiera, Poir. Diet. 7. p. 75. Pers. Syn. 2. p. 185. DC. Sysl. 2.
p. 521. Deless. Ic. 2. t. 71. Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p.
114. Endi. Gen. 4975.
Coronopus, Hall. Helv. 1. p. 217. Ga?rtn. Fr. t. 242. R. Br. in Ait.
Kew. I. c. p. 76. Nutt. Gen. 2. p. 64. non Tourn.
Cochlears & Lepidii Sp., Linn. Scbkuhr, Hanclb. t. 181.
Nasturtiolum & Carara, Medik. Gen. 1. p. 33. t. 1, 2.
Wart-Cress.
Caltx equal at the base, spreading ; the sepals oval, cadu-
cous. Petals small, spatulate or linear, or abortive. Sta-
mens 6 and tetradynamous, or 4 (the shorter abortive), or 2,
one opposite each placenta, that is, occupying the position of
the longer pairs : filaments subulate : anthers didymous.
Ovary globular, and compressed contrary to the narrow par-
tition : style none : stigma entire. Ovule single in each
cell, pendulous from near its summit.
Silicle strongly didymous, compressed contrary to the
very narrow partition, the closed valves or cells globular or
ovoid, indehiscent, nut-like, rugose-reticulated, or crested on
the hack, one-seeded. Seed suspended, obliquely obovate,
somewhat compressed contrary to the partition, smooth.
Cotyledons linear, thickish, bent transversely below the
middle, so that the upper part is incumberit against the as-
cending radicle.
Herbs with annual or biennial roots ; the stems branched
from the base, diffuse or decumbent, the leaves incisely ser-
rate, or 1 — 2-pinnately parted. Racemes opposite the leaves,
often abbreviated, ebracteate : the flowers minute, white.
I6(i CRUC1FEK.E
Etymology. Dedicated to Senebier, a well-known vegetable physiolo-
gist of the last century.
Geographical Distribution. A genus of a few, chiefly tropical spe-
cies : one, however, is a native of Europe, and is very sparingly introduced
into this country ; while another, which extends northward to Virginia, has
also been widely diffused over the Old World.
PLATE 72. Senebiera pinnatifida, DC; — a branch, natural size.
1. A flower, magnified. (Diandrous, the two stamens occupying the
place of the longer pairs : the two subulate bodies by the side of
each, resembling sterile filaments, from their position are probably
abortive petals.)
2. A magnified sepal, separate.
3. A stamen, more magnified, inside view.
4. Silicle, magnified.
5. Vertical section of the same, showing the seeds.
6. Tissue, from the partition, highly magnified.
7. Transverse section of a magnified seed near the lower end, dividing the
cotyledons twice.
8. Magnified embryo, detached entire.
(RUCIFEIMC. 167
Plate 73.
LEPIDIUM, L., R. Br.
Silicula ovalis v. obcordata, septo angustissimo contrarie
complanata ; loculis monosperrais, valvis navicularibus. Co-
tyledones planse, incumbentes, raro accumbentes. — Petala
equalia, interdum nulla.
Lepidium, R. Br. in Ait. Kevv. ed. 2. 4. p. 83. Gmrtn. Fr. t. 141.
Schkuhr, Handb. t. 180. DC. Syst. 2. p. 527. Deless. Ic. 2.
t. 72, 73. C. A. Meyer, in Ledeb. Fl. Alt. 3. p. 182. Torr. &
Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 115.
Lepidium & Nasturtium, Medik. Gen. 1. p. 80, 84.
Lepidii, Cochleari.e, & Thlaspeos Sp., Linn.
Lepidium & Cynocardamum, Webb & Bertliel. Fl. Canar. Endl. Gen.
4888, 4932.
Pepperwort. Peppergrass.
Calyx equal at the base ; the sepals spreading. Petals
equal, entire, spatulate or obovate. Stamens commonly 6
and slightly tetradynamous, rarely 4, or else only 2 (replac-
ing the longer pairs) : filaments subulate, toothless : an-
thers didymous or cordate. Ovary sessile on the recepta-
cle, globular, compressed contrary to the narrow partition,
two-celled, two-ovuled : style short or slender : stigma de-
pressed-capitate, usually entire. Ovule solitary in each cell,
pendulous from near the summit.
Silicle much flattened contrary to the very narrow parti-
tion, oval or orbicular and nearly entire or emarginate at the
apex, or obcordate, two-celled, two-seeded, two-valved ; the
valves laterally compressed, navicular-carinate, wingless, or
often winged at the apex : areolae of the partition (in L. Tir-
ginicum and L. ruderale) quadrate or roundish, irregular.
Seeds pendulous from near the summit of the cell, com-
pressed contrary to the partition, wingless, sometimes sur-
rounded by a narrow margin. Cotyledons plane, oblong-
linear, parallel with the partition and incumbent on the
Ids CRUCIFER.dE.
ascending radicle, or rarely (in Cynocardamum) broader,
contrary to the partition, and accumbent.
Herbs, rarely suffruticose ; with branching stems and
ebracteate racemes of very small white flowers, which are
sometimes apetalons. Leaves entire, toothed, incised, or
variously pinnately dissected ; the cauline sessile or clasping.
Etymology. From Xcrrihtov, a Utile scale, alluding- lo the small and flsft
scale-like pud.
Geographical Distribution, &c. A genus widely diffused over the
world, especially in the warmer portions of the northern temperate zone. In
the Old World the focus of the genus is in the eastern Mediterranean region :
in the New, in California. Within the proper United States, we have only
L. Virginicum, which is, perhaps, indigenous at the South, hut at the North
apparently naturalized, as it is in widely remote parts of the world ; and L.
ruderale, which is sparingly found on our northern frontier.
PLATE 73. Lepidium (Cynocardamum, Webb <-f- Berthel.) Virginicum,
Linn. ; — summit of a stem in flower and fruit.
1. A magnified flower (diandrous).
2. A petal, more magnified.
3. A stamen, equally magnified.
4. Pistil, magnified ; and 5, section of the same, showing the ovules,
(i. Silicle, enlarged, one valve separated.
7. Transverse section of the magnified seed, showing the accumhent co-
tyledons.
8. Enlarged silicle of Lepidium ruderale, Linn. ; from British America.
9. Same, with one valve separated.
10. Ti msvi i e section of the magnified seed, showing ll"' incumbent coty-
ledons.
crucifer.e. 169
Plate 74.
CAKILE, Tourn.
Silicula lomentacea biarticulata ; articulis crassis unilo-
cularibus monospermis ; semine loculi inferioris suspenso,
superioris erecto. Cotyledones planae (nunc oblique) accum-
bentes. — Herbae littorales, carnosas.
Cakile, Tourn. Inst. p. 49. t. 483. Adans. Fam. 2. p. 423. Gasrtn. Fr.
t. 141. R. Br. 1. c. (excl. spec.) DC. Syst. 2. p. 427. Deless.
Ic. 2. t. 57. Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 119. Endl. Gen.
4899.
Buniadis Sp., Linn. etc.
i Sea-Rocket.
Calyx nearly erect ; the sepals, especially the lateral,
somewhat gibbous at the base. Petals oblong-spatulate or
obovate, unguiculate, entire. Stamens moderately tetrady-
namous : filaments filiform or subulate, toothless. Ovary
oblong or linear, constricted below the middle into two su-
perposed uniovulate cells : stigma sessile, capitate. Ovules
of the two cells turned in opposite directions.
Silicle thick and fleshy and when dry corky in texture,
lomentaceous, two-jointed, the lower joint obovoid or turbi-
nate, truncately two-toothed at the junction with the upper
one, which is ovate and quadrangular when dry or ensiform ;
the joints one-celled, one-seeded. Seed erect from the base
of the upper cell, suspended from the summit of the lower
one, oblong or oval, somewhat compressed, marginless,
smooth. Cotyledons plane, thickish, accumbent ; the rad-
icle inferior in the upper seed and more or less oblique (or
even incumbent?), superior in the lower seed.
Herbs growing on the sea-coast, annual, smooth, with
much branched fleshy stems, and toothed or pinnatifid fleshy
leaves. Racemes terminal or opposite the leaves, ebracteate,
or leafy below ; the flowers white or purple.
12
170 CRUCIFER.E.
Etymology. An old Arabic name, of uncertain meaning.
Geographical Distribution. A genus of a few maritime plants, be-
longing to the Atlantic shores of the northern hemisphere. Our northern
species is also found along the Great Lakes. There is a second species on
our Southern coast.
PLATE 74. Cakile Americana, Nutt. ; — a branch in fruit and flower,
of the natural size ; from the shore of Massachusetts.
1. A flower, enlarged.
2. A sepal ; and 3, a petal, enlarged.
4. Stamens and pistil, enlarged.
5. Magnified pistil with the receptacle, seen edgewise.
6. The same, seen laterally.
7. Vertical section of the last, showing the cells and ovules.
8. Enlarged silicle, in a dry state, the joints separated.
9. Transverse section of the upper joint and seed.
10. Vertical section of a fresh pod, magnified, the two seeds transversely
divided, showing the cotyledons.
11. Enlarged seed, from the upper cell, entire.
12. The same, thrice divided, showing that the radicle is rather oblique.
Ord. CAPPARIDACEtE.
Herbas, vel in subtropicis arbores (succo aqueo acridi),
foliis alternis, stipulis nullis aut spinescentibus ; dicotyle-
doneae, poly-apetalas, hypogynas, hexa-polyandrae (nee tetra-
dynamas) ; floribus subregularibus ; ovario uniloculari mo-
nostylo; placentis parietalibus intervalvularibus 2 vel 4-10 ;
ovulis amphitropis seu campylotropis ; seminibus exalbumi-
nosis reniformibus vel conduplicatis ; cotyledonibus arcuato-
inenmbentibus seu convolutis.
Capparides, Juss. Gen. p. 242, & in Ann. Mus. 18. p. 474.
Capparidej;, Vent. Tab. 3. p. 118. DC. Prodi. 1. p. 237. R. Br. in
Denh. & Clapp. Voy. p. 220. Endl. Gen. p. 889.
Capparidacej:, Lindl. Introd. Nat. Syst. ed. 2. p. 61, & Veg. Kingd.
p. 357.
The Caper Family is nearly related to Cruciferse on the one hand, and
to Resedaceae on the other. It resembles the former in sensible qualities, as
well as in the usually cruciform flowers, and in the structure of the ovary
(of which even the spurious partition connecting the parietal placentae is
sometimes met with) ; and likewise in the dehiscence of the pod in all the
capsular genera, in which the two valves separate more or less completely
from the intervening filiform placenta;, just as in Fumariaceae. The sta-
mens, also, are commonly six in the Cleomete, that is, in all the capsular-
fruited Capparidaceae, but are not tetradynamous. In the Capparece, or
proper Caper Tribe, with baccate fruit, the stamens are often indefinite, and
the placentas sometimes several in number. Several genera of this tribe are
apetalous.
The pungency and stimulant qualities of the Caper Family are owing to
an acrid principle, much like that of Cruciferae, which gives the flavor to the
well-known condiment, the capers of commerce, which are the pickled flower-
buds of C'apparis spinosa. This pungent principle is often so concentrated
as to be dangerous; and is accompanied with other active, or even narcotic
qualities, which render many species more or less poisonous or medicinal.
Capparidaceae are chiefly found in the tropics, and the countries bordering
on them. The common Caper, however, inhabits the Furopean shore of
thi Mediterranean, and, in the New World, one or more West Indian spe-
12 •
172 CAPPARIDACIM..
cies of the genus have barely reached the eastern coast of the peninsula of
Florida, or the adjacent " Keys," which have a proper West Indian and
tropical vegetation. The few species of extra-tropical North America be-
long to four or five genera of the Tribe Cleomere, DC, and are all Southern
and Western, with the exception of Polanisia graveolens, which extends
northward and eastward to the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. Gynan-
dropsis pentaphylla has most probably been introduced by the negroes into
the Southern States ; so that the genus does not properly deserve a place
in this work.
Conspectus of the Genera of the United States.
C'leomella. (Plate 75.) Pod siliculaeform, rhomboidal, compressed
contrary to the placenta;, 4 - 6-seeded, stipitate on a very long gy-
nophore and a short torus. Petals nearly sessile, regular, entire.
Stamens 6.
Cleome. (Plate 76.) Pod siliqureform, several -many-seeded, long-
stipitate or sessile. Stamens 6, rarely 4, distinct and free on a glob-
ular or hemispherical torus. Petals entire.
(-'ristatella. (Plate 77.) Pod siliquaeform, many-seeded, stipitate on
a short gynophore. Torus minute, bearing a tubular gland as long
as the ovary, placed between it and the upper sepal. Petals unequal,
unguiculate, palmatifid. Stamens 6 - 14.
Gynandropsis. (Plate 78.) Pod siliquaeform, many-seeded, stipitate on
a prolonged gynophore, to which the filaments of the 6 stamens are
adnate as far as the middle. Petals long-unguiculate, undivided.
Polanisia. (Plate 79.) Pod siliquaeform, sessile or short-stipitate. Sta-
mens 8-32, unequal, free on a very short torus. Petals entire or
cmarginate, unguiculate.
capparidacejE. 173
Plate 75.
CLEOMELLA, DC.
Petala fere sessilia, asqualia. Stamina 6, toro brevi colum-
nari imposita. Capsula siliculasformis, longissime stipitata,
dilatato-rhomboidea, obcompressa ; valvis navicularibus cassi-
daeformibus. Semina 4-6, conduplicata. — Herba annua,
trifoliolata ; racemis virgatis foliosis ; floribus flavis.
Cleomella, DC. Prodr. 1. p. 237. Torr. in Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. New
York, 2. p. 157. Hook. Ic. PI. t. 28. Torr. & Gray, Fl. N.
Am. 1. p. 120. Endl. Gen. 4963.
Calyx small, a little spreading ; the sepals 4, distinct,
ovate-lanceolate, membranaceous, erose-serrate, imbricated in
early aestivation, deciduous. Petals 4, imbricated in aesti-
vation, equal or nearly so, spreading, oval or oblong, entire,
narrowed at the base but scarcely unguiculate, hypogynous
at the base of the torus, deciduous. Torus short-columnar,
rather shorter than the calyx, destitute of any glandular ap-
pendage. Stamens 6, equal, inserted on the summit of the
torus, longer than the petals, deciduous : filaments filiform,
free : anthers linear-oblong, fixed by the base, the cells in-
trorsely dehiscent longitudinally. Ovary ovoid, raised from
the centre of the truncate torus on a long filiform stipe (gy-
nophore), one-celled, with two parietal placentae (anterior
and posterior) : stigma nearly sessile, undivided, obtuse.
Ovules 2 or 4 upon each placenta, usually a single pair from
above the middle of each, nearly horizontal, amphitropous,
soon campy lotropous. •
Capsule silicle-like, dilated-rhomboidal, compressed ante-
riorly and posteriorly, that is, contrary to the deeply navicu-
lar or helmet-shaped valves, stipitate on a filiform gynophore
(of twice its length or more) which surmounts the oblong
columnar torus, strictly one-celled, two-valved ; the minutely
174 CAPPARIDACEiE.
reticulated valves separating from the filiform placenta?, which
persist as an elliptical replum. Seeds 2 or 3, usually a
single collateral pair, upon each placenta, pendulous on short
funiculi, conduplicate-campylotropous ; the crustaceous testa
minutely rugose. Albumen none. Embryo arcuate-condu-
plicate ; the thickened cotyledons incumhent upon the as-
cending radicle on the placental side.
Herb annual, glabrous, with a virgate stem, usually
branching above, bearing alternate and exstipulate trifoliolate
leaves on short petioles, and terminated by a leafy raceme
which is elongated in fruit. Leaflets linear, entire, slightly
petiolulate, the upper floral ones, or bracts, simple and sessile,
gradually reduced to about the length of the pedicel. Flow-
ers small, yellow.
Etymology. The name is a diminutive of Cleome.
Geographical Distribution. This very distinct genus was founded
on a single species, indigenous to Northern Mexico, Texas, and Western
Arkansas.
PLATE 75. Cleomella Mexicana, DC; — summit of a plant, of the
natural size, in fruit and flower ; from Texas, Lindheimer (PL
Lindheim. No. 10).
1. A flower, magnified.
2. A petal ; and 3, a sepal, more magnified.
4. Vertical section of a magnified flower, through the torus, cutting away
half the stamens, petals, and sepals.
5. Transverse section of a magnified ovary, showing the ovules.
6. A pod, enlarged, with its stipe, torus, and apex of the receptacle.
7. The replum of the same, with the funiculi of the seeds.
8. A seed, magnified.
9. Vertical section of the same, cutting through the embryo.
CAPPARIDACE.E. 175
Plate 76.
CLEOME, L., DC.
Petala subaequalia, integerrima. Stamina 6, raro 4, saapis-
sime inasqualia, declinata, toro brevissimo (nonnunquam
glandula appendiculata) imposita ; filamentis filiformibus.
Capsula siliquasformis.
Cleome, Linn. (excl. spec.) Schkuhr, Handb. t. 189. DC. Prodr. 1.
p. 233. Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 121. Endl. Gen. 4985.
Sinapistrcm, Mcench. Meth. p. 250.
Atalanta, Nutt. Gen. 2 p. 73. non Corr.
Peritoma, DC. Prodr. 1. p. 237. Nutt. in Jour. Acad. Philad. 7. p. 14.
Calyx four-cleft or four-parted, or the sepals nearly dis-
tinct, somewhat persistent or deciduous (in C. serrulata and
C. integrifolia usually separating round the base and at
length hanging loose on the pedicel of the fruit). Petals
4, hypogynous, equal or unequal, often turned to one side,
entire, unguiculate or nearly sessile, imbricatcd-convolute in
aestivation (as in Cruciferas), deciduous. Torus above the
petals short, usually globular or hemispherical, inappendicu-
late, or sometimes bearing a gland or glandular scale between
the pistil and the upper sepal. Stamens 6 (rarely 4), borne
on the summit of the torus, free and distinct : filaments
filiform, more or less declined, longer than the petals : an-
thers fixed by the base, the cells opening introrsely and
longitudinally. Ovary stipitate or nearly sessile, one-celled,
with two parietal (anterior and posterior) placenta? : style
short or none : stigma obtuse. Ovules numerous and usu-
ally in two series on each placenta, horizontal, amphitropous.
Capsule silique-shaped, linear or oblong, more or less
terete, often torulose, stipitate by the gynophore, or almost
sessile, one-celled, two-valved ; the membranaceous valves
separating from the replum formed of the persistent and fili-
form intervalvular placenta?. Seeds several or numerous on
170 CAPPARIDACE^E.
each placenta, pendulous on short funiculi, campylotropous,
reniform or conduplicate-incurved, exalbuminous. Embryo
conformed to the seed ; the cotyledons incumbently incurv-
ed upon the ascending radicle.
Herbs, rarely suffruticose, with alternate palmately 3 — 7-
foliolate or rarely simple leaves, without stipules ; and yel-
low, purple, or white flowers in terminal leafy racemes ; the
upper bracts simple.
Etymology. An early name, said to come from /cXa'u, to dose.
Geographical Distribution, &c. A somewhat polymorphous genus
of numerous species, belonging to the warmer parts of the world. One spe-
cies is found in Portugal, and two or three extend northward to about the
same latitude in North America west of the Mississippi.
Note. In C. integrifolia, a species scarcely distinct from C. serrulata
(the type of Atalanta, Null., or Peritoma, DC), of which I have no speci-
mens, the somewhat dilated summit of the torus is produced posteriorly into
a lanceolate and flat entire or 3-toothed appendage, which is longer than the
calyx ! Whether this, taken in connection with the separation of the mar-
cescent calyx from the base, will serve to characterize a section or subgenus,
I am unable to pronounce. In the place of this appendage, C. lutea, Hook.,
bears a short gland, like some other species.
PLATE 76. Cleome (Peritoma) integrifolia, Torr. <% Gray; — sum-
mit of flowering and fruiting plant ; from Upper Missouri.
1. A flower-bud, enlarged.
2. Diagram of the flower ; the posterior side (marked by the appendage
of the torus) turned to the right.
3. Calyx laid open and enlarged.
4. Vertical section of a flower, enlarged, passing through the appendage
of the torus.
5. This appendage, as seen from the inside, enlarged.
6. Placenta; and seeds, of the natural size.
7. A magnified seed.
8. Section of the same, displaying the embryo.
CAPPARIDACE.E. 177
Plate 77.
CRISTATELLA, Nutt.
Petala longe unguiculata, flabelliformia, dimorpha ; postica
eroso-fimbriata anticis palmatopartitis multo majora. Sta-
mina 6—14, declinata, toro piano, postice appendicem vagi-
nasformem ore trimcatam exserenti, inserta. Capsula, etc.,
ut Cleomes.
Cristatella, Nutt. in Jour. Acad. Pliilad. 7. p. 85. t. 11. Torr. &
Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 123.
Cvrbasidm, Endl. Gen. 4980.
Calyx herbaceous, of 4 lanceolate sepals a little united at
the base, deciduous. Petals 4, hypogynous, of two forms,
conspicuously unguiculate, dilated-cuneiform or flabelliform ;
the two posterior laciniate-fimbriate or incised at the dilated
summit ; the two anterior much smaller, with the lamina
palmately parted or dissected into 5 to 9 narrowly linear
lobes, which are emarginate or 2 - 3-cleft at the apex.
Torus between the petals and the stamens obsolete or mi-
nute, bearing, on the posterior side of the pistil, a conspicu-
ous and tubular sheath-like appendage as long as the anterior
petals, with a truncate or somewhat toothed open orifice at
the summit, and which in fruit persists at the base of the
stipe. Stamens 6 to 14, inserted with the petals or nearly
so, distinct : filaments filiform, unequal when more than
six, declined : anthers cordate or somewhat sagittate, fixed
by the base, apiculate ; the cells introrsely dehiscent. Ova-
ry oblong-linear or lanceolate, declined with the stamens,
more or less stipitate, one-celled with two parietal placenta? :
style filiform, short : stigma obtuse. Ovules very numer-
ous on each placenta.
Capsule silique-shaped, linear-lanceolate, nearly terete,
stipitate on a short gynophore, one-celled, two-valvcd ; the
valves membranaceous, reticulated, separating from the fili-
178 CAPPARIDACE.E.
form persistent placentae, as in Cleome. Seeds numerous
on both placentas, round-reniform, exalbuminous. Embryo
conformed to the seed : cotyledons short, incumbently in-
curved ; the radicle superior.
Herbs minutely viscid-glandular, with annual roots and
slender branching stems, bearing alternate and palmately tri-
foliolate leaves on short petioles, without stipules, and small
flowers (white or yellowish) in leafy racemes. Leaflets
linear, entire.
Etymology. The name is a diminutive of crista, a crest; in allusion to
the fringed petals.
Geographical Distribution, &c. A genus of two species (not yet
well discriminated), natives of Northern Texas and the adjacent parts of
Arkansas and Louisiana.
PLATE 77. Cristatella Jamesii, Torr. cj Gray; — the summit of a
flowering and fruiting plant, of the natural size ; from Texas, Mr.
Wright.
1. Calyx, laid open, enlarged.
2. An upper petal, magnified.
3. A lower petal, magnified.
4. A magnified flower, with part of the calyx and two petals, &c, cut
awav, displaying the singular appendage of the torus, &c.
5. A pod in dehiscence, showing the replum, &c, enlarged.
6. A seed, magnified.
7. Section of the same, and of the contained emhryo.
CAPPARIDACE.-E. 179
.Plate 78.
GYNANDROPSIS, DC.
Petala unguiculata, eestivatione imbricata vel (in Gymno-
gonia) aperta. Stamina 6, iilamentis ad medium usque gy-
nophori longissimi adnatis. Castera omnia Cleomes.
Gynandropsis, DC. Prodr. 1. p. 237. Wight & Am. Prodr. FI. Ind. Or.
1. p. 21. Deless. Ic. 3. t. 1. Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p.
121. Endl. Gen. 4984.
Cleomes Sp., Linn. etc.
Cleomes Sect. Gynandropsis & Gymnogonia, R. Br. in Denham &
Clapp. Nan*.
Calyx of 4 somewhat spreading sepals, deciduous. Pe-
tals 4, hypogynous, entire or minutely erose-crenulate, obo-
vate or roundish, on slender claws, nearly equal, imbricated
in aestivation, or else open from the first. Torus depressed-
hemispherical, the petals inserted around its base, the long
gynophore springing from its centre. Stamens 6 ; the fila-
ments monadelphous-adnate to the very long gynophore
for half its length or more, then free and distinct, filiform,
nearly equal : anthers oblong or linear, fixed near the base,
introrse, the cells opening longitudinally. Ovary, &C, as in
Cleome.
Capsule silique-shaped, linear, terete, ascending on a very
long stipe (gynophore) which is marked as if by an articu-
lation in the middle at the point from which the filaments
have fallen ; its structure, and also the seeds and embryo, as
in Cleome.
Herbs, either smooth or glandular, with alternate and
pahnately 3 - 7-foliolate leaves, and white or purplish flow-
ers in a leafv raceme.
Etymology. So named from the attachment of the stamens to the stalk
ut' the pistil, as if gynandrous,
180 CAPPARIDACE/E.
Geographical Distribution, &o. A genus of several tropical or sub-
tropical species, some of which belong to Equinoctial America (Gynan-
dropsis proper, R. Br.) and have the petals imbricated in aestivation ; while
the others, with the aestivation of the corolla open, as in Reseda, which form
the section or genus Gymnogonia, R. Br., are probably all exclusively na-
tives of the Old World, as Mr. Brown supposes. G. pentaphylla, therefore,
although spontaneous in the Southern United States, as in the West Indies,
was most likely introduced by the negroes, "who use it both as a potherb
and in medicine," and therefore should not have been included in this
work.
Note. Our figure, made from poor dried specimens, erroneously repre-
sents the flower-buds as if with closed petals, which is the case with tiie
truly indigenous American species only.
PLATE 78. Gynandropsis (Gymnogonia, R. Br.) pentaphylla, DC;
— from Georgia ; the summit of a stem in fruit and flower, of the
natural size.
1. A flower, enlarged.
2. Magnified vertical section through the torus, gynophore, and pistil.
3. A magnified seed.
4. Section of the same, and of the embryo.
CAPPARIDACE.E. 181
Plate 79.
POLANISIA, Raf.
Petala longe unguiculata, emarginata vel obcordata, con-
formia. Stamina 8 - 32, inaequalia ; filamentis filiformibus.
Torus depressus, postice glandulam truncatam gerens. Gy-
nophorum nullum aut brevissimum. Stylus filiformis. Cap-
sula siliquaeformis, turgida. — Folia trifoliolata.
Polanisia, Raf. in Jour. Phys. 89. (1819.) p. 98. DC. Prodr. 1. p. 242.
(excl. spec, gerontogeeis, ex not. R. Br.) Torr. & Gray, Fl. N.
Am. 1. p. 122,669.
Jacksonia, Raf. in New York Med. Rep. hex. 5. 2. p. 350.
Cleomes Sp., Michx., Pursh, etc.
Calyx of 4 herbaceous or purplish spreading sepals, im-
bricated in aestivation, deciduous. Petals hypogynous,
nearly equal, somewhat turned to the upper side, obcordate
or obovate and emarginate, on slender or filiform claws, im-
bricated in aestivation, deciduous. Torus inconspicuous,
convex, produced on the upper side into a thickened gland.
Stamens 9 to 32 (usually 12 to 24) : filaments filiform or
capillary, declined (purple), inserted on the depressed torus,
the anterior ones usually shorter : anthers oval, fixed by
the base ; the cells opening introrsely by a longitudinal line.
Ovary oblong, glandular-viscid, sessile or nearly so, one-
celled, with two parietal placentae : style filiform : stigma
depressed-capitate. Ovules very numerous, in two series
upon each placenta, horizontal, amphitropous.
Capsule silique-shaped, linear-oblong, turgid, nearly terete,
sessile or very short-stipitate, two-valved; the reticulated-
veiny valves separating from the filiform placentae ; the style
deciduous. Seeds numerous, reniform-conduplicate, exal-
buminous. Embryo conformed to the seed : cotyledons
incumbently incurved upon the ascending radicle.
Herbs annual, viscid-glandular with a heavy odor, leafy ;
182 < A1TAK1DACE.E.
(lie leaves trifoliolate and petioled, or the upper floral simple.
Flowers in a terminal leafy raceme.
Etymology. Name formed of 7toXijj, many, and aviaus, unequal; from
the number and inequality of the stamens.
Geographical Distribution, &c. The genuine species of the genus,
founded by Rafinesque on Cleome dodecandra, Michx., belong to the warmer
parts of North America, of which P. graveolens alone is diffused northward
to the Great Lakes. — The species chosen for illustration is the P. trachy-
sperma, Torr. <5r Gray, 1. c. ; but the verrucose-rougheued surface of the
seeds, from which the name was taken, is not constant, and is sometimes
found in P. graveolens ; the flowers, also, vary greatly in size. The species,
however, is perfectly distinguished from P. graveolens, by the long style,
the more exserted stamens, and the entire absence of a stipe to the ovary
and pod. It would appear to accord very well with P. uniglandulosa, ex-
cept that the flowers are only one fourth the size of those delineated in the
original figure of that species by Cavanilles.
PLATE 79. Polanisia trachy'sperma, Torr. cj- Gr. ; — summit of a
specimen in flower and fruit, of the natural size, raised in the
Cambridge Botanic Garden from Texan seeds, sent by Lindheimer.
1. A flower, enlarged.
2. Vertical section of a flower, more enlarged, through the ovary, &c.
3. Transverse section of an ovary, magnified.
4. An ovule, more magnified.
5. A magnified seed (almost smooth).
6. Section of the same, and of the contained embryo.
Ord. VIOLACEiE.
Herbee (v. in tropicis frutices), foliis stipulatis vernatione
involutis : dicotyledoneae, hypogynas, symmetrica? ; sepalis
cum petalis et staminibus pi. m. irregularibus 5 ; sestivatione
imbricativa ; filamentis brevissimis membranaceo-dilatatis
(antheris introrsum adnatis) circa ovarium uniloculare multi-
ovtdatum conniventibus ; placentis 3 parietalibus ; stylo uni-
co ; ovulis anatropis ; capsula loculicide trivalvi ; embryone
recto axili albumine carnoso vix breviori, cotyledonibus planis.
Violaries:, DC. FI. Fr. 4. p. 801, & Prodr. 1. p. 287. Endl. Gen. p. 908.
VioLACEi, Juss. in Ann. Mus 18. p. 47G. Lindl. Introd. ed. 2. p. 146.
The Violet Family is represented in temperate regions, especially in
the northern hemisphere, by the genus Viola alone, or in the New World
by one or two other herbaceous plants, with similar irregular flowers. But
within the tropics there are several genera of shrubs, or even trees, widely
different in aspect from Violets, some of which have perfectly regular flow-
ers. In all, the flower is symmetrical and pentamerous throughout, except
as to the pistil, which is only tricarpellary, as is shown by the three parie-
tal placentae and the 3-valved capsule. The consolidated style, the stipules,
the vernation of the leaves (which are involute or rolled up from their edges
inward, instead of from the apex downward), the anthers introrsely adnate
to the inner face of dilated membranous filaments, and the large embryo, as
well as the prevalent irregularity of the flowers, distinguish the Violet Fam-
ily from Droseraceae, the order which it most resembles in character.
The spurred or saccate and larger petal is said to be the upper one, and
to become the lower by the resupination of the flower ; but we do not find
this to be the case in the Violet. In the Pansy, for instance, it is easy in
see that the odd petal is anterior, even while the flower-bud is still sessile or
nearly so. The aestivation of the corolla is not convolute, as generally de-
scribed, hut truly irnbricative.
An active and emetic or purgative principle pervades the Violet Family,
and is chiefly contained in the roots. This principle, called violine, nearly
resembles emetine in its properties ; and the roots of several species of Ioni-
dium are used in place of those of the true Ipecacuanha. Many South
184 VIOLACEiE.
American species are employed medicinally, or as antidotes to the bites of
venomous serpents.
Besides the typical genus, we have one or two species of lonidium indi-
genous to the southwestern borders of the United States, and in the North
the single species of Solea.
violace.e. 185
Plate 80.
VIOLA, Tourn.
Sepala subaequalia, basi producta soluta. Petala inaequa-
lia, anticum basi saccatum seu calcaratum. Stamina coarc-
tata, 2 anticis dorso calcaratis. — Herba? caulescentes vel
acaulescentes, pedunculis solitariis unifloris.
Viola, Tourn. Inst. p. 419. t. 236. Linn. Gen. 1007. (excl. spec.) Juss.
Gen. p. 294. Gaertn. Fr. t. 112. Schkuhr, Handb. t. 269.
Ging. in DC. Prodr. 1. p. 291, & in Mem. Soc. Genev. 2. p. 1.
Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 136. Endl. Gen. 5040.
Violet. Pansy.
Calyx herbaceous, persistent ; the sepals 5, scarcely une-
qual, distinct or nearly so, produced below the insertion into
a free appendage, imbricated in aestivation, the odd one su-
perior. Petals 5, hypogynous, alternate with the sepals,
unequal, imbricated (and a little twisted, but not convolute)
in aestivation, one of the two upper and usually smaller ones
exterior, the lower one interior and larger than the others,
saccate or spurred at the base, marcescent or deciduous.
Stamens 5, hypogynous on an annular or concave torus,
alternate with the petals : proper filaments very short or
obsolete ; the connective dilated, membranaceous, and pro-
duced above the anther into a wing-like triangular or ovate
apical appendage, the five connivent or more or less coherent
over the pistil which they inclose ; the two anterior produced
from the back into spur-shaped appendages which are receiv-
ed into the spur or sac of the anterior petal : anthers adnate
to the inner face of the broad connective, two-celled ; the
cells divergent at the base, opening by a longitudinal in-
trorse line. Ovary sessile, ovoid-three-sided, one-celled with
three strictly parietal placenta? : style terminal, clavate or
subulate, various in form, persistent : stigma various, often
13
186 violace^:.
turned to one side. Ovules numerous, horizontal, in two
or more series upon each placenta, anatropous.
Capsule crustaceous or chartaceous, one-celled, many-
seeded, three-valved, loculicidal ; the valves bearing the
nerviform placenta? on their middle, conduplicate as they
dry, so as to project the seeds elastically when they close.
Seeds globular or obovoid, indefinite, with a smooth crusta-
ceous testa, marked with a distinct raphe and an orbicular
impressed chalaza, often carunculate at the hilum. Albu-
men fleshy. Embryo straight, in the axis and occupying
almost the whole length of the albumen : radicle cylindri-
cal, next the hilum : cotyledons oval, flat, parallel with the
raphe, foliaceous in germination.
Herbs either caulescent with annual roots or perennial
rootstocks, or acaulescent from scaly-toothed rootstocks ;
the leaves petioled, involute in vernation, alternate ; the
stipules foliaceous, persistent. Peduncles or scapes axillary
and solitary, bibracteolate, incurved at the apex, one-flower-
ed. Many produce apetalous or cryptopetalous and fertile
radical flowers durinsr the summer.
Etymology. The ancient Latin name of the Violet, of obscure origin.
Geographical Distribution, &c. A large genus, belonging chiefly to
temperate regions, and principally to the northern hemisphere. There are
over twenty species indigenous to the United States proper.
Properties as in the order generally. Some are highly prized for their
beauty or their unequalled fragrance.
PLATE 80. Viola sagittata, Ait. ; — of the natural size, in flower.
1. Diagram of the flower in a transverse section.
2. The petals, displayed.
3. Section of a flower through the ovary, enlarged.
4. Stamens in place, but separated, and pistil ; enlarged.
5. Inside view of one of the upper stamens.
6. Outside, and 7, inside view of one of the lower (spurred) stamens.
8. Magnified pistil ; the ovary transversely divided.
9. An ovule, more magnified.
10. Pod, with the calyx, enlarged ; 11, same, dehiscent. •
12. A seed, more enlarged ; and 13, same, vertically divided.
14. Embryo detached, turned flatwise, and more magnified.
V10LACE.E. 187
Plate 81.
SOLEA, Ging.
Sepala asqualia, basi non producta. Petala fere aequi-
longa ; anticum basi gibboso-saccatum apice bilobum ; cae-
tera consimilia. Stamina arete connata, synemate antice
uniglanduloso. — Herba caulescens, foliis alternis, floribus
parvulis, pedicellis 2 — 3 in axillis fasciculatis.
Solea, Gingins in DC. Prodr. 1. p. 306, & in Mem. Soc. Genev. 1. c. t. 2.
(vix Spreng.) Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 144. Meisn.
Gen. p. 20.
VioLa: Sp., Forst. Nutt etc.
Hybanthus Sp., Spreng. Syst. Veg. 1. p. 805, & Gen. 966.
Ionidii Sp., Roem. & Schult. 5. p. 401. Endl. Gen. 5041.
Calyx of 5 linear and equal sepals, spreading, not pro-
duced at the base, nearly as long as the corolla, persistent.
Petals hypogynous, nearly equal in length, erect, with their
tips barely spreading ; imbricated (as in Viola) in aestivation,
marcescent ; the upper and lateral ones alike, narrowly ob-
long, emarginate ; the lower one much larger, saccate at the
base, dilated upwards, obcordate or emarginate-two-lobed at
the apex. Stamens 5, perfectly syngenesious ; the fila-
ments proper nearly none ; the connectives membranaceous
and dilated as in Viola, but firmly and permanently united
by their edges into a sheath (their tips alone becoming free)
which incloses the pistil, and bears a single rounded or two-
lobed gland on the anterior side next the base^ anthers ad-
nate to the inner face, two-celled ; the cells contiguous and
parallel, opening introrsely by a longitudinal line. Ovary,
&c, as in Viola, but with only 3 or 4 ovules on each pla-
centa : style clavate, gibbous and hooked at the apex, the
terminal stigma turned to the lower side, simple, perforate.
Capsule obovoid, obscurely three-lobed, crustaceous, one-
celled, three-valved, the valves bearing the 2 - 4-seeded pla-
13*
1S8 VIOLACE
centas in the middle, conduplicate-infolded and closing firmly
after dehiscence, so as forcibly to project the seeds. Seeds
large, obovoid-globose, horizontal, conspicuously carunculate
at the hilum, anatropous ; the crustaceous testa smooth,
marked with a distinct raphe and a large orbicular chalaza.
Albumen fleshy. Embryo straight, in the axis and nearly
the length of the albumen : radicle next the hilum, very
short : cotyledons almost orbicular, subcordate, flat and
thin, occupying nearly the whole breadth of the albumen.
Herb pubescent, with a perennial root, and elongated
leafy stems ; the leaves alternate, oblong, conspicuously
acuminate at both ends, entire, short-petioled ; the stipules
linear-subulate, deciduous. Peduncles axillary, short, re-
curved, one-flowered, usually two or three from the same
axils, ebracteolate, articulated near the middle. Flower
small, greenish-white.
Etymology. Dedicated to W. Sole, a German botanist.
Geographical Distribution. A genus of a single species, indigenous
to the Northern and Middle United States. (The original Solea of Sprengel
seems to be equivalent to Ionidium.)
PLATE 81. Solea concolor, Ging.; — summit of a flowering plant of
the natural size. (Cambridge Botanic Garden.)
1 . 1 tiagram of the flower.
2. A flower, enlarged.
3. Sepals and petals, displayed.
4. Stamens inclosing the pistil, showing the gland, enlarged.
5: The two lower stamens of the same, separated, with the gland.
6. The same, inside view, showing the two anthers.
7. Magnified pistil ; the ovary transversely divided.
8. An ovule, more magnified.
9. Capsule, of the natural size.
10. The same, dehiscent, showing the seeds.
11. The same, with the valves conduplicate-closed, and the seeds discharged.
12. A seed enlarged, side view.
13. A vertical, and 14, a transverse section of the same.
15. Embryo detached, and placed flatwise, enlarged.
VIOLACE/E. 189
Plate 82.
IONIDIUM, Vent.
Sepala pi. m. inaequalia, basi exappendiculata. Petala
valde inaequalia ; postica 2 breviora ; anticum maximum,
unguiculatum, ungue dilatato breviter gibboso vel concavo.
Stamina conniventia, anticis singulis dorso glandula instruc-
tis. — Herbas vel smTrutices, foliis alternis aut oppositis, pe-
dunculis axillaribus solitariis.
Ionididm, Venten. Hort. Malm. t. 27. DC. Prodr. 1. p. 306. H. B. K.
Nov. Gen. 5. p. 373. t. 495-500. St. Hil. Fl. Bras. 2. p. 141.
Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 144. Wight, III. Ind. But. t. 19.
Endl. Gen. 5041 (ex parte).
Solea, Spreng. Pugill. p. 23, & Syst. Veg. 1. p. 803.
Calyx imbricated in asstivation, persistent ; the sepals
more or less unequal, herbaceous and usually with mem-
branaceous margins, not produced at the base, nearly dis-
tinct. Petals very unequal : the two posterior shorter than
the lateral ones ; the anterior, longest and largest, labelliform,
contracted below the roundish lamina into a claw, which is
dilated at the base and barely concave or gibbous ; in aesti-
vation imbricated as in Viola, marcescent. Stamens as in
Viola (connivent, but not connate?), except that the two
anterior each bear a gland at the base, instead of a spur.
Ovary globular, one-celled, with three parietal placentas :
style clavate, the stigmatic apex recurved. Ovules several
on each placenta in two series, horizontal, anatropous.
Capsule chartaceous or coriaceous, pointed with the per-
sistent style, one-celled, three-valved, the valves bearing
the nerviform few - several-seeded placenta? on the middle.
Seeds and Embryo as in Viola.
Herbs or suffruticose plants (rarely shrubs), with branch-
ing stems, bearing linear or oblong and alternate or opposite
often sessile leaves, and axillarv and solitarv nodding flow-
100 VIOLACEjE.
ers. Stipules often deciduous. Peduncle articulated and
bibracteolate.
Etymology. Name from ton, a violet, and eiSos, appearance.
Geographical Distribution. Chiefly intertropical both in the New and
the Old World. In this country one or two species are found as far north
as Texas and Arkansas.
Properties. The roots of numerous species are used medicinally and
highly valued in South America, chiefly as emetics. They are known in
commerce under the name of While Ipecacuanha; and possess the same
properties as the real Ipecacuanha, which they are likewise said closely to
resemble in the chemical constitution of their active principles. The roots
of our own species doubtless possess the same properties, and might be turn-
ed to important account.
PLATE 82. Ionioium lineare, Torr.; — from Texas, Mr. Wright.
1. Diagram of the flower.
2. A flower, with its peduncle, enlarged.
3. A sepal, enlarged.
4. The petals displayed, enlarged.
5. The stamens surrounding the pistil, enlarged.
6. Inside view of an enlarged stamen, showing the anther.
7. The pistil and receptacle, enlarged.
8. A dehiscent pod, and seeds, magnified.
9. A seed, more magnified.
Ord. DROSERACEtE.
Herbas saspius glanduliferas, vix stipulate, vernatione cir-
cinata? : dicotyledoneae, hypogyna?, pentamera?, symmetrica^
et regulares ; staminibus discretis petalis marcescenti-persis-
tentibus numero asqualia (5), nunc dupla v. tripla, antheris
extrorsis ; ovario uniloculari, placentis 3 seu 5 parietalibus,
raro basilaribus ; stylis discretis vel in unicum connatis ;
ovulis indennitis anatropis ; capsula loculicide 3 - 5-valvi ;
embryone in basi albuminis carnosi brevissimo.
DroserejE, Salisb. Parad. Lond. p. 95.
Droseraces:, DC. Theor. Elem. p. 214, & Piodr. 1. p. 317. Lindl.
Introd. Nat. Syst. ed. 2. p. 66. Endl. Gen. p. 906.
The Sundew Family is most nearly related to Violaceae on the one hand
and to Cistaceae on the other ; from both of which it is distinguished by its
minute embryo, extrorse anthers, the usually distinct or divided styles,
the circinate vernation (the inflorescence as well as the leaves being rolled
up from the apex towards the base in the bud), and a peculiar habit. The
leaves in most plants of the order are beset with stalked glands, which se-
crete a clear, viscid fluid, and give the plant the appearance of being cover-
ed with dew-drops ; whence the popular name of Sundew, as well as the
scientific name of Drosera. Some of the bristly hairs of the common Sun-
dew are irritable to the touch ; and this is more strikingly the ease in a
New Holland species, in which the glandular fringes of the leaves are said
to close upon flies and other insects that happen to alight upon them. This
peculiarity is carried to its maximum in Dionsea, the Venus's Fy-trap, of
North Carolina, in which the blade of the leaf closes suddenly, so as to im-
prison insects which attempt to traverse its upper surface.
The family comprises seven genera, namely, Drosera, which is cosmop-
olite and embraces much the larger part of the species ; Sondera, a New
Holland genus recently established by Dr. Lehmann, which is remarkable
for its octamerous flowers ; and Drosop/ii/llum of the sands of Portugal,
Aldrovanda, a floating aquatic of the Soutli of Europe, Roridula of the
Cape of Good Hope, Bybhs of New Holland, and Diontca of the savannas
of l !arolina, — each of a single species.
192 DROSERACE.E
Little is known of their sensible qualities. The Sundews are somewhat
acrid or acid and hitter, and have the reputation of being poisonous to sheep.
They impart a deep purple stain to paper in the herbarium ; and it is thought
they may afford a valuable dye.
Parnassia, which has long been dubiously appended to this family, from
which it differs by its introrse anthers as well as the exalbuminous seeds,
should doubtless, for the present, rather be appended to Hypericaceae, to
which Don, and subsequently Lindley, have referred it. The latter, indeed,
has inserted a proviso, that if " the seeds of Parnassia were really parietal,
as they are described to be, that would be a reason for removing it to some
other place," * — and he proceeds to maintain that the placenta? in this case
and in Hypericum are truly axih ! But how the placentation differs from
that of Cistaceae and Violaceae, which are allowed to have truly parietal pla-
centae, we are not informed.
* f'rget. Kingd. p. 406.
droseracejE. 193
Plate 83.
DROSERA, L.
Stamina 5, petalis alterna. Styli 3 vel 5, saepius (in Bor.-
Americanis) bipartita. Capsula unilocularis, 3 - 5-valvis, pla-
centis totidem parietalibus polyspermis. — Herb^e paludosae,
vernatione circinatae, foliis ciliis glanduliferis rubidis ornatis.
Dkosera, Linn. Gen. 391. Lam. 111. I. 220. Gtsrln. Fr. t. 61. Schkuhr,
Handb. t. 87. Hook. Fl. Lond. t. 188, 189. DC. Prodr. 1. p.
317. Wight, 111. Ind. Bot. t. 20. Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1.
p. 145. Endl. Gen. 5033. Torr. Fl. New York, 1. p. 81. t. 10.
Rorella, Rupp. Fl. Jen. 1. p. 102.
Ros-soi.is, Tourn. Inst. p. 245. t. 127.
Sundew.
Calyx herbaceous, of 5 sepals more or less united at the
base, quincuncially imbricated in aestivation, persistent. Pe-
tals 5, hypogynous, obovate or cuneiform, convolute-imbri-
cated or entirely convolute in aestivation (imbricated, Endl.,
etc.), marcescent-persistent. Stamens 5, hypogynous, alter-
nate with the petals : filaments filiform or subulate, per-
sistent : anthers extrorse, immovable, two-celled ; the cells
often somewhat separated, opening externally by a longitu-
dinal line : poLLEN-grains united in fours. Ovary globular,
one-celled : styles 3 or 5, alternate with as many parietal
placentae, simple, penicillate-multifid, or more commonly
two-parted, with linear or clavate divisions stigmatose on
the inner side. Ovules numerous, in two or more series
occupying the whole length of the parietal placentae, hori-
zontal, anatropous.
Capsule partly covered by the persistent calyx, one-cell-
ed, loculicidally 3 - 5-valved ; the valves bearing the nervi-
form many-seeded placentae on their middle for their whole
length. Seeds scobifonn, the loose and cellular testa very
much larger than thp nucleus, or oblong with the cnista-
194 DROSERACE^E.
ceous and rough or pitted testa conformed to the, nucleus.
Embryo very short or minute next the hilum, immersed in
or at the extremity of the fleshy albumen.
Herbs growing in bogs, generally of a reddish tinge, the
foliage beset with viscid stalked glands ; acaulescent and
scapigerous, with the leaves rosulate from fibrous roots or a
slender rhizoma, or caulescent (often from a bulb) with al-
ternate leaves and terminal peduncles ; the racemiform and
unilateral inflorescence and the leaves coiled or rolled up
from the apex to the base, in the manner of Ferns. Flow-
ers white, purple, or rose-color, expanding successively only
in sunshine and for a single day. Stipules usually obsolete
or reduced to bristles. Bracts commonly obsolete or decid-
uous.
Etymology. Name from Spocrepos, dewy ; the glands exuding a clear
fluid, which, in the morning sun, gives the plant the appearance of being
covered with dew-drops.
Geographical Distribution. The Sundews inhabit bogs or wet sands
in both temperate zones ; but are far more numerous in New Holland.
Those of the northern hemisphere are all acaulescent, with naked scapes.
Note. The scorpioid inflorescence is not a true raceme, but a reduced
unilateral cyme, as in Sedum ; the pedicels not arising from the axil of the
bracts (as is incorrectly delineated in our figure), but laterally, or from the
opposite side. Hence the inflorescence sometimes forks, bearing the pri-
mary terminal flower in the bifurcation.
PLATE 83. Drosera filiformis, Rnf. ; — from specimens sent to the
Cambridge Botanic Garden from Plymouth, Massachusetts, by G.
Gilbert, Esq.
1. Diagram of the aestivation, &c.
2. An enlarged flower.
3. Outside, and 4, inside view of a magnified stamen.
5. Pistil, magnified, the ovary divided transversely, and the receptacle and
calyx vertically,
b'. Dehiscent capsule and seeds ; magnified.
7. A valve of the same, the seeds detached from the placenta.
8. A seed, much magnified.
9. Vertical section of the same through the raphe and minute embryo.
10. Embryo detached, and highly magnified.
droserace^e. 195
Plate 84, 85.
DION^EA, Ellis.
Petala 5. Stamina saspius 15. Stylus columnaris : stig-
mata 5, brevissima, lacerato-multifida. Capsula utriculata,
5-loba, imilocularis ; placenta basilari polysperma. — Herba
glaberrima acaulescens ; foliis radicalibus rosulato-patentibus,
petiolo dilatato spathulato ; lamina orbiculari utrinque emar-
ginata spinuloso-ciliata, vernatione conduplicata et supra
petiolum inflexa, irritabili, tactu cum impetu complicata !
Scapus nudus, floribus cymosis albis.
Dion.ea, Ellis, in Nov. Act. Ups. 1. p. 98. t. 8. Linn. Mant. p. 151.
Michi. Fl. 1. p. 267. Venten. Hort. Malm. t. 29. DC. Prodr.
1. p. 320. M. A. Curtis, in Bust. Jour. Nat. Hist. Soc. 1. p. 123.
Lindl. Ladies' Bot. 2. p. 87. t. 34, 35. Torr. & Gray, Fl. N.
Am. 1. p. 147. Endl. Gen. 5037.
Venns's Fly-trap.
Calyx herbaceous, of 5 oblong-ovate sepals, quincuncially
imbricated in aestivation, persistent and rerlexed in fruit.
Petals 5, hypogynous on the margin of the dilated recepta-
cle, alternate with the sepals, spreading, obovate-cuneiform,
emarginate or truncate and somewhat erose at the extremity,
veiny, marcescent-persistent. Stamens (10 to 20?) com-
monly 15, hypogynous within the petals, shorter than they :
filaments filiform, monadelphous at the very base, persist-
ent : anthers oblong, of two parallel cells without a mani-
fest connective, extrorse, attached to the filament by a
point above the base ; the cells opening longitudinally and
somewhat extrorsely. Pollen of pretty large grains (about
the »,',-, of an inch in diameter) composed of four united.
Ovary depressed-ovoid, sessile by a broad base, one-celled,
five-lobed, the lobes alternate with the petals : style colum-
nar, pretty large, undivided : stigmas 5, corresponding witli
190 droseracEjE.
the lobes of the ovary, short, erect or connivent, fimbriately
many-cleft. Ovules indefinite, anatropous, erect, sessile on
and uniformly covering the nearly flat basilar placenta which
occupies the whole bottom of the cell.
Capsule membranaceous, utricular, broadly ovoid, ruptur-
ing irregularly, or more or less distinctly five-valved, soon
decaying or falling away, all but the disk-like base, which
is thickened and persistent, forming a kind of border around
the flat and circular basilar placenta. Seeds indefinite, ob-
ovoid, smooth and shining (black), erect, uniformly covering
the placenta or whole bottom of the capsule ; their base
immersed in the fleshy scrobiculae of the placenta ; the crus-
taceous testa conformed to the nucleus ; the raphe salient :
inner integument fleshy. Embryo minute, occupying the
base of the fleshy albumen, conical ; the short radicle infe-
rior : cotyledons very thick.
Herb acaulescent, very smooth, with fibrous roots, and a
rosulate cluster of spreading yellowish-green leaves, which
consist of a spatulate-obovate foliaceous portion (the dilated
petiole) traversed by a strong midrib, and bearing at its apex
an orbicular herbaceo-coriaceous lamina which is emarginate
at both ends, fringed with a row of strong spinulose bristles
round the margin, traversed by the strong midrib, the two
sides conduplicate and the whole incurved on the petiole in
vernation ; the upper surface dotted with minute reddish
glands, and bearing two or three slender bristles on each side
of the midrib, in which the sensitiveness of the leaf chiefly
resides ; but which at length fall away from the old leaves.
The lobes or sides of the lamina are infolded at night, in re-
pose, but spread open in the day ; when if the midrib, or
especially the bristles of the upper surface, be roughly touch-
ed, or an insect alights there, the sides suddenly close with
considerable force and imprison the intruder, the marginal
fringes interlacing, like the fingers of the two hands clasped
together, or like the teeth of a steel trap. After contraction
the trap remains closed for a short time and then slowly
expands, ready to close again if newly irritated. But if it
be caused to make repeated efforts at short intervals, its
DROSERACE.E. 197
movements become languid, or the sensibility is altogether
exhausted, to be recovered only by a period of repose. The
scape, which is produced in April or May, is naked, simple,
or forked at the summit, bearing a small and umbel-like cyme
of pretty large greenish-white flowers. Bracts opposite, or
the lower scattered. Stipules none. (The foliage stains pa-
per with a brown -purple hue, much as does that of Drosera.)
Etymology. Name from Aiuivrj, the mother of Venus.
Geographical Distribution, &c. This truly wonderful plant abounds
in the savannas around Wilmington, North Carolina, and extends north-
ward as far as Newbern, and along the Cape Fear River nearly to Fayette-
ville. I extract, from an account published several years ago by my friend
the Rev. Mr. Curtis, who was long familiar with the plant in its native hab-
itat, the following particulars.
" Elliott says, on the authority of General Pinckney, that it grows along the
lower branches of the Santee in South Carolina. Dr. Bachman has received
it from Georgetown, South Carolina ; and Mr. Audubon informed me, with
the plant before us, that he has seen it in Florida, of enormous size [?]. I
think it not improbable, therefore, that it inhabits the savannas, more or
less abundantly, from the latter place to Newbern. It is found in great
abundance for many miles around Wilmington, in every direction. I ven-
ture a short notice of this interesting plant, as I am not aware that any pop-
ular description of it has been published in this country. The leaf, which is
the only curious part, springs from the root, spreading upon the ground, or
at a little elevation above it. It is composed of a petiole or stem with broad
margins, like the leaf of the orange-tree, two to four inches long, which at
the end suddenly expands into a thick and somewhat rigid leaf, the two
sides of which are semicircular, about two thirds of an inch across, and
fringed around their edges with somewhat rigid cilia; or long hairs like eye-
lashes. It is very aptly compared to two upper eyelids joined at their bases.
Each side of the leaf is a little concave on the inner side, where are placed
three delicate, hairlike organs, in such an order, that an insect can hardly
traverse it without interfering with one of them, when the two sides sudden-
ly collapse and inclose the prey with a force surpassing an insect"s efforts to
escape. The fringe or hairs of the opposite sides of the leaf interlace, like
the fingers of the two hands clasped together. The sensitiveness resides
only in these hairlike processes on the inside, as the leaf may be touched or
pressed in any other part without sensible effects. The little prisoner is
not crushed and suddenly destroyed, as is sometimes supposed, for I have
often liberated captive flies and spiders, which sped away as fast as fear or
joy could hasten them. At other times I have found them enveloped in a
fluid of a mucilaginous consistence, which seems to act as a solvent, the in-
sects being more or less consumed in it. This circumstance has suggested
198 DROSERACE.E.
the possibility of their being made subservient to the nourishment of the
plant, through an apparatus of absorbent vessels in the leaves. But as I
have not examined sufficiently to pronounce on the universality of this result,
it will require further observation and experiment on the spot to ascertain
its nature and importance. It is not to be supposed, however, that such
food is necessary to the existence of the plant, but, like compost, may in-
crease its growth and vigor. But however obscure and uncertain may be
the final purpose of such a singular organization, if it were a problem to con-
struct a plant with reference to entrapping insects, I cannot conceive of a
form and organization better adapted to secure that end than are found in
the Dionsa muscipula. I therefore deem it no credulous inference, that its
leaves are constructed for that specific object, whether insects subserve the
purpose of nourishment to the plant or not." *
PLATES 84,85. Dion.ea muscipula, Ellis; — plant from Wilmington,
Dr. Macree, of the natural size.
1. Diagram of the flower, sestivation, &c.
2. A sepal ; and 3, a petal, enlarged.
4. Stamen, with a portion of adjacent filaments united at the base, magni-
fied ; seen from the inner side.
5. Anther of the same, seen from the outside.
6. Pollen-grains (quadruple, as likewise in Drosera), more magnified.
7. Vertical section of the pistil and receptacle, magnified.
8. Magnified pistil, entire.
9. An ovule, much magnified.
10. Enlarged ripe pod (split into five valves), with the marcescent calyx
and corolla.
11. The persistent base of the pod and scrobiculate placenta, after the seeds
have fallen, seen from above, magnified.
12. A seed, magnified ; and 13, a vertical section of the same.
14. Magnified embryo ; and 15, the same seen obliquely from above.
* Curtis, Cat. PL WUmingl. Jf. Car., in Bost. Jour. Nat. Hist. Soc. 1. p.
123-125.
droserace/e ? parnassie.e. 199
Plate 86.
PARNASSIA, Tourn.
Stamina fertilia 5, petalis alterna ; sterilia plerumque glan-
dulasformia in phalanges petalis oppositas connata. Capsula
unilocularis, loculicide 3 — 4-valvis, stigmatibus 3-4, placen-
tas totidem parietales valvasque superantibus, coronata.
Semina numerosissima, scobiformia, exalbuminosa. — Herbas
glaberrimoe, foliis rotundatis cordatisve, scapis mono-oligo-
phyllis unifloris.
Parnassia, Tourn. Inst. p. 246. t. 127. Linn. Gen. 384. Gaertn. Fr. t.
CO. Schkuhr, Handb. t. 86. Venten. Hort. Malm. t. 39. DC.
Prodr. 1. p. 320. Hook. Fl. Bor.-Am. 1. p. 82. t. 27, 28. Arn.
in Comp. Bot. Mag. 2. p. 315. Wight, 111. Ind. Bot. t. 21.
Endl. Gen. 5039.
Grass of Parnassus.
Calyx of 5 equal herbaceous sepals, united at the base,
and by means of a thickish torus adherent barely to the very
base of the sessile ovary, quincuncially imbricated in aesti-
vation, persistent, reflexed in fruit. Petals 5, inserted on
the torus alternate with the sepals and just within them,
quincuncially imbricated in aestivation, ovate or obovate,
veiny, widely spreading, tardily deciduous. Staminodia (or
sterile stamens of authors) 5, opposite the petals, of which
they are probably a deduplication, inserted with them in a
series exterior to the true stamens, composed either of a 3 -
5-lobed and glandless dilated-cuneiform scale, or parted into
3 to 13 glandular-tipped setae which resemble abortive sta-
mens, persistent, marcescent. Stamens 5, alternate with the
petals, inserted just within them : filaments subulate, mar-
cescent : anthers cordate-ovate or oblong, introrse (not ex-
trorse as usually described), fixed above the base to the
point of the filament, two-celled; the cells opening longitu-
dinally by an introrse line. Pollen simple. Ovary closely
200 DROSERACE/E ? PARNASSIE.E.
sessile, usually ovoid, with three or four parietal placentae
more or less projecting into the cell : stigmas thick, sessile,
as many as the placentae and placed directly over them !
persistent. Ovules very numerous in several series covering
each dilated placenta, horizontal, anatropous.
Capsule membranaceous, one-celled, loculicidally three-
valved from the apex, the placentae borne on the middle of
each valve. Seeds very numerous, scobiform ; the loose
cellular testa wing-like and much larger than the nucleus.
Albumen none. Embryo cylindrical, straight : radicle next
the hilum : cotyledons very short.
Herbs very smooth throughout, with perennial roots, and
rounded or reniform-cordate entire leaves, which are punc-
tate with obscure dots ; the radical clustered and long-peti-
oled ; the one or two (if any) borne on the otherwise naked
and slender one-flowered scapes sessile or clasping, alternate.
Flowers large ; petals white or yellowish, often with green-
ish veins.
Etymology. From Mount Parnassus, on which a plant called Grass of
Parnassus was said by Dioscorides to grow.
Properties. Rather bitter and astringent, but of little importance.
Geographical Distribution. Natives of the temperate and frigid re-
gions of the northern hemisphere, or on high mountains. A small genus.
PLATE 86. Parnassia Caroliniana, Michx. ; — of the natural size.
1. Diagram of the flower.
2. A separate petal, displaying the venation.
3. Vertical section through the ovary, enlarged.
4. One of the staminodia, enlarged.
5. An enlarged stamen, inside, and 6, outside view.
7. The pistil, magnified, with the ovary transversely divided.
8. An ovule, much magnified.
9. Capsule, dehiscent, with the persistent calyx, &c.
10. A seed, magnified.
11. The same, divided, showing the embryo.
Ord. CISTACEjE.
SufFrutices v. herbae, integrifolias : dicotyledoneae, hypo-
gynee, anisomerse, regulares, oligo-polyandras ; sepalis 3 in-
terioribus seu propriis sestivatione convolutis ; petalis ephe-
meris a?stivatione eodem calycis contrarie convolutis ; an-
theris iiitrorsis ; ovario uniloculari vel semi-3 - 10-loculari
monostylo, placentis parietalibus ; ovulis orthotropis ; capsula
loculicida poly-oligosperma ; embryone excentrico intra albu-
men varie curvato seu convolute
Cisti, Juss. Gen. p. 294. DC. Fl. Fr. 4. p. 811.
Cistoideje, Venten. Tabl. 3. p. 219.
Cistineje, DC. Prodr. 1. p. 263. -Endl. Gen. p. 903.
Cistacej:, Lindl. Introd. Nat. Syst. ed. 2. p. 91. Spach, in Ann Sci.
Nat. ser. 2. 6. p. 357. Ton-, it Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 150.
The Rock-rose Family consists of low shrubby plants or herbs, often
with viscid branches, with entire leaves, which are either opposite or alter-
nate, even upon the same plant, with or without stipules, and with flowers
which expand in the sunshine for a single day only, and then (except in
Lechea) cast their delicate petals. It is distinguished from all the other hy-
pogynous orders with parietal placentation by its orthotropous ovules (except
in Fumana) and anisomerous, usually polyandrous flowers. The calyx,
which is wholly persistent, should probably be regarded as trimerous rather
than pentamerous ; for the two smaller sepals, so called, are entirely exte-
rior in the bud, like a pair of bractlets, and not involved in the convolute
aestivation of the three inner, or proper sepals. When the petals are only
three, they alternate with these last ; but when five, they exhibit no man-
ifestly regular order as respects the calyx. They are convolute in aestiva-
tion, but turned in the contrary direction from the sepals ; and in the proper
Rock-roses the petals are more or less crumpled, as in the Poppy. The
stamens are either indefinite, or, when few, very inconstant in number ; and
the filaments are never united or collected in clusters as in Hypericaceae.
The styles, if any, are perfectly consolidated into one. The placentae,
three, five, or rarely ten in number, are either strictly parietal or born>' on
partial dissepiments which project into the cell ; and the dehiscence of the
14
Z\i CISTACEiE.
capsule being loculicidal, these are borne on tlie middle of the valves, as in
the two preceding families. The elongated embryo is more or less excen-
tric, and either slightly curved (as in Lechea), or circulate, conduplicate or
variously convolute in the midst of the farinaceous (rarely corneous) albu-
men ; the slender radicle pointing to the extremity of the seed remote from
the hilum.
Cistaceae possess no marked sensible qualities and furnish no useful prod-
ucts except a balsamic gum-resin, such as the officinal Ladanum, yielded
by Cistus Creticus and its allies, which exudes from the leaves and branches
of many species so as to render them glutinous. They are all slightly as-
tringent.
The principal home of this family is in the western part of the Old World,
and especially around the Mediterranean.
There are five or six species of Helianthemum in the New World, chiefly
in the warmer portion of the United States (one of them in California), be-
sides Lechea and Hudsonia, which are peculiar to this country.
CISTACEiE. 203
Plate 87.
HELIANTHEMUM, Town.
Petala 5, ephemera, asstivatione pi. m. corrugata. Stamina
indefinita. Capsula imilocularis, 3-valvis, pleio-oligosperma.
Semina orthotropa. Embryo circinatus, circumflexus, vel
uncinatus. — Herbas vel siiffruticuli.
Helianthesium, Toum. Inst. p. 248. 1. 128. Grertn. Fr. 1. 1. 76. Michx.
Fl. 1. p. 308. Dunal, in DC. Prodr. 1. p. 266. (excl. plur.)
Spach, in Ann. Sci. Nat. ser. 2. 6. p. 360 (cum Croeanthenio).
Endl. Gen. 502!). (excl. spec.)
Cisti Sp., Linn. etc.
Subgen. Heteromeris. — Flores majusculi 5-petali et po-
lyandri, cum parvulis apetalis saspiusve cryptopetalis 3 — 10-
andris plerumque in eadem stirpe mixti. — Herbas perennes,
foliis alternis vel suboppositis exstipulatis.
Heteromeris, Spach, in Ann. Sci. Nat. I. c.& inComp.Bot. Mag. 2. p. 200.
Helianthemi Sect. Lecheoipes, Dunal, in DC. I. c. p. 269.
Rock-rose. Frost-weed.
Calyx herbaceous, persistent : sepals 5, of which the two
exterior are much smaller or minute and rather to be regard-
ed as bractlets ; the three proper sepals equal, convolute in
aestivation. Petals 5, hypogynous, unsymmetrically placed
as respects the sepals, more or less crumpled and convolute
in the contrary direction from the sepals in aestivation,
spreading, rounded or dilated-cuneiform, equal, expanding in
sunshine for a single day, then caducous. Stamens indefi-
nite, hypogynous, all fertile, caducous: filaments filiform,
distinct : anthers introrse or innate ; the cells opening lon-
gitudinally. Ovary ovoid, one-celled with three parietal
placentae, or incompletely three-celled by their projection :
style articulated with the summit of the ovary, or very
short or wanting : stigma capitate, three-lobed or three-
crested. Ovules orthotropous, nodding or recurved on as-
14*
204 CISTACE2E.
cending filiform funiculi, numerous or few. — In the section
Heteromeris, there are produced, in the course of the season,
clusters of smaller flowers, with petals which do not exceed
the calyx and seldom or never expand, or else are apeta-
lous or tripetalous, 3— 10-androus, and few-ovuled.
Capsule chartaceous or cartilaginous, one-celled or half
three-celled, three-valved, loculicidal, the valves bearing the
narrow placentae upon their middle, few - many-seeded.
Seeds usually on slender funiculi, orthotropous, with a crus-
taceous testa. Embryo excentric, circumflexed or curved
nearly into a ring in the midst of the farinaceous albumen :
the slender radicle pointing to the apical micropyle : coty-
ledons flattish, oval, oblong, or linear.
Herbs or suffruticose plants, usually low and branching ;
with alternate or partly opposite entire leaves, and yellow,
or sometimes white or rose-colored flowers. Stipules none
in American species.
Etymology. Name formed of ifKios, the sun, and avBcpav, flower ; the
blossoms opening only in direct sunshine.
Geographical Distribution. A genus of numerous species in the
warmer parts of Europe and especially in the Mediterranean region, and
with a few in similar parts of North America, nearly all of which belong to
Heteromeris, fipach. One species only extends northward to Canada.
PLATE 87. Helianthemum (Heteromeris) Canadense, Michx, ; — a
flowering stem, early in the season, of the natural size.
1. Diagram of the aestivation and plan of the flower.
2. A magnified stamen, seen from the outside ; and 3, from the inside.
4. Pistil and receptacle, magnified.
5. Same, vertically divided, showing the numerous ovules on long funiculi,
fi. Transverse section, showing the slightly introflexed placenta;.
7. A magnified pistil of one of the smaller and later flowers.
8. Vertical section of the same, showing a solitary ovule on each placenta1.
9. A capsule (and calyx) from a secondary flower, enlarged.
10. A many-seeded capsule (and calyx) of a primary, petaliferous flower,
enlarged to the same degree as the last.
11. A seed, magnified.
12. Vertical section of the same, showing the circumflexed-uncinate em-
bryo in the albumen.
cistace.l. 205
Plate 88, 89.
LECHEA, L.
Petala 3, parva, in alabastro plana, marcescentia. Stami-
na 3 — 12. Ovarium incomplete 3-loculare : placentae 3 late
lamelliformes semiseptis adnatas, extus 2-ovuliferae. Stig-
mata plumoso-fimbriata. Capsula 3-valvis : valvas a semi-
septis placentisve solutae. Embryo rectiusculus, fere axilis.
— Herbae exstipulatae, parviflorae, floribus sordide purpureis.
Lechea, Linn. Gen. 142. GaJitn. Fr. t. 129. DC. Prodr. 1. p. 285.
Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 152. Endl. Gen. 5030.
Lechea & Lechidium, Spach, in Comp. Bot. Mag. 2. p. 282, & Ann.
Sci. Nat. I. c.
Pinweed.
Calyx herbaceous, persistent, of 5 sepals ; the two exte-
rior in the bud minute and rather to be regarded as bractlets ;
the three proper sepals convolute in aestivation, ovate, con-
cave. Petals 3, hypogynous, alternate with the three prop-
er sepals, and not longer than they, obovate or oblong, con-
volute but not crumpled in aestivation, marcescent-persistent.
Stamens hypogynous, 3 - 12, when only three placed oppo-
site the petals, shorter than they : filaments filiform : an-
thers oval, introrse, the cells opening longitudinally. Ovary
globular, raised on a very short stipe, incompletely three-
celled, the 3 imperfect partitions each bearing a large oval
and valve-shaped placenta : style very short or obsolete :
stigmas 3, fimbriate-plumose. Ovules 2 on each placenta,
borne on. the base of the posterior face one on each side of
the partition, erect, orthotropous, on very short funiculi.
Capsule cartilaginous, triangular -ovoid or globular, inclos-
ed in the connivent calyx or nearly so, 3 - 6-seeded, loculi-
cidally three-valved ; the valves separating from the broad
and crustaceous placentae, which appear like an inner set of
valves curved in the opposite direction, and inclosing the
206 CISTACE.E.
two or by abortion the single erect seeds between them and
the proper valves. Embryo straight or 'accumbently arcuate
in the axis or nearly so of the corneous albumen : radicle
cylindrical, superior : cotyledons elliptical or obovate, flat.
Herbs, branching and often suftrutescent at the base, with
entire and mostly sessile puncticulate leaves ; the lower usu-
ally opposite or verticillate, the upper alternate, gradually
reduced to bracts. Flowers very small and numerous, cy-
mulose-clustered, or racemiform on the branches (but not
axillary), pedicellate. Petals and stigmas dull purple.
Etymology. Dedicated to Leche, a Swedish botanist, Professor at Abo.
Geographical Distribution. An Eastern North American genus of
three or four species, growing chiefly in sandy or sterile soil, from Canada
to Texas, principally along and near the coast.
Division. There are two pretty well-marked sections, which are viewed
as genera by Spach, namely : —
^ 1. Lechea, Spach. — Placentae membranaceo-crustaceous, fragile, sepa-
rating from the evanescent partitions and revolute around the seeds.
§ 2. Lechidium, Spach. — Placentae cartilaginous, scarcely recurved, firm-
ly adherent to the persistent partitions which separate from the valves
at dehiscence. Pedicels slender, deflexed. (L. Drummondii.)
PLATE 88. Lechea thymifolia, Pursh; — flowering stem, with some
of the sterile shoots at the base ; from the coast of Massachusetts.
1. Diagram of the flower and aestivation. 2. Open flower, magnified.
3. A stamen ; and 4, pistil and receptacle, more magnified.
5. Double section of the ovary, displaying the ovules and placentae.
6. Capsule, with the calyx opened, enlarged.
7. Magnified cross-section of the valves, placentae, and seeds.
8. Magnified seed ; and 9, vertical section of the same.
10. The embryo from the last, showing the cotyledons.
PLATE 89. Lechea (Lechidium) Drummondii, Torr. <% Grl (Texas.)
1. Flower-bud, enlarged ; and 2, diagram in a transverse section.
3. Expanded flower, magnified.
4. An inner sepal ; 5, a petal ; and 6, a stamen, more magnified.
7. Pistil and receptacle, equally magnified.
8. Transverse section of a ripe capsule and seeds, showing the septifragal
valves, and the persistent partitions fixed to the placenta?. <
9. A magnified seed.
CISTACE^i:. 207
Plate 90.
HUDSONIA, L.
Petala 5, calyce majora, ephemera. Stamina 9-30. Ova-
rium uniloculare, placentis 3 nerviformibus 2-ovulatis ; stylo
filiformi stigmate minuto desinente. Capsula calyce tubu-
loso-connivente inclusa, 3-valvis, 2 - 6-sperma. Embryo
uncinato-circinatus, gracilis. — Fruticuli ericoidei, canescen-
tes, dense csespitosi, foliis parvis imbricatis persistentibus,
floribus luteis.
Hudsonia, Linn. Mant. p. 11. VVilld. Hort. Ber. t. 15. Giertn. f. Fr.
3. p. 152. t. 310. Nutt. Gen. 2. p. 4. DC. Prodr. 1. p. 284.
Spach, in Ann. Sci. Nat. ser. 2. 6. p. 372. Torr. & Gray, Fl.
N. Am. 1. p. 154. Endl. Gen. 5031. Torr. FI. New York, 1.
p. 80. t. 9.
Calyx of 5 sepals ; the two exterior minute and resem-
bling bractlets; the three others ovate, equal, convolute in
aestivation, colored (yellowish) inside, united at the base,
persistent, at length connivent in a tube and inclosing the
capsule. Petals 5, hypogynous, convolute in aestivation,
obovate or cuneiform, much larger than the sepals, thin and
delicate, caducous. Stamens 9 to 30, hypogynous, decidu-
ous : filaments filiform : anthers roundish, innate or slight-
ly introrse, the cells opening laterally by a longitudinal line.
OvABT'sessile on the convex torus, ovoid, strictly one-celled,
with three nerviform parietal placentas : style long and fili-
form, straight, persistent : stigma truncate, minutely three-
lobed. Ovules two from the lower part of each placenta,
orthotropous, ascending, on slender funiculi.
Capsule oblong, somewhat triangular, inclosed in the
connivent calyx, one-celled, three-valved ; the chartaceous
valves bearing the narrow placentae upon their middle.
Seeds one or two on each placenta, ascending from near
the base, ovate ; the testa nearly smooth, crustaceous. Em-
208 CISTACE-iE.
bryo linear, slender, homotropous ; the radicle about the
length of the thin farinaceous albumen, superior, excentric ;
the linear cotyledons incumbently uncinate-circinate.
Shrubs dwarf and casspitose, Heath-like, much branched,
hoary-tomentose ; the very small leaves closely imbricated
on the stems and branches, alternate, subulate or linear-
oblong, sessile, appressed or somewhat spreading, persistent.
Flowers sessile or peduncled, terminating the crowded short
branchlets, expanding in sunshine for a single day only,
yellow.
Etymology. Dedicated to Hudson, the author of the Flora Anglica, an
English botanist contemporary with Linnaeus.
Geographical Distribution, &c. A genus of three Eastern North
American species, growing in sandy soil chiefly along the coast ; one of them
(H. tomentosa) nearly confined to the sea-shore, and to the shores of the
Great Lakes, extending northward to Slave Lake.
PLATE 90. Hudsonia tomentosa, Nutt. ; — branch in flower, of the
natural size, from the coast of Massachusetts. (Ipswich, Oakes.)
1. A leaf, magnified.
2. Diagram of the flower and aestivation. (The placenta alternate with
the sepals; but are wrongly placed opposite them.)
3. Branchlet and flower, enlarged.
4. A stamen, magnified.
5. Same, with the anther transversely divided.
6. Pistil, with the receptacle, magnified.
7. Same, with the ovary divided vertically, showing the ovules.
8. An ovule, more magnified.
9. Dehiscent capsule and persistent calyx, enlarged.
10. A seed, more magnified.
11. Vertical section of the same, showing the embryo in the albumen.
Ord. HYPERICACEiE.
Frutices vel herbas (succo acrido resinoso), exstipulatse,
foliis oppositis integerrimis punctatis : dicotyledoneac, hypo-
gynaa, 5 - 4-petalas, regulares, poly-oligandrae ; staminibus
saepissime 3 - 5-adelphis ; petalis aestivatione convolutis rari-
usve imbricatis; ovario 2 - 5-carpellavi uniloculari placentis
pi. m. parietalibus, aut placentis inter se ad axim coalitis
2— 5-loculari, stylis totidem pi. m. discretis ; ovulis anatro-
pis ; capsula plerumque septicida et polysperma; seminibus
exalbuminosis ; cotyledonibus brevibus.
Hvperica, Juss. Gen. p. 254.
Hvpericineje, DC. Fl. Fr. Chois. Prodr. Mon. Hyper. & in DC. Trodr.
1. p. 541. Endl. Gen. p. 1031.
Hvpericace.e, Lindl. Introd. Nat. Syst. ed. 2. p. 77. Spach, Suit. Burl'.
5. p. 335, & in Ann. Sci. Nat. ser. 2. 5. p. 157, 349.
The St. John's-wort Family is doubtless most nearly related to the
tropical order called Guttiferae or Clusiaceae ; but in an extra-tropical Flora
it is most conveniently introduced between the Cistaceae and the small family
of Elatinaceae.
Among our hypogynous polypetalous orders it is readily distinguished by
the opposite and entire leaves, which are punctate (as also the sepals, petals,
&c.) with pellucid dots and usually with dark-colored ones intermixed, and
destitute of stipules ; by the regular pentamerous (or in Ascyium alone
tetramerous) calyx and corolla ; the prevailingly polyandrous and 3 - 5-adel-
phous stamens ; the separate or separable styles ; the septicidal capsule ;
and the indefinite and exalbuminous (oblong or cylindrical and straight or
somewhat curved) anatropous seeds. The embryo is conformed to the cavity
of the rather thick and fleshy inner integument of the seed, which some-
times has been mistaken for a thin albumen ; it is oblong or cylindrical, with
the obtuse radicle usually much longer than the thick or flattish cotyledons.
The foliaceous or herbaceous calyx is persistent, and imbricated in sestiva-
tion. The petals are either deciduous or marcescent, and usually oblique
and convolute in aestivation, but in Elodea they arc equal-sided and quinruu-
cially imbricated. The inflorescence is always cymose.
210 • HYPERICACE.E.
The pellucid dots of the leaves are glandular vesicles, filled with an ethe-
real oil, of which the coloring matter of the dark glands is probably a sort of
resin or balsam. To this secretion, and to the free resinous juice, which
especially abounds in tropical plants of the family, the acrid and balsamic
qualities which pervade the order are owing. The yellow juice of some
Equatorial American trees or shrubs of the order is strongly cathartic, and
furnishes a product ( Gummi Gutla) analogous to gaml/oge, which is a prod-
uct of some Ceylonese trees of the allied family of Guttiferee.
Hypericacese are widely diffused over the world, but are most abundant in
the warmer temperate climes. Far the greater part belong to Hypericum,
as received by Linnaeus, Endlicher, and most, botanists. Besides the typical
genus, we have in the United States Ascyrum, characterized by its quater-
nary calyx and corolla ; and Elodea, with equal-sided petals, and conspicu-
ous hypogynous glands interposed between the three stamen-clusters.
HYPERICACE^E. 211
Plate 91.
ASCYRUM, L.
Sepala 4, decussata ; exteriora multo majora. Petala 4,
aestivatione convoluta. Glandulae inter stamina indefinita
nullae. Capsula unilocularis. — Flores flavi.
Ascvrhm, Linn. Gen. 903. Nutt. Gen. 2. p. 15. Chois. in DC. I. c. p. 55.
Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 156, 671. Endl. Gen. 5463.
Ascyrdm (& Isophvllum ?), Spach, in Ann. Sci. Nat. I.e. p. 367.
St. Peter's-wort.
Calyx foliaceous ; the 4 sepals imbricated two exterior
and two interior in aestivation ; the exterior usually rounded
or cordate and much larger than the inner pair, spreading
in flower, enlarging in fruit and valvate-connivent over the
capsule, persistent. Petals 4, hypogynous on the short
receptacle, cruciate, widely spreading, obovate or linear-
oblong, convolute in aestivation, somewhat oblique, decidu-
ous. Stamens indefinite, 9 to 100, hypogynous : filaments
distinct or obscurely united at the very base, scarcely clus-
tered, capillary, marcescent : anthers round-oval, didymous,
introrse, fixed by the middle, somewhat apiculate by the
glandular point of the interposed connective ; the cells open-
ing longitudinally. Ovary ovoid, one-celled, 2 - 4-lobed,
with two to four somewhat introflexed parietal placentas :
styles 2 to 4, united below or distinct, short or slender, per-
sistent, stigmatose at the apex down the inner side. Ovules
very numerous, horizontal, in several rows on the inner face
of each placenta, anatropous.
Capsule ovoid, often somewhat compressed parallel to the
larger sepals, one-celled, septicidally 2 - 4-valved, the sutures
dividing the lamelliform parietal placentae. Seeds very
numerous and small, horizontal on the inner face of each
placenta, oval or oblong, straight ; the crustaceous testa
minutely reticulated; the inner integument thickish. Al-
212 HYPERICACE.E.
bumen none. Embryo cylindrical : cotyledons very short,
at the extremity opposite the hilum.
Suffruticose, with the branches or young stems ancipi-
tal, very leafy, and terminated with single large flowers or
three together. Leaves all opposite, sessile, often partly
clasping, oval, oblong, or obovate, entire, usually opaque and
coriaceous, punctate with translucent and beneath with
blackish dots. Pedicels bibracteolate. Petals yellow.
Etymology. An old name of the St. JohnVwort, composed of a priva-
tive, and a-Kipos, asperity, from the smoothness of these plants.
Geographical Distribution, &c. A genus of several species, natives
of the Atlantic and chiefly Southern United States, and of the West Indies.
Two species extend northward in the warm Pine barrens near the coast, as
far as New Jersey and Long Island. — Besides the genuine species, which
have the outer pair of sepals ovate or cordate, many times larger than
the narrow or minute and somewhat colored inner pair, and entirely inclos-
ing them as well as the pod in fruit, there is a single species in Florida (A.
microsepalum, Torr. cj- Gr.; the genus Isophyllum, Spactt) with the small
and narrow sepals not more unequal than in Hypericum, from which it dif-
fers only in the quaternary number of parts, and to which, rather than to
Ascyrum, it should most probably be appended. Thus restricted, the pres-
ent genus is well marked in habit and character.
PLATE 91. Ascyrum stans, Miehx. ; — a flowering branch (from New
Jersey, Knitskirn), of the natural size.
1. Diagram of the flower, aestivation, &c.
2. Flower, the petals removed or fallen.
3. Outsidej and 4, inside view of an anther, &c, magnified.
5. A tricarpellary pistil and the receptacle, magnified.
6. Transverse section of the same, showing the placenta; and ovules.
7. An ovule, more magnified.
8. Capsule in the fructiferous calyx, the anterior sepal turned down.
9. Capsule removed from the calyx, of the natural size.
10. A magnified seed.
11. Vertical section of the same and of the contained embryo.
hypericace^e. 213
Plate 92, 93.
HYPERICUM, Tourn., L.
Sepala 5. Petala 5, inaequilatera, aestivatione convoluta.
Glandulae inter stamina indefinita rariusve pauca nullae.
Capsula 1 — 5-locularis. — Flores flavi.
Hypericum, Lam. Ill t. 643. Giertn. Fr. t. 62. Torr. & Gray, Fl. N.
Am. I. p. 157. Endl. Gen. 5464.
Hypericum, Ascyrum, & Androsjemum, Tourn. Inst. &c.
Hypericum & Sarothra, Linn. Gen. 383, 902. excl. spec.
St. Jolin's-wort.
Calyx herbaceous or foliaceous, persistent ; the sepals 5,
equal or somewhat unequal, imbricated in aestivation, two of
them exterior (and often rather larger), and two interior,
distinct, or united at the base. Petals 5, hypogynous,
alternate with the sepals, convolute in aestivation, usually
oblique or unequal -sided, naked, deciduous or marcescent.
Stamens indefinite, very numerous, or sometimes few,
hypogynous, commonly 3 — 5-adelphous at the base or
more or less distinctly collected in as many clusters :
filaments capillary, marcescent : anthers globular, didy-
mous, introrse ; the cells opening longitudinally. Hypogy-
nous glands none. Ovary of 3 or 5 united carpels (which
are opposite the sepals when of equal number), one-celled,
with three or five strictly parietal or introflexed placentae, or
3 - 5-celled by the junction and cohesion of the placentae in
the axis : styles 3 or 5, filiform, distinct, or united below,
sometimes united to the apex, but separable in fruit, persist-
ent : stigmas usually capitate. Ovules indefinite, in two or
several series on each placenta, horizontal, anatropous.
Capsule like the ovary one-celled with projecting or
strictly parietal placentae, or 3 - 5-celled by the junction of
the placentae in the axis, septicidally 3 - 5-valved ; the pla-
centae adhering to the inflexed edges of the valves, or often
214 HYPERICACE.E.
separating from them. Seeds very numerous, anatropous,
oblong or cylindrical, straight or sometimes incurved ; the
testa usually conformed to the nucleus and crustaceous,
or bearing a wing-like raphe ; the inner integument thickish
and fleshy. Albumen none. Embryo oblong or cylindrical ;
the cotyledons short, at the extremity opposite the hilum.
Herbs or shrubs ; with opposite and entire leaves, punc-
tate with pellucid and usually also with dark-colored dots ;
and commonly showy yellow flowers, which are terminal
and solitary or in cymes.
Etymology. 'YirepiKov, an ancient name, of uncertain derivation.
Geographical Distribution, &c. This large and polymorphous genus
is widely distributed over the world, but far most copiously in the eastern
part of the warmer temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, bolh in
the New and in the Old World. It is doubtless to be divided hereafter, but
not to be dismembered to the extent proposed by Spach.
Properties. The herbage is acrid, especially in the herbaceous species,
as irt the Common St. John's-wort, which has been variously used in popu-
lar medicine. Many species are also balsamic.
PLATE 92. Hypericum graveolens, Buckley; — summit of a flowering
plant, cultivated in the Cambridge Botanic Garden, from the moun-
tains of North Carolina ; of the natural size.
1. Diagram of the flower, aestivation, &c.
2. One of the three sets of stamens (united at the base), enlarged.
3. Inside, and 4, outside view of a more magnified stamen.
5. Pistil, magnified ; and 6, transverse section of the ovary.
7. An ovule, more magnified.
8. Enlarged capsule, divided transversely, with the calyx.
9. Magnified seed ; and 10, vertical section of the same and of the embryo.
PLATE 93. Hypericum (Brathys) Sarothra, Michx. ; — natural size.
1. Diagram of the flower. (Stamens 8, in three sets.)
2. Enlarged flower; and 3, the two stamens of the third set, magnified.
4. Pistil, magnified.
5. Enlarged capsule, transversely divided, showing the truly parietal seeds.
6. A magnified seed ; and 7, section of the same and of the embryo.
8. Capsule (5-celled) of Hypericum (Roscyna, Spach) pyramidatum,
Ait. ; — in dehiscence, divided transversely and enlarged.
9. A magnified seed ; and 10, the same and the embryo vertically divided.
HYPERJCACEjE. 215
Plate 94.
ELODEA, Adans.
Sepala 5. Petala 5, asquilatera, inappendiculata, aestiva-
tione imbricata, decidua. Glandulae squamiformes 3, pha-
langibus staminum ssspissime 3-andris alternse. Capsula 3-
locularis. — Flores rubelli.
Elodea, Adans. Fam. 2. p. 443. Pursh, Fl. 2. p. 479. Nutl. Gen. 2. p.
17. Spach, in Ann. Sci. Nat. 1. c. Torr. & Gray, Fl. N. Am.
1. p. 167. Endl. Gen. 5465. (excl. § b. c.)
Hyperici Sp., Linn., Michx.
Hyperici Sect. Elodea, Chois. Prodr. Mon. Hyp. p 43, & in DC. 1. c.
Triadenium, Raf. in Med. Repos. hex. 6. 2. p. 350.
Martia, Spreng. Syst. 3. p. 333.
Marsh St. Jolin's-wort.
Calyx persistent, of 5 nearly equal nervose-striate sepals,
erect, chartaceo-herbaceous, quincuncially imbricated in aes-
tivation, persistent. Petals 5, hypogynous, ovate or spatu-
late, equal-sided, not appendiculate, imbricated in aestivation
(two exterior and two interior), spreading in anthesis, other-
wise erect, deciduous. Stamens 9 (rarely 12 or 15), triadel-
phous, not longer than the calyx, hypogynous ; the phalan-
ges placed opposite the dissepiments, one before each exte-
rior petal, and the third between the third and fifth petals :
filaments united for one third or half then length, then
linear-filiform, persistent : anthers globular, didymous, in-
trorse, apiculate with the glandular apex of the connective,
the cells opening longitudinally. Hypogynous glands 3,
conspicuous, interposed between the phalanges of the sta-
mens, ovate, fleshy and nectariferous (orange-colored). Ovary
ovoid-oblong, three-celled by the junction of the thick pla-
centas in the axis : styles 3, subulate, stigmatose down the
inner side. Ovules numerous, in three or more series on
each placenta, horizontal, anatropous.
Capsule oblong, chartaceous. three-celled, many-seeded.
216 HYPERICACE^E.
septicidally three-valved. Seeds very numerous, horizontal,
oblong ; the crustaceous testa minutely striate and scrobicu-
late ; the inner integument fleshy. Albumen none. Em-
bryo conformed to the seed, cylindrical : cotyledons at the
apex remote from the hilum, much shorter than the radicle.
Herbs very smooth and pale green, with perennial roots,
terete and branching stems, and decussately opposite oval or
oblong entire leaves, which are sessile by a broad and some-
what clasping base, or else narrowed into a short petiole,
punctate with translucent and larger dark -colored dots.
Flowers small, cymulose ; the contracted cymes axillary
and terminal, much shorter than the leaves : petals flesh-col-
ored, or somewhat orange-colored in fading. Capsules much
larger than the calyx, the pericarp filled with resiniferous
lines.
Etymology. Name from i\m&r]s, growing in marshes, from the station
these plants inhabit.
I
Geographical Distribution, &c. A well-marked genus of two spe-
cies, natives of Eastern North America from Canada to Florida and Texas.
PLATE 94. Elodea Virginica, Nutt. ; — summit of a flowering plant,
of the natural size. (Cambridge, Massachusetts.)
1. Diagram of the flower, Estivation, &c.
2. Open flower, enlarged. ,
3. One of the three phalanges of the stamens, magnified ; inside view.
4. Anther, &c, more magnified, outside view ; and 5, inside view.
6. Pistil and receptacle, magnified.
7. An ovule, highly magnified.
8. A capsule, with the persistent calyx and filaments at the base, enlarged.
9. A magnified seed.
10. Vertical section of the same and of the contained embryo.
Ord. ELATINACEtE.
Herbae paludosae annuae, foliis oppositis seu verticillatis,
stipulis interpetiolaribus, floribus axillaribus : dicotyledoneae,
hypogyneas, regulares, symmetrica?, 2 - 5-meras ; nempe, se-
palis, petalis, staminibus, stylis loculisque ovarii 2, 3, 4, v.
5, aut staminibus numero duplis ; aestivatione imbricativa ;
ovulis anatropis ; placentis in columnam centralem conna-
tis; capsula septifrage vel septicide 2— 5-valvi polysperma ;
seminibus exalbuminosis ; cotyledonibus brevibus.
ELATiNEi, Camb. in Mem. Mus. 18. p. 225, & in St. Hil. Fl. Bras. 2. p.
160. Arn. in Edinb. Jour. Nat. Sci. 1. p. 430. Fisch. & Meyer,
in Linnjea, 10. p. 6'J. Endl. Gen. p. 1036. Fenzl, in Regensb.
Denkschr. 3. p. 179.
Elatinaces, Lindl. Introd. Nat. Syst. ed. 2. p. 88, & Veg. Kingd. p. 480.
The Water-wort Family consists of about twenty known species of
annual herbs, usually of small size, growing in water or wet and muddy
places. Much the greater number are natives of the Old World, in the
northern hemisphere ; the Elatines chiefly in the temperate, and the Bergias
in the tropical regions. Of the three known American representatives, two
fall within the limits of the present work ; while the third is Brazilian.
They are bland plants, destitute of any marked sensible qualities, as far as
is known ; although the popular name of Water Pepper in Europe, and the
Tamul name meaning Water-fire, which, according to Dr. Wight, is applied
to an Indian species, would seem to indicate no small degree of acridity.
Until their separation as a distinct family by Cambessedes, these plants
had been appended to Caryophyllacete, on account of a general resemblance
to duckweeds ; from which their exalbuminous and anatropous seeds (much
more than their capitate stigmas) abundantly distinguish them. Bartling
joined them to Lythraces, which some of them resemble in aspect, but from
which they differ widely in their stipulate leaves, discrete styles or stigmas,
and especially in the hypogynous insertion of the petals and stamens. Lind-
ley refers the family to his Rutal alliance, chiefly on considerations deriv-
ed from one or two plants which are doubtless with justice excluded from
the order. But the nearest affinity of Elatinacea? is evidently on one hand
with Hypericacese ; from which they are principally distinguished by their
15
218 ELATINACE.E.
stipules, the absence of pellucid dots in the leaves, and by the perfect sym-
metry of the distinct stamens ; and on the other with Crassulaceee, through
I)i;imorpha, as has already been suggested by the acute Fenzl.
The two Linnaean genera rested on the number of stamens and styles;
Elatine being octandrous and tetragynous, and Bergia, decandrous and pen-
tagynous. But it afterwards appeared that the parts of the flower were
occasionally ternary, and the stamens sometimes of the same number as the
petals only, namely 3, 4, or 5 : and in 1817, Nultall introduced a third ge-
nus, Crypta, with a dimerous and diandrous, or rarely trimerous and trian-
drous flower, and few seeds. This genus, as well as Bergia, Fischer and
Meyer soon afterwards referred to Elatine. In 1829, Cambessedes found-
ed on a Brazilian plant a fourth genus, Merimea; which he distinguished
from Bergia by its smooth (instead of ribbed) seeds, and strictly septicidal
dehiscence, the dissepiments coming aw-ay attached to the valves ; while in
Bergia he supposed them to remain adherent to the axis as in Elatine;
— leaving the pentamerous instead of 3 - 4-merous flowers to distinguish
Bergia from Elatine. The next year, Mr. Arnott, or at least in 1834,
in conjunction with Dr. Wight, also referred all the plants of the family
(except apparently Lancretia of Delile) to Elatine ; at the same time errone-
ously characterizing the dehiscence as loculicidal. Endlicher retained the
genera Elatine, Bergia, and Merimea as left by Cambessedes, distinguishing
Bergia by the valves of the capsule being introflexed but separating from the
persistent dissepiments ; and appending Lancretia to Hypericineae. In
1810, Hooker (in Irones Planlarum) figured a Texan pentamerous species,
with just the habit of the Indian Bergias, under the name of Merimea (or
Bergia?) Texana ; which, not having ascertained its dehiscence, he referred
to Merimea chiefly because of its being a native of the New World. The
dehiscence of this species having been ascertained to be septifragal, as in
Elatine proper, it was referred to that genus in the Supplement to the
Flora of North America, Vol. I. More recently, Fenzl has successfully
reduced the whole to the two Linnaean genera ; Elatine comprising all those
with septifragal dehiscence, and Bergia (including Lancretia and Merimea)
those with septicidal dehiscence ; giving to the former, however, the origi-
nal Linnajan species of Bergia. But Seubert has since observed that this
species is septicidal, and has restored it to Bergia ; wrongly taking with it,
however, our E. Texana, the dehiscence of which, he says, is not clearly de-
scribed, although, in the work referred to, it is explicitly said to be septifragal.
As this last plant is now the only pentamerous Elatine, and presents just
the aspect of Bergia, I have allowed it to form a distinct section. It should
be remarked that the specimens gathered by Lindheimer are decandrous !
Finally, as it appears that our Crypta differs from its allies by the eva-
nescent partitions of the delicate pod (if we mistake not), and the basilar
placenta, as well as by the few seeds and prevailingly dimerous flowers, I
have separated it from the gerontogeous species, as a subgenus merely ;
proposing, however, its entire reestablishmcnt, in ease of its corroboration
through the New Zealand E. gratioloitks of Cunningham, — a trimerous
species of similar habit, which is described as having a unilocular capsule.
ELATINACEjE. 219
Plate 95, 96.
ELATINE, L.
Capsula septifraga ; dissepimentis columnac adnatis persis-
tentibus, aut raro evanidis.
Elatine, Linn. Gen. 502. GEertn. Fr. t. 102. Juss. Gen. p. 300.
Schkuhr, H:in4b. 1. 100. Camb. in Mem. Mus. 1. c. Fenzl, 1. c.
Seubert, in Nov. Act. Acad. Nat. Cur. 21. p. 38. t. 2-5.
Alsinastrum, Vaill. Bot. Par. p. 5. t. 1. f. 6.
Subgen. Crypta. — Flores dimeri, rarius trimeri. Dis-
sepimentum evanescens. Placentae basilares, oligospermae.
— Folia opposita, integerrima.
Crvpta, Nutt. in Jour. Acad. Pnilad. 1. p. 117. t. 6.
Subgen. Bergella. — Flores pentameri (5 - 10-andri).
Dissepimenta persistentia. Placentas centrales. — Folia op-
posita, serrulata.
Water-wort.
Calyx herbaceous, of 2 to 5 sepals, which are distinct or
united barely at the base, imbricated in aestivation, persist-
ent. Petals as many as the sepals and alternate with
them, hypogynous, imbricated in aestivation, persistent or
marcescent. Stamens hypogynous, as many as the petals
and alternate with them, or more commonly of twice their
number and both alternate with and opposite them : fila-
ments subulate, persistent : anthers globular or cordate,
introrse ; the cells opening longitudinally. Ovary globular',
sessile, usually 3-4-celled, rarely (in Bergella) five-celled,
the cells alternate with the petals ; or in. Crypta mostly two-
celled, the cells opposite the petals (anterior and posterior):
the placentas in the axis, central, or in Crypta basilar : styles
as many as the cells, short or almost wanting, persistent :
stigmas dilated. Ovules anatropous, indefinite, covering
the thick placentae, in Crypta rather few and all ascending.
15 *
220 ELATlNACEiE.
Capsule globular, membranaceous or chartaceous, 3-4-
celled, or in Bergella five-celled, septifragally dehiscent by
as many valves opposed to the sepals, their margins separat-
ing from the persistent dissepiments, which remain attached
to the central axis, interposed between the projecting many-
seeded placentas ; or in Crypta the membranous capsule
bursts irregularly ? and the delicate dissepiments disappear
after or before the capsule opens, leaving a basilar placenta
bearing 6 to 12 erect seeds. Seeds anatropous, oblong or
cylindrical, straight or incurved ; the crustaceous testa longi-
tudinally ribbed and transversely rugose or reticulated : inner
integument thin. Albumen none. Embryo conformed to
the seed : cotyledons semiterete, obtuse, shorter than the
cylindraceous radicle which points to the hilum.
Herbs, usually small aquatic annuals, with opposite, or in
>$- Potamopithys verticillate, sessile or short-petioled and en-
tire or toothed leaves, with interposed stipules, and small
(solitary or rarely cymulose-fascicled) axillary flowers. Stip-
ules distinct or more or less united in pairs, entire or toothed.
Ktvmology. 'EXanVj/, an ancient name, from 'E\aTrj,n fir-tm, in allu-
sion to the appearance of the verticillate-leaved species.
PLATE 95. Elatine (Crypta) Americana, Am. New Haven, Connecticut.
1. Flowering branch, magnified.
2. Diagram of a dimerous flower. (Carpels, &c, anterior and posterior.)
3. A flower, more magnified.
4. A magnified stamen, outside, and 5, an inside view.
6. Pistil, magnified ; and 7, vertical section, showing the basilar placentae.
8. An ovule, more magnified.
9. A seed, magnified ; and 10, a vertical section of it through the embryo.
PLATE 96. E. (Bergella) Texana, Torr. <5f Gr. / — Texas, Lindheimer.
1. Diagram of the flower, aestivation, &c.
2. Two flowers, with the axis, base of the leaves, and stipules, magnified.
3. A sepal ; 4, a petal ; and 5, a stamen, more magnified.
6. Ovary, magnified ; and 7, vertical section through the placentae.
8. Dehiscent capsule, with the persistent sepals and petals, enlarged.
9. Transverse section, showing the septifragal dehiscence, &c.
10. A magnified seed.
1 1 . Vertical section of the same, through the contained embryo.
Ord. PORTULACACEiE.
Herbas (v. frutescentes) succulents, insipidaa, exstipulatte,
foliis integerrimis : dicotyledoneas, anisomerae, regulares, hy-
pogynas vel perigynaa ; calyce saepius dipetalo, corolla 3-6-
petala seu nulla ; asstivatione imbricativo ; staminibus petalis
numero asqualibus et antepositis aut indefinitis ; ovulis am-
phitropis e placenta centrali ; embryone peripherico annulari
vel*hippocrepiformi albumen farinaceum cingente.
Portulace.e, Juss. Gen. p. 313. (excl. gen.) DC. Prodr. 3. p. 351.
Fenzl, in Ann. Wien. Mus. & in Endl. Gen. p. 946 (ex parte).
Lindl. Veg. Kingd. p. 500.
Portulacacej:, Lindl. Imrod. Nat. Syst. ed. 2. p. 123. Torr. & Gray,
Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 195.
The Purslane Family consists of succulent plants, with a watery or
mucilaginous juice, entirely destitute of any active or harmful properties,
usually bearing ephemeral, and often showy flowers. The order is most
allied to the Mesembryanthemacea? on one hand, and to Caryophyllaceae
on the other. Its limits are by no means well settled ; but the genuine
Portulacaceous plants are recognized by a calyx of two sepals, while the
corolla is composed of three to six, usually 5 petals, which have the stamens
opposite them or attached to their base, except when the latter are more
numerous or indefinite ; and by the commonly one-celled capsule with a free
central placenta from the base, with reniform or lenticular seeds having the
slender embryo coiled around the outside of farinaceous albumen, as in Ca-
rvophyllaceas, &c. Sesuvium anil its allies, however, have a regular 5-
parted calyx and are apetalous.
Portulacaeea; are chiefly indigenous to the tropical and warmer temperate
regions, and grow in sunny and parched situations, as do other succulents.
This is not the case, however, with Claytonia and Montia, which are scarce-
ly fleshy, and inhabit rich and damp woods or wet places, and extend north
even to the arctic zone.
Several plants of the order besides the well-known Purslane are employed
as potherbs. The tuberous root of a Claytonia is eaten in Siberia ; and the
farinaceous roots of Lewisia furnish the Indians of Oregon with an important
article of food .
222 PORTULACACEiE.
Conspectus of the United States Genera.
* Sepals 2. Petals usually 5. (True Portulacaceae.)
Claytonia. (Plate 97.) Calyx persistent. Stamens 5, adherent to
the base of the hypogynous petals (which are not ephemeral) . Cap-
sule 3-valved, 3 - 6-seeded.
Talinum. (Plate 98.) Calyx deciduous. Petals 5, hypogynous, ephe-
meral. Stamens 10 - 30. Capsule 3-valved, many-seeded.
Portulaca. (Plate 99.) Calyx 2-cleft, the tube coherent with the ova-
ry. Petals 4-6, perigynous, ephemeral. Stamens 8 -20. Capsule
circumscissile at the middle, the upper portion deciduous with the
limb of the calyx, one-celled, many-seeded.
* # Sepals 5. Corolla wanting.
Sesuvium. (Plate 100.) Calyx 5-parted, free. Stamens 5 - 20 , insert-
ed in the throat of the calyx. Capsule circumscissile, 3-5-eelled,
many-seeded. Styles distinct.
portulacack.k 223
Plate 97.
CLAYTONIA, L.
Calyx 2-sepalus, liber, persistens. Petala 5, hypogyna,
hand ephemera. Stamina 5, unguibus petalorum inserta.
Stylus apice trifidus. Capsula unilocularis, 3-valvis, basi
3 - 6-sperma. — Herba? saepius diphyllas, inflorescentia race-
miformij floribus albis vel roseis.
Claytonia, Linn. Gen. 287. Lam. III. t. 144. Gaertn. Fr. t. 12!).
Pursh, Fl. 1. p. 175. t. 3. DC. PI. Gras. t. 131, & Prodr. 3. p.
360. Hook. Fl. Bor.-Am. 1. p. 224. t. 71-74. Torr. &. Gray,
Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 19S. Endl. Gen. 5180.
Limnia, Linn, in Act. Ups. 1746. p. 130. t. 5.
Spring Beauty.
Calyx herbaceous, of two ovate sepals, imbricated in aes-
tivation (both margins of one exterior), persistent. Petals
5, hypogynous, equal, quincuncially imbricated in aestiva-
tion, distinct, or somewhat united by the short claws or con-
tracted base, spreading, expanding for more than one day, at
length gelatinous-colliquescent. Stamens 5, equal, one be-
fore each petal ; the filiform or subulate filament inserted
on its base : anthers oval or oblong, fixed by the middle,
introrse ; the cells opening longitudinally. Ovary ovoid,
one-celled: style slender, three-cleft ; the slender divisions
stigmatose down the inner side. Ovules 3 to 6, on short
free funiculi which rise from the base of the cell, campy-
lotropous.
Capsule ovoid, membranaceous, one-celled, three-valved
(loculicidally) 3-6-seeded from the base. Seeds erect, len-
ticular, with a shining crustaceous testa, not strophiolate at
the hilum. Embryo incompletely annular or curved into
the form of a horseshoe around the outside of the farina-
ceous albumen : radicle inferior, much longer than the
semiterete cotyledons.
224 PORTUI.ACACE.ffi.
Herbs, usually of humble size, very smooth, slightly suc-
culent, either annual with fibrous roots, or perennial from a
caudex or globular tuber ; the leaves plane and entire ; the
radical ones long-petioled ; the cauline rarely alternate, or in
several pairs, usually a single pah, either distinct or connate.
Inflorescence racemiform and usually secund (but the bracts,
if any, not subtending the pedicels), or rarely manifestly
cymulose : the petals rose-color or white.
Etymology. Dedicated to John Clayton, of Virginia, one of the earliest
botanists of this country, and who furnished to Gronovius the materials of
the Flora Virginica.
Geographical Distribution, &c. A North American and Siberian
genus of about twenty known species, of which two, belonging to Clay-
tonia proper, are natives of the United States and Canada, and are among
the prettiest of our vernal flowers. The greater number, and especially the
annual species, are indigenous to Oregon and North California.
PLATE 97. Claytonia Virginica, Linn. ; — plant of the natural size.
(Botanic Garden, Cambridge ; from New York.)
1. Diagram of the flower, ajstivation, &c.
2. A petal with the stamen attached, enlarged.
3. Outside, and 4, inside view of a stamen, more magnified.
5. Pistil, enlarged.
6. The ovary, vertically divided, showing the insertion of the ovules.
7. An ovule, more magnified.
8. Dehiscent capsule, with the seeds, and the persistent calyx, enlarged.
9. A seed, more magnified.
10. Vertical section of the same, showing the embryo curved almost round
the albumen.
PORTULACACEyE. 225
Plate 98.
TALINUM, Adans.
Calyx 2-sepalus, liber, deciduus. Petala 5, hypogyna,
ephemera. Stamina 10-30, hypogyna. Stylus apice trilo-
bus. Capsula unilocularis, 3-valvis, polysperma. — Flores
saspius cymosi.
Talinum, Adans. Fara. 2. p. 145. excl. spec. Gaertn. Fr. t. 219. Sims.
Bot. Mag. t. 1357. Haworth, Syn. Succ. p. 123. DC. Prodr. 3.
p. 356. Fenzl, in Ann. Wein. Mus. 2. p. 296. Torr. & Gray,
Fl. N. Am. 1. p. 196. Endl. Gen. 5178.
Phemeranthds, Raf. Speech. 1. p. 86.
Calyx herbaceous, of two ovate sepals, imbricated in aes-
tivation, deciduous. Petals 5, hypogynous, quincuncially
imbricated in aestivation, expanding in sunshine for a single
day, deciduous soon after. Stamens 10 to 30, hypogynous,
or slightly adnate to the base of the petals : filaments fili-
form : anthers introrse, fixed by the middle ; the cells
opening longitudinally. Ovary globular, slightly three-
grooved, one-celled, or three-celled below, the thin dissepi-
ments soon disappearing : style columnar or filiform, three-
lobed, the whole inner surface of the lobes stigmatose.
Ovules indefinite, on slender funiculi, inserted all over the
central and usually stipitate placenta, amphitropous or cam-
pylotropous.
Capsule chartaceous, smooth, globular, one-celled, loculi-
cidally three-valved (the valves in T. teretifolium usually
separating or separable from a capillary replum), many-
seeded. Seeds covering the free central placenta, lenticular
or reniform, strophiolate at the hilum ; the crustaceous testa
smooth and shining. Embryo incompletely annular around
the outside of the farinaceous albumen.
Herbs or suffruticose fleshy plants, very smooth, with
alternate or somewhat opposite entire leaves, and cymose
fugacious flowers, expanding in the morning sunshine.
22G PORTULACACE.&.
Etymology obscure : probably an unmeaning name.
Geographical Distribution. A tropical and subtropical genus ; with
the exception of T. teretifolium, which extends northward to Pennsylvania,
and a nearly allied species in Arkansas.
PLATE 98. Talinum (Phemeranthus, Raf.) teretifolium, Pursh; —
plant of the natural size, cultivated in the Cambridge Botanic Gar-
den, from Westchester, Pennsylvania, Darlington.
1. Diagram of the aestivation, &c, with a transverse section of the ovary
near the base, showing the incomplete dissepiments.
2. Vertical section of the ovary and receptacle, &c, magnified.
3. Pistil and receptacle entire, equally magnified.
4. A stamen, magnified, inside view.
5. Same, seen from the outside.
6. An ovule, more magnified.
7. A capsule, enlarged ; the valves just separating.
8. The same, more dehiscent, showing the seeds packed on the placenta.
9. A magnified seed.
10. The same, vertically divided, showing the coiled embryo.
PORTULACACE.E. 227
Plate 99.
PORTULACA, Tourn.
Calyx tubo cum ovario inferne connato, limbo 2-partito
circumscisse deciduo. Petala 4-6, cum staminibus S-20
summo calycis tubo iuserta, fugacissima. Stylus 3 — S-parti-
tus. Capsula unilocularis, polysperma, circumscisse dehis-
cens.
Portulaca, Tourn. Inst. p. 236. t. 118. Adans. Fam. 2. p. 242. Juss.
Gen. p. 312. Gasrtn. Fr. t. 128. DC. PI. Gras. 1. 123, & Prodr.
3. p. 353. Endl. Gen. 5174.
Purslane.
Calyx two-cleft or two-parted ; the tube coherent with
the lower part of the ovary ; the divisions herbaceous, im-
bricated in aestivation, circumscissile round their base and
deciduous. Petals 4 to 6, distinct, or a little united at the
base, inserted on the summit of the tube of the calyx just
where it becomes free from the ovary, equal or unequal,
imbricated in aestivation, expanding only once, then colli-
quescent. Stamens 8 or numerous, inserted at the base of
the petals : filaments subulate or filiform : anthers introrse,
didymous, the oval cells opening longitudinally. Ovary
ovoid, one-celled, wiflk a free basilar placenta : styles 3 to
8, united at the base, stigmatose down the inner side.
Ovules indefinite, erect on capillary and free or branching
funiculi from the basilar placenta, amphitropous.
Capsule (pyxis) membranaceous, one-celled, ovoid or
globular, circumscissile near the middle at the point where
the calyx ceases to be adherent, the upper part falling off as
a lid. Seeds numerous, campylotropous, reniform-annular ;
the crustaceous and shining testa often granulated. Embryo
completely or incompletely annular around the outside of
the farinaceous albumen : radicle inferior : cotyledons
semiterete, incumbent.
228 PORTULACACE.E.
Herbs low and succulent ; with alternate or irregularly
opposite entire leaves, which are either terete or plane, and
often furnished with tufts of bristles in their axils ; the up-
permost usually involucrate around the solitary or clustered
(sessile or pedicellate) flowers. Petals yellow, purple, or
rose-color, delicate, expanding in direct sunshine during the
forenoon, soon closing, and before evening colliquescent.
Etymology, Geographical Distribution, &c. The old Latin name,
of uncertain meaning, for the Common Purslane, which has been used from
all antiquity as a potherb, and in salads. All are natives of the tropics and
of the southern border of the northern temperate zone ; but the common
Purslane has from early times been naturalized around gardens almost every-
where. Several showy species have recently become common in cultiva-
tion. P. pilosa is indigenous on our Southern frontiers ; and P. oleracea
itself is said to be truly wild in Arkansas and Texas.
PLATE 99. Portulaca oleracea, Linn. ; — a branch in flower, of the.
natural size.
1. Diagram of the flower, aestivation, &c.
•2. Magnified stamen, outside view.
3. Inside view of the same.
4. Vertical section through the ovary and adherent calyx, &c, magnified.
5. An ovule, more magnified.
6. A capsule (pyxis), enlarged.
7. Same, with the lid detached, showing the seeds.
8. A seed, more magnified.
9. Vertical section of the same through the e^bi'V".
POKTULACACEvE. 229
Plate 100.
SESUVIUM, L.
Calyx 5-partitus, liber, persistens. Petala nulla. Stami-
na perigyna, 10 — 15 vel indefinita, rarius 5 sinubus calycis
inserta. Styli 3-5. Capsula 3 — 5-locularis, polysperma,
circumscisse dehiscens. — Herbae prostratee littorales, foliis
oppositis succulentis.
Sescvium, Linn. Gen. 624. Jacq. Stirp. Amer. t. 05. Lam. III. t. 434.
DC. PI. Gras. t. 9, & Prodr. 3. p. 453. Wight & Am. Prodr.
Fl. Ind. Or. 1. p. 3G1. Endl. Gen. 5170.
Calyx deeply five-cleft or five-parted, free, persistent ; the
sepals quincuncially imbricated in asstivation, herbaceous,
colored (purplish) inside, sometimes mucronate or comute
below the tip. Petals wanting. Stamens inserted on the
short tube of the calyx, rarely 5 and alternate with the se-
pals, oftener 10 to 15, or indefinite : filaments filiform :
anthers globular, didymous, introrse, the cells opening lon-
gitudinally. Ovary free from the calyx, 3 - 5-celled, with
the placenta? in the axis: styles 3 to 5, distinct, stigmatose
for the whole length of the inner side. Ovules numerous
in each cell, ascending on filiform funiculi arising from the
axile placenta.
Capsule (pyxis) ellipsoid or oblong, membranaceous, 3-
5-celled, many-seeded, circumscissile as in Portulaca at or
below the middle, the upper part falling off as a lid. Seeds
reniform or globular, campylotropous, smooth. Embryo
curved around the outside of the farinaceous albumen, an-
nular or nearly so.
Herbs prostrate, succulent and maritime ; with opposite
and entire fleshy leaves, and terminal or axillary and sessile
or short-peduncled flowers.
230 PORTULACACK.E.
Etymology. An unexplained name.
Geographical Distribution, &c. A genus evidently allied to Portu-
laca, notwithstanding the 5-sepalous calyx, &c, composed of a few spe-
cies of strictly maritime plants, which arc principally tropical ; but two or
more species inhabit the coast of the Southern States, and even extend
northward, it is said, as far as New Jersey. The species figured is re-
markable for having the minimum number of stamens.
PLATE 100. Sesuvium pentandrum, Ell. ; — New Orleans, Drummond.
1. Diagram of the flower.
2. Calyx, with the stamens, detached and laid open ; magnified.
3. A magnified stamen, inside view.
4. Pistil, magnified.
5. Vertical section through the ovary and calyx, &c.
6. Capsule (pyxis) magnified, the persistent calyx spread open, the lid
raised up, showing the seeds.
7. A seed, more magnified.
8. Section of the same, showing the embryo curved around the albumen.
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