12. Philadelphus. Calyx-lobes conspicuous. Petals 4–5, convolute in the bud. Filaments linear. Styles 3–5.
Tribe III. ESCALLONIEÆ. Shrubs. Leaves alternate and simple. Ovary 2–5-celled. Fruit capsular.
13. Itea. Calyx 5-cleft, free from the 2-celled ovary, which becomes a septicidal capsule.
Tribe IV. RIBESIEÆ. Shrubs. Leaves alternate and simple, with stipules adnate to the petiole or wanting. Fruit a berry.
14. Ribes. Calyx-tube adnate to the 1-celled ovary. Placentas 2, parietal, many-seeded.
1. ASTÍLBE, Don. False Goatsbeard.
Flowers diœciously polygamous. Calyx 4–5-parted, small. Petals 4–5, spatulate, small, withering-persistent. Stamens 8 or 10. Ovary 2-celled, almost free, many-ovuled; styles 2, short. Capsule 2-celled, separating into 2 follicles, each ripening few seeds. Seed-coat loose and thin, tapering at each end.—Perennial herbs, with twice or thrice ternately-compound ample leaves, cut-lobed and toothed leaflets, and small white or yellowish flowers in spikes or racemes, which are disposed in a compound panicle. (Name composed of ἀ- privative and στίλβη, a bright surface, because the foliage is not shining.)
1. A. decándra, Don. Somewhat pubescent (3–5° high); leaflets mostly heart-shaped; petals minute or wanting in the fertile flowers, stamens 10.—Rich woods; mountains of S. W. Va. to N. C. and Ga. Closely imitating Spiræa Aruncus, but coarser.
2. SAXÍFRAGA, L. Saxifrage.
Calyx either free from or cohering with the base of the ovary, 5-cleft or parted. Petals 5, entire, imbricated in the bud, commonly deciduous. Stamens 10. Styles 2. Capsule 2-beaked, 2-celled, opening down or between the beaks, or sometimes 2 almost separate follicles. Seeds numerous, with a close coat.—Chiefly perennial herbs, with the root-leaves clustered, those of the stem mostly alternate. (Name from saxum, a rock, and frango, to break; many species rooting in the clefts of rocks.)