A Flowering blanch. B Flower with epicalyx and bract. C Lower part of the flower cut lengthwise.
CUCURBITACEAE.
FLOW. PL. AFR.
Pl. 148.
J. Fleischmann del.
Momordica Charantia L.
A Flowering branch. B Male flower cut lengthwise. C Sepal. D Anther. E Female flower cut lengthwise. F Staminode. G Cross-section of ovary. H Fruit. I Seed. (H from Curtis’ Botanical Magazine, plate 2455.)
3. Scales of the receptacle stiff and pointed. Calyx-teeth usually 4. Stem prickly or bristly.—Species 5. North and East Africa. Several species are used in the manufacture of cloth and in medicine. “Teasel.” Dipsacus L.
Scales of the receptacle herbaceous or replaced by hairs. Stem glabrous or hairy, rarely bristly. 4
4. Scales of the receptacle nearly as large as the flowers. Epicalyx with 8 longitudinal furrows. Calyx-teeth 5. Stigma entire.—Species 2.
North-west Africa and Cameroons. They yield dyes and medicaments.
(Under Scabiosa L.) Succisa Coult.
Scales of the receptacle much smaller than the flowers or replaced by hairs. 5
5. Calyx-teeth 4-6. Stigma 2-parted. Epicalyx with 8 longitudinal furrows or ribs and a saucer-shaped limb. Receptacle scaly.—Species
18. Some of them are used as ornamental or medicinal plants. Scabiosa L.
Calyx-teeth 8-24. 6
6. Calyx-teeth 8. Epicalyx without distinct furrows or ribs, and with a narrow, toothed limb. Receptacle hairy.—Species 2. North-west
Africa. Used as ornamental or medicinal plants. (Under Scabiosa L.) Knautia Coult.
Calyx-teeth 12-24. Epicalyx with 8 longitudinal furrows and a saucer-shaped limb.—Species 6. North Africa and Abyssinia. (Under
Scabiosa L.) Pterocephalus Vaill.