ORDER LXXVII.—HALORAGEÆ, OR CERCODIANÆ.
Most of the plants in this order are British weeds; as for example, the Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum), Water Starwort (Callitriche), and Mare’s-tail (Hippuris); but some are natives of North America, China, &c., and one genus has lately been discovered in Australia, which Dr. Lindley has named Loudonia aurea, and which is a large shrub, with corymbs of golden yellow flowers.
ORDER LXXVIII.—CERATOPHYLLEÆ.
British weeds called Hornwort.
ORDER LXXIX.—LYTHRARIEÆ, OR SALICARIÆ.
The principal plants in this order that are interesting to amateurs, are included in the genera Lythrum, Cuphea, Heimia, Lawsonia, and Lagerstrœmia. The genus Lythrum contains all those showy British plants which are called the Willow Herbs. The flowers are purple, and the petals, which are four or six in number, are crumpled in the bud. The stamens are either the same number as the petals, or twice the number, and the capsule is two-celled. The calyx, as in all the plants included in this order, is tubular, with numerous lobes; and the petals soon fall off. Cuphea is a genus principally of annual plants, with six or seven dark purple petals, unequal in size, and curiously inserted in the calyx. Heimia is a genus of South American shrubs, with yellow flowers. Lawsonia inermis produces the Henna, which the ladies of the East use to dye the palms of their hands pink; and Lagerstrœmia is a beautiful conservatory tree, with handsome flowers. This plant is sometimes called the pride of India.