Fig. 109.—A compound leaf, being that of Mahonia aquifolium.
The principal other plants belonging to this order are, Nandina domestica, a very pretty shrub with white flowers, from China, which requires a greenhouse in England; several species of Epimedium, some of which are from Japan, with purple and white flowers; a few species of Leontice, pretty plants with yellow flowers; and a plant called Diphylleia cymosa, with white flowers and blue berries, a native of North America. All these plants are easily recognised by their broad stamens, and the curling back of the valves of their anthers.
ORDER VII. PODOPHYLLACEÆ.—THE MAY-APPLE TRIBE.
This order contains only two genera; viz., Podophyllum and Jeffersonia; both of which have a calyx of three or four sepals, and a white corolla of from six to nine petals. Podophyllum has numerous stamens, and a fleshy berry with only one cell, which does not open when ripe; and Jeffersonia has eight or nine stamens, and a capsule which opens all round the apex. Podophyllum peltatum is the May-apple, and its fruit is eatable when ripe, though very acid; the leaves are very large, and peltate, that is, with the footstalk attached to the centre; and Jeffersonia diphylla is a little plant, without any stem but that which supports the flower. Both are natives of America, where they are found in moist shady places.
ORDER VIII. HYDROPELTIDEÆ.
This order, which many botanists combine with the preceding one, also consists of only two genera; viz., Cabomba and Hydropeltis; and of these Cabomba aquatica is a stove aquatic, and Hydropeltis purpurea is a hardy water plant, with peltate leaves, and dull purple flowers.