Flora of the Colosseum of Rome, or, Illustrations and descriptions of four hundred and twenty plants growing spontaneously upon the ruins of the Colosseum of Rome

Preface

The Colosseum is the most remarkable, the grandest, and most imposing of all the vast ruins of Ancient Rome. It was built, according to Suetonius (Nero 31), on the spot which was previously occupied by the lake or large pond attached to Nero’s palace, and is situated near to the remains of the Baths of Titus, which appear to be built on a part of the foundations of the palace of Nero, on the Esquiline Hill ; opposite to it on the north-west side was the temple of Yenus and Rome, and it communicated with the Palace of the Csesars, on the Palatine Hill, by a subterranean passage.

Formerly the Colosseum was known by the name of the Flavian Amphitheatre, in memory of Flavius Vespasian, who commenced it a.d. 72. It is said to have been only four years in building, and to have been completed by his son Titus. They erected it as a triumphal commemoration of their successes in the J ewish wars, as well as the Triumphal Arch of Titus, which stands across the Via Sacra, near to the Colosseum, and is, perhaps, the most interesting of all the triumphal arches in Rome, as its bas-reliefs not only

IV

PREFACE.

represent on one side Titus in his car, in the triumphal procession, but on the opposite side are represented the spoils of the Temple of Jerusalem, the sacred ark and the seven-branched candlestick, which are so accurately represented as to entirely agree with the description given in the Mosaic account of them. At the dedication of the Colosseum, Eutropius (lib. vii. c. 21) states that 5000 wild beasts were killed, and that there was an exhibition of games for nearly 100 days ; and Josephus (de Belli Jud. lib. vii. c. 5) says, that Titus brought 700 J ews to Borne to grace his triumph ; and it is probable that many of them formed combatants etc., in the exhibitions. The Colosseum, it is calculated, covers altogether about six acres of ground ; its whole length is 619 feet, and the whole width 513, and the circumference 1741. The length of the arena is 300 feet ; its width 190. The outer walls on the perfect side were stated to be 179 feet high ; and, from all the accounts and calculations, it seems probable that it was capable of accommodating the extraordinary number of 100,000 persons to witness the exhibitions.

But such is now the state of the ruin, that there is not remaining a single seat of stone of all those which rose in regular succession from the arena to the third story, nor any portion of the upper gallery in the fourth story. To enter, however, into any lengthened description of its present state, or to speculate upon what this or that portion of the building has been, and the uses to which they were applied, would be out of place here, and only to repeat what is found in the guide books and the many dissertations which have been written upon it.

PREFACE.

V

The enterprising managers of the Sydenham Palace, near London, have, at considerable expense, made the public better acquainted with this most noble of the Ancient Eoman structures, as it was in its perfect state? by the best possible means, in having a large model of it made in the exact relative proportions ; thus showing, in detail, what it is almost impossible to describe by words or drawings.

No one, however, can stand in the middle of the arena, as it now is, without endeavouring to picture to himself what the scene was when its seats around were filled with 100,000 occupants, to witness the many barbarous scenes which there took place. Not only were the noble and graceful animals from the wilds of Africa brought there in great numbers, and let loose in their wild and famished fury, to tear each other to pieces, but numberless human beings were made to engage them in mortal combat, and cast amongst them to be instantly torn to pieces, and sacrificed in various cruel ways for the amusement of the people, or as a punishment for crimes which they had committed. Amongst these were captive slaves from Various conquered states, and not a few were martyred for their disbelief in the divinity of the dumb Pagan idols, and being followers of Christ, the ever-living God, and thus bore testimony to their belief in the doctrines which he had taught. Amongst the foremost and most distinguished of these noble men was St. Ignatius, who was brought from Antioch in the reign of Trajan, on purpose to be exhibited to the assembled multitude in the Colosseum, and was there exposed to the fury of the enraged animals, and in a few minutes

VI

PREFACE.

torn to pieces and consumed. But these scenes, the gladiatorial combats, and various games, and vast and numerous exhibitions, are subjects of history which will recur to the mind when pondering over and examining the place in which they occurred, and need not be repeated here.

The object of the present little volume is to call the attention of the lover of the works of creation to those floral productions which flourish, in triumph, upon the ruins of a single building. Flowers are perhaps the most graceful and most lovely objects of the creation but are not, at any time, more delightful than when associated with what recalls to the memory time and place, and especially that of generations long passed away. They form a link in the memory, and teach us hopeful and soothing lessons, amid the sadness of bygone ages : and cold indeed must be the heart that does not respond to their silent appeal ; for, though without speech, they tell of that regenerating power which reanimates the dust of mouldering greatness, and clothes their sad and fallen grandeur with graceful forms and curiously constructed leaves and flowers, resplendent with their gay and various colours, and perfume the air with their exquisite odours.

The plants which we have found growing upon the Colosseum, and have here described, amount to no less a number than 420 species ; in this number there are examples of 253 Genera, and illustrations of 66 of the Natural Orders of plants, a number which seems almost incredible. There are 56 species of Grasses — 47 of the order Composite or Syngenesious plants — and 41 of the Leguminous or Pea tribe : but it must be

PREFACE.

Vll remembered that, though the ground occupied by the building is about six acres, the surface of the walls and lodgment on the ruins upon which they grow is much more extensive, and the variety of soil is much greater ? than would be supposed without examination ; for, on the lower north side, it is damp, and favourable to the production of many plants, while the upper walls and accumulated mould are warmer and dryer, and, consequently, better suited for the development of others : and, on the south side, it is hot and dry, and suited only for the growth of differently constructed tribes.

The collection of the plants and the species noted has been made some years ; but, since that time, many of the plants have been destroyed, from the alterations and restorations that have been made in the ruins ; a circumstance that cannot but be lamented. To preserve a further falling of any portion is most desirable ; but to carry the restorations, and the brushing and cleaning, to the extent to which it has been subjected, instead of leaving it in its wild and solemn grandeur, is to destroy the impression and solitary lesson which so magnificent a ruin is calculated to make upon the mind.

In the year 1815, a catalogue of the plants then growing upon the Colosseum was published by Antonio Sebastiano, a Eoman botanist, amountiug to 261 species. Some of the species there enumerated are not now to be found ; but it will be seen that the numbers are now much increased, or that the list was not then a perfect one.

In the arrangement of the plants I have thought it best to place them under the natural orders, for the

Vlll

PREFACE.

purpose of more fully exhibiting tbeir variety of character, and have so constructed the synopsis that the student may study them, and trace out the Genera and Species, according to the Natural System, or that of the Sexual or Linnean System.

64, Via Sistina, Eome,

FLORA OF THE COLOSSEUM OF ROME.

SYNOPTICAL TABLE OF THE NATURAL ORDERS, CLASS I.

Dicotyledons or Exogenous Plants.

Stem with wood, pith, hark and medullary rays. Flowers generally in five divisions. Leaves with netted veins. Seeds with two lobes.

Sub-Class I. — EMclftlamy4l©<iMi§ JPlants,

Perianth double, consisting of calyx and corolla, the parts of the flower generally in fives, and the leaves with netted veins.

Sub-division I.™ POLYPET ALOUS. — Corolla composed of two or many petals.

83T Ovary or ovaries free.

Ovaries numerous. Orders.

Calyx composed of separate sepals 1. Ranunculace^e.

Calyx composed of sepals more or less united at the base.

Stamens united by the filaments

into a tube 2. Malvaceae.

Stamens distinct.

Leaves more or less fleshy 3. Crassulace^e.

Leaves not fleshy 4. Rosaceje,

B

FLORA OF THE COLOSSEUM OF ROME.

Ovary solitary.

Corolla regular.

Flowers complete containing stamens and pistil.

Stamens 1 to 6.

Calyx margin entire or obsoletely toothed 5.

Calyx sepals more or less united

at the base.

Shrubs 6.

Herbs.

Corolla wanting, or of 5 scalelike teeth 7.

Corolla of 5 clawed petals 8.

Calyx of 2 to 6 separate pieces.

Stamens slightly united at the base into a monodelphous ring 9.

Stamens tetradynamous (2 longer than the others) /... 10.

Stamens 7 to 10.

Leafless parasitical plants 11.

Leafy not parasitical plants.

Style single.

Stamens united at the base 12.

Stamens free 13.

Styles 2 to 5.

Leaves trifoliate 14.

Leaves simple or divided not trifoliate . . 15.

Stamens 1 1 or more.

Petals definite, generally 4 or 5.

United with the calyx segments 16.

Separate from the calyx segments.

Calyx of 2 sepals 17.

Calyx of 3 to 8 sepals.

Petals entire.

Orders,

Vitaces.

Celastrines.

Paronychies.

Carophylls.

LlNES.

Crucifers.

CyTINES.

GeRANIACEZE.

RUTACES.

OXALIDEZE.

Saxifrages.

Hypericines.

Papaveraces.

SYNOPTICAL TABLE OF THE NATURAL ORDERS.

Orders.

Petals 4 18. Capparides.

Petals 5 19. Cistines.

Upper Petals cut in a palma-

ted manner 20. Resediaces,

Flowers incomplete, mostly

unisexual. 21. Terebinthaces.

Corolla irregular.

Corolla spurred at the base.

Calyx of 5 sepals 22. Violaces.

Calyx of 2 sepals 23. Fumariaces.

Corolla not spurred at the base.

Stamens 8 24. Polygales.

Stamens 10 or more 25. Leguminoss.

§ZW Ovary attached to or enclosed within the tube of the corolla.

Stamens the same number as the petals, and alternating with them, or twice the number.

Carpels 2 united with the placenta in the axis, separating when ripe from the base to the apex, and remaining suspended from a carpophorus.

Flowers umbellate 26. Umbellifers.

Flowers not umbellate.

Shrubs or trees.

Stamens opposite the petals.

Calyx 4 or 5 lobed 27. Rhamnes.

Stamens alternate with the petals.

Calyx 4 or 5 toothed 28. Araliaces.

Herbs.

Styles 2 or more 15. Saxifrages,

Styles 1 29. Onagrares. ,

Sub-diyision II. — GAMOPETALOUS. — Petals more or less united together.

&W Stamens inserted either directly on the calyx, or on the corolla which arises from the calyx, the calyx being adherent to the ovary.

FLORA OF THE COLOSSEUM OF ROME.

Fruit 1 seeded. Orders.

Flowers corymbose, paniculated

or sub-capitate. 30. Valeriane^e.

Flowers aggregated in a common receptacle, and surrounded by a many -leaved involucre.

Anthers united into a tube 31. Composites.

Anthers distinct 32. Dipsaces,

Fruit 2 or many seeded.

Stamens 5 inserted into the base of the corolla on the ovary.

Fruit a fleshy berry 33. Cucurbitaces.

Fruit a dry capsule 34. Campanulaces.

Stamens 5 or 4 alternate between the lobes of the corolla.

Herbs with whorled leaves and

square stems 35. Stellats.

Shrubs with rounded stems 36. Caprifoliaces.

&W Stamens inserted on the corolla which arise from the torus, the calyx not being adherent to the ovary.

j Fertile Stamens 2 to 4.

Fruit consisting of a 4 lobed ovary

apparently of 4 naked seeds.. 37. Labiateje.

Fruit not 4 lobed.

Fertile Stamens 2.

Herbs 38.

Shrubs or Trees 39.

Fertile Stamens 4, rarely 2.

Corolla regular, membranaceous 40.

Corolla irregular coloured.

Fruit drupaceous or baccate .... 41.

Fruit capsular.

Leafless parasitical plants 42.

Leafy not parasitical plants 43.

Fertile Stamens 3 to 5 (sometimes more).

Fruit consisting of a 2 or 4 lobed ovary apparently of 2 naked seeds or nuts ... 44.

Scrophularine^:.

Oleace^e.

Plantagine^e.

Verbenace.e.

Orobanche.®.

Acanthace^:.

Boragine^e.

SYNOPTICAL TABLE OF THE NATURAL ORDERS.

Fruit a capsule bursting longitu- Orders.

dinally.

Stamens opposite the lobes of the

Corolla 45. PRIMULACBiE.

Stamens alternate with the lobes of the corolla.

Capsule few seeded 46. Convolvulace^e.

Capsule many seeded.

Anthers not appendiculated.

Corolla plaited in aestivation 47. Solane^e.

Corolla imbricated in aestivation 48. Gentiane^e.

Anthers appendiculated 49. Ericac^:.

Fruit a capsule bursting transversely 50. Amaranthace^j.

Perianth simple, of 1 or 2 rows, or rarely apparently double, the parts of the flowers being then in threes, and the leaves with parallel veins.

Flowers superior. Orders.

Stamens attached to a central

Column 11. CYTINEiE.

Stamens attached to the base of

the corolla 51 Santalace^e.

Flowers inferior.

Fruit separating into many carpels 52. Euphorbiace^.

Fruit indehiscent.

Leaves with stipules.

Stipules forming a sheath round

the stem 53. Polygone^:.

Stipules free 54. Urticacejs.

Leaves without stipules.

Fruit inclosed in an indurated

involucre 55. Ambrosiace^.

Fruit inclosed in the enlarged

often fleshy perianth 56. Chenopodiace.e.

Fruit a berry 57. Phytolaceje.

FLORA OF THE COLOSSEUM OF ROME.

CLASS II.

Vaseulares or Endogenous Plants.

Stems destitute of a central pith, medullary rays, or true bark, composed of scattered fibres harder on the outside than the centre. Leaves sheathing. Flowers with its divisions generally in threes. Seeds with one perfect lobe.

Ovarium 1 inferior. Orders .

Stamens 3 united into a central

column with the style 58. Orchideje.

Stamens 3 free or monodelphous 59. Iride2e.

Stamens 6 free 60. Amaryllide^e.

Ovarium 1 superior not glumaceous.

Perianth of 6 petaloid pieces. .. 61. Liliace^e. Perianth of 6 membranous

pieces. #

Flowers perfect simple 62. Junce^e.

Flowers perfect or uni-sexual and arranged within a common spadix 63. Arace^.

Ovarium superior flowers glumaceous.

Glumes 1 valved, sheaths of the

leaves entire, the stem solid 64. Cyperace.«e. Glumes mostly 2 valved, sheath of the leaves divided, the stem hollow 65. Gramine^e.

Cryptogamous Plants —{Flowerless Plants ).

Flowers wanting; or the stamens and pistils, if any, indistinct, and not visible to the naked eye.

Capsules , semi-transparent cases arising from the veins on the under-side of the fronds, or margin, in clusters of various shape called Sori 66. Filices.

SYNOPSIS OF THE GENERA ACCORDING TO THE SYSTEM OF LINNAEUS.

CLASS II.

Diandria (2 Stamens).

Perianth double inferior regular. Genus.

Corolla 4 cleft.

Fruit a berry Ligustrum.

Fruit a fragile drupe Phillyrea.

Fruit a bony drupe Olea.

Perianth double inferior irregular.

Seeds in a 2 celled capsule Veronica.

Seeds 4 apparently naked.

Corolla tubular 4 cleft Lycopus.

Corolla 2 lipped.

Upper lip concave Salvia.

Upper lip bifid Rosmarina.

Perianth double superior CirCvea.

CLASS III.

Triandria (3 Stamens).

Order— JfEonogy nia (1 Pistil ).

Perianth double.

Calyx limb at length developed into

pappus

Calyx limb toothed

Perianth single petaloid.

Lacine of the stigma narrow re-curved

Lacine of the stigma dilated

Perianth single glumaceous

Ceutranthus.

Valeri anell a.

Triconema.

Crocus.

Cyperus.

Order— JSMg*yni» (2 Pistils).

Flowers glumaceous (see Nat. Ord., Gra-

MlNEiE.)

Order— Trig*ynia (3 Pistils ).

Petals 5, stamens 3 to 5 Polycarpon.

FLORA OF THE COLOSSEUM OF ROME.

CLASS IY.

Tetrandria (4 Stamens equal).

Order — UXonogrynia (1 Pistil).

Corolla superior of 1 piece.

Leaves whorled (see Nat. Ord., Stellate.)

Leaves not whorled. Genus.

Receptacle hairy Kanutia.

Receptacle scaly Scabious.

Corolla inferior 4 parted Plantago.

Corolla wanting perianth bell-shaped Parietarea.

Order — -£Bag*ynia (2 Pistils).

Calyx of 4 pieces Sagina.

CLASS Y.

Pentandria (5 Stamens).

Order — Monog-ynia (1 Pistil).

Flowers monopetalous inferior.

Fruit 4 nuts (see Nat. Ord., Boraginee).

Fruit capsular, 1 celled.

Corolla with reflexed segments ...... Cyclamen.

Corolla with spreading segments Anagallis.

Fruit capsular, 2 to 5 celled.

Corolla funnel-shaped.

Capsule linear Erythrea.

Capsule ovate Hyoscymus.

Corolla hell-shaped Convolvulus.

Corolla wheel-shaped. Yerbascum.

Fruit a berry Solanum.

Flowers monopetalous superior.

Fruit a capsule (see Nat. Ord., Campanulacee).

Fruit a berry Lonicera.

Flowers polypetalous inferior.

Flowers irregular Yiola.

Flowers regular.

SYNOPSIS OF THE GENERA (LINNiEUS).

Genus.

Fruit a capsule Euonymus.

Fruit a berry Vitis.

Fruit a fleshy drupe Rhamnus.

Fruit a dry drupe, with an orbicular

ring Paliurus.

Flowers polypetalous superior Hederia.

Order— SMg-ymia (2 Pistils ).

Perianth single inferior Chenopodium.

Perianth single superior . Ulmus.

Perianth double (see Nat. Ord., Umbellifera).

Order— Trlgrymia (3 Pistils').

Flowers inferior . Polycarpon.

Flowers superior.

Fruit a 1 seeded berry Viburnum.

Fruit a 3 seeded berry Sambucus.

Order — J^entagrynia (5 Pistils ).

Capsule 10 celled Linum.

CLASS VI.

Hexandria (6 Stamens).

Order — Monogrymia (1 Pistil).

Per ianth superior Narcissus.

Perianth inferior petaloid.

Foot bulbous.

Perianth globose or sub-cylindrical .. Muscaria. Perianth spreading.

Flowers in terminal umbels Allium.

Flowers in a spike or raceme Ornithogalum,

Root tuberous fascicles, or fibrous Asphodilus.

Root fibrous, stem herbaceous or woody . Asparagus. Perianth inferior membranous Juncus.

Order — Trig'yma (3 Pistils).

Perianth of 6 pieces Rumex.

FLORA OF THE COLOSSEUM OF ROME.

CLASS VIII.

Octandria (8 Stamens).

Order— Monog’ynia (1 Pistil).

Genus .

Corolla of 4 petals inserted into the calyx . Epilobium. Corolla of 4 petals inserted into the receptacle Ruta.

Corolla of 1 petal, the limb 8 cleft Chlora.

Corolla of 1 petal, the limb 4 cleft Erica.

Perianth single, 4 or 5 parted persistent . . Polyganum. CLASS X.

Decandria (10 Stamens).

Order— Mono g*yni a (1 Pistil).

Fruit a berry Arbutus.

Order — ISigywia (2 Pistils).

Capsule 2 beaked at the apex Saxifraga.

Capsule 4 valved.

Petals linear wedge-shaped Tunica.

Petals with a linear claw and dilated

limb Dianthus.

Order — Trigynia (3 Pistils).

Calyx monophyllus Silene.

Calyx of 4 or 5 pieces.

Capsule 3 valved Alsine.

Capsule 4 to 6 valved Moeringia.

Capsule 6 valved.

Petals entire or slightly notched Arenaria.

Petals deeply notched or bipartite Stellaria.

Order — Tetragrynia (4 Pistils).

Capsule 4 valved Sagina.

Order — Pentag’jnia (5 Pistils ).

Fruit a capsule bursting at the top, with

10 teeth Cerastium.

Fruit a 5 angled 5 or 10 valved capsule .. Oxalis.

SYNOPSIS OF THE GENERA (LINN^US). 11

Fruit 5 ovaries, with a scale at the base of

each. Genus.

Corolla of 5 petals Sedum.

Corolla tubular . . Umbilicus.

Order-— Uecag-yiiia (10 Pistils).

Fruit a berry Phytolacca.

CLASS XI.

Dodeean&ria (12 Stamens ).

Order — JMgrynia (2 Pistils ).

Calyx limb spiny beneath Agrimonia,

Order — Ta*5g*yiaia (3 Pistils ).

Petals irregular Reseda.

CLASS XII.

Icosandria ( Stamens , 20 or more inserted into the calyx). Order — iPesitfag-yiiia (5 Pistils , but variable ).

Fruit a pomum (apple) Pyrus.

Fruit a drupe Prttnus.

Order— 3E®®lyg'ysiia ( many Pistils).

Calyx segments in 1 row.

Nuts inclosed in the urn-shaped tube of

the calyx Rosa.

Nuts inserted on a conical fleshy receptacle Rubus.

Calyx segments in 2 rows.

Nuts inserted on a conical fleshy receptacle Fragaria.

Nuts inserted on a dry receptacle.

Styles jointed and hooked at the apex Geum.

Styles simple Potentilla.

FLORA OF THE COLOSSEUM OF ROME.

CLASS XIII.

Polyandria ( many Stamens inserted upon the receptacle ). Order — IfEonogynia (1 Pistil).

Corolla of 4 petals.

Calyx of 2 caducous pieces. Genus .

Stigmas 2 Jobed. Chelidonium.

Stigmas radiant sessile Pap aver.

Calyx of 4 persistent pieces Capparis.

Corolla of 5 petals.

Capsule 3 valved Helianthemum.

Capsule 5 to 10 valved Cistus.

Order — IPentag’ynia ( Pistils variable , 2 to 6). Calyx spurred at the base Delphinum.

Order — I»©lyg*yiiia ( Pistils numerous ).

Calyx petaloid, corolla wanting.

Leaves opposite Clematis.

Leaves alternate radical Anemone.

Calyx generally green petals clawed Ranunculus.

CLASS XIV.

Didynamia ( Stamens 4, 2 longer than the others). Order — ^jmnosperma*

Fruit 4 nut-like capsules, with the style in the middle (see Nat. Ord., Labiates).

Order — Aagriosiserma.

( Fruit a 1 or many seeded Capsule .)

Capsule 1 celled, many seeded Orobanche.

Capsule 2 celled, 1 to many seeded.

Anthers spurred at the base.

Calyx inflated Rhinanthus.

Calyx tubular, 4 cleft.

Capsule obtuse or notched Euphrasia.

Capsule with a pointed apex Trixago.

SYNOPSIS OF THE GENERA (LINNAEUS).

Anthers not spurred at the base.

Capsule 2 celled. Genus.

Corolla 1 lipped Acanthus.

Corolla 2 lipped, subglobose Scrophularia.

Corolla 2 lipped, the lower lip with a swollen palate, spurred at the

base Linaria.

Not spurred at the base Antirrhinum.

Capsule of 4 cells Verbena.

CLASS XV.

Tetradyxiamia (6 Stamens , 4 long and 2 short).

See Nat. Ord., Crucifers.

CLASS XVI.

Monadelphia ( Filaments combined in 1 set). Order — J?@2atag*yitia (5 perfect Stamens).

Capsule with a long spirally-twisted awn,

hairy on the inside Erodium.

Order — Decandria (10 perfect Stagnens).

Capsule with a long naked awn, curling

backwards Geranium.

Order — -S?©lyaBMlria ( [many Stamens).

Calyx surrounded by a 3 leaved involucre Malva,

CLASS XVII.

Diadelphia ( Filaments combined in 2 equal sets , or 9 combined and 1 free).

Order— H[@xasMli*aa (6 Stamens),

Fruit 1 seeded, nub like Eumaria.

ORDER—Oct andria (8 Stamens).

Fruit a compressed capsule Polygalia.

FLORA OF THE COLOSSEUM OF ROME.

Order —J>ecanclria (10 Stamens).

See Nat. Ord., Leguminos^e.

CLASS XVIII.

Polydelphia ( Filaments combined in more than 2 sets).

Genus.

Fruit a 3 celled capsule Hypericum.

CLASS XIX.

Syngenesia ( Anthers united into a tube ; flowers compound). See Nat. Ord., Composite.

CLASS XX.

Gynandria ( Stamens situated upon the style or column above the germen).

Lip of Corolla lobed, and spurred at the

base Orchis.

Lip of Corolla lobed, not spurred at the

base Ophrys.

* CLASS XXI.

Monecia ( Stamens and Pistils in separate flowers on the same plant).

Order — Momandria (1 Stamen ).

Involucre bell-shaped cleft, and with alternate fleshy glands Euphorbia.

Order — Triandria (3 Stamens).

Flowers imbricated spikes of 1 valved

glumes Carex.

Flowers in a hollow fleshy receptacle Eicus.

Order — Tetrandria (4 Stamens).

Barren flowers in loose racemes, perfect

flowers in capitate racemes Urtica.

SYNOPSIS OP THE GENERA (LINN^US).

Order — Fentumlria (5 Stamens ).

Genus.

Barren flowers with a 3 to 5 cleft perianth, fertile flowers 2 inclosed in a prickly perianth Xanthium.

Barren and fertile flowers with a 3 to 5

cleft perianth Amaranthus.

* Order — a ( Stamens united).

Anthers 8 attached to a central column Cytinus,

Order— I*©lytielp2iia ( Stamens numerous).

Flowers in a 1 leaved spatha Arum.

Flowers in dense heads Poterium.

Flowers in axillary clusters.

Fruit a smooth berry Bryonia.

Fruit a rough berry Momordica.

CLASS XXII.

Dioecia ( Stamens and Pistils on separate Flowers and on different Plants).

Order— ®riaiffi«lria (3 Stamens).

Perianth 3 cleft Osyris.

Perianth of 6 pieces at the back of the

leaves Kuscus.

Order— Pesitandria (5 Stamens).

Fruit a drupe Pisticia.

Order— Hexaudria (6 Stamens).

Perianth 6 parted Smilax.

Order- — Enneandria (9 Stamens).

Perianth single 3 cleft Mercurialis.

CLASS XXIII.

Polygamia ( Stamens and Pistils separate or united on the same or on different Plants , having 2 different kinds of Perianth.

Fruit a 1 seeded crustaceous urticle Atriplex.

CLASS XXIY.

Cryptogamia ( Flowerless plants ).

See Nat. Ord., Filices.

ELORA OE THE COLOSSEUM.

I. Nat. Ord.— Ranunculaceae*

Genera.

Petals regular, or calyx and petals not distinguishable from each other.

Carpels single-seeded, indehescent.

Leaves opposite. Clematis.

Leaves radical or alternate. Anemone.

Petals regular, numerous, calyx generally

green Ranunculus.

Petals irregular, tubular, or spurred at the base. Delphinum.

CLEMATIS, Linn. Traveller’s Joy. Clematite, Ital.

C. Flammula , Linn. Sweet-scented Clematis . Leaves bipinnate, leaflets ovate, oblong or linear, entire or lobed.

Perennial, flowering in July.

ANEMONE, Linn. Anemone.

A: hortensis , Linn. Star Anemone. Flowers, rose-coloured, solitary; sepals, about 12, lanceolate ; involucre leaves, sessile, oblong, entire or lobed at the apex.

Perennial, flowering in January and February.

This extremely beautiful early spring flower, is very generally distributed in shady places in all parts of the South of Europe; it varies in colour, from a pale pink, to a deep rose