/80} [ 1 2 1 2 ]
CHERLERIA sedoides.
D w a r f Cherleria.
DECANDRIA Trigynia. 9
G en. Ch a r . Cal. of 5 leaves. Petals none ? Nectariferous
glands 5 , cloven, at the base o f the
stamina. Capsule superior, with 3 valves, 1 cell,
and many seeds.
S pec. C h a r . . . . . . .
Syn. Cherleria sedoides. Linn. Sp. P I. 6 0 8 . Sm. F I.
B rit. 4 8 3 . Huds. 193. With. 4 2 4 . Hull. 9 8 .
L ig h tf. 2 3 2 . Dicks. H . S ic c.fa sc . 1 . 9 .
Cherleria. H all. Hist. v. 1 . 3 8 1 . t. 2 1 . Seguier.
Heron, suppl. 180. t. 4 . f 3.
R a y and Dillenius were not acquainted with this little plant
as of British growth, though described from exotic specimens
by Plukenet, and others of his time. The first correct accounts
of it were given by Haller and Seguier, and it was
afterwards discovered in Scotland by some of Dr. Hope’s travelling
pupils. It is only found about the summits of the
highland mountains, in boggy spots, flowering in July, and is
perennial. We received specimens from the late Mr. Mackay.
The branching leafy stems form dense moss-like tufts, of a
light green, about an inch high. Leaves rather fleshy, triangular,
blunt, smooth, with 3 ribs beneath. Flowers yellowish-
green, solitary on short simple stalks about the summit of the
stem, with a pair of bractese to each. Calyx in 5 spreading
obtuse segments. Stamina spreading with the calyx, those 5
which are opposite to its leaves having each a cloven gland
between them and the germen. Capsule ovate, of 1 cell, containing
many angular seeds.
Seguier contends for the existence of 5 entire petals, alternate
with the calyx-lobes, which, if constant, would almost
reduce the plant to an Arenaria. We have never been able to
find any, nor did Haller or Linnaeus,