Order XL
TROPÆOLEÆ. 1058 Averrhóa W.
These are climbing or trailing herbs with handsome solitary axillary flowers, and fleshy stems and leaves. They are distinguished from Geraniaceæ by their stamens being separate, and not agreeing in number with the petals; by their axillary flowers, and fleshy indehiscent fruit. It is very curious, that this is the only order in which the peculiar acrid flavor of Cruciferæ is found to exist. Tropæ'olum pentaphýllum, with probably other species, is a powerful antiscorbutic. All are natives of shady places in various parts of South America. The roots of some are fleshy and eatable. 875 Tropæʼolum W.