=3.= DELPHINIEÆ, LARKSPUR GROUP. Zygomorphic flowers with coloured calyx; the 2 posterior petals (honey-leaves) are transformed into nectaries, the others are small or absent altogether.--_Aconitum_ (Monkshood); 5 sepals, of which the _posterior one_ (Fig. 379 _A_) _is helmet-shaped_; most frequently 8 petals (as in Fig. 372), of which the two posterior ones (honey-leaves) are developed into long-clawed nectaries (Fig. 379 _A_, _k_) enveloped by the helmet-like sepal; the others are small, or are to some extent suppressed. ~Stamens on a spiral of 3/8–5/13; generally 3 carpels.~ Perennial herbs.--_Delphinium_ (Larkspur); very closely allied to _Aconitum_, but the anterior 4 petals are most frequently wanting, and the 2 posterior ones have each a spur, which is enclosed by the _posterior sepal_, the latter being also provided with _a membranous spur_. ~Stamens and carpels arranged on a spiral of 3/8, 5/13, 8/21. In _D. ajacis_ and _consolida_ there is apparently only 1 petal (by the fusion of 4) and 1 carpel.~ [Illustration: FIG. 379.--_Aconitum napellus. A_ Flower in longitudinal section, below are the 2 bracteoles; _a_ half of helmet-like sepal; _b_ and _c_ other sepals; _k_ nectary; _f_ carpels. _B_ Ovary in longitudinal section; _C_ the same transversely; _d_ dorsal suture; _v_ ventral suture.] =B. Fruit achenes.= Many carpels, each with only 1 ascending (Fig. 373 _C_), or pendulous (Fig. 373 _D_), perfect ovule; often also rudimentary ovules above it (Fig. 373 _A_, _B_). Fruit achenes. =4.= RANUNCULEÆ, BUTTERCUP GROUP, has double perianth. _Myosurus_ and _Adonis_ have pendulous ovules as in Anemoneæ (Fig. 373 _D_); ~_Ranunculus_, with _Batrachium_ and _Ficaria_, erect ovules (Fig. 373 _C_) and downwardly-turned radicle.~--_Ranunculus._ Most frequently S5, P5, many spirally-placed stamens and carpels (Figs. 371, 380). The petals (honey-leaves) have a nectary at the base, covered by a small scale. ~_Batrachium_, Water Ranunculus, deviates by the achenes being transversely wrinkled; dimorphic leaves. _Ficaria_ has 3 sepals and 7–8 petals arranged in 2/5–3/8. _F. ranunculoides_ (the only species) has tuberous roots, which spring from the base of the axillary buds, and together with these, serve as organs of reproduction. The embryo has only 1 cotyledon.~--_Myosurus_ (Mouse-tail) has small prolongations from the 5 sepals; 5 narrow petals which bear the nectaries near the apex; sometimes only 5 stamens, and an ultimately very long receptacle, with numerous spirally-arranged achenes (Fig. 381).--_Adonis_ is acyclic (Fig. 372); most frequently 5 sepals with a divergence of 2/5, 8 petals of 3/8, indefinite stamens and carpels of 3/8 or 5/13. The corolla has no nectary. [Illustration: FIG. 380.--Flower of _Ranunculus sceleratus_ in longitudinal section.]