lineæ

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. An order of polypetalous exogenous plants, typified by the genus Linum, belonging to the cohort Geraniales. It is characterized by regular flowers, with imbricate sepals, and an entire ovary which is from three- to five-celled, usually with two ovules in each cell, having a fleshy albumen. The order embraces about 235 species, divided among 15 genera, which have been grouped under 4 tribes. They are herbs, rarely trees, usually with alternate leaves, and are widely dispersed throughout the world. Also Linaceæ.