64. Chap. 64.-The Lappa, A Plant Which Produces Within Itself. The Opuntia, Which Throws Out A Root From The Leaf.

CHAP. 64.—THE LAPPA, A PLANT WHICH PRODUCES WITHIN ITSELF. THE OPUNTIA, WHICH THROWS OUT A ROOT FROM THE LEAF.

In the lappa,[1] too, which clings so tenaciously, there is this remarkable peculiarity, that within it there grows a flower, which does not make its appearance, but remains concealed and there produces the seed, like those among the animals which produce within themselves. In the vicinity of Opus there grows a plant[2] which is very pleasant eating to man, and the leaf of which, a most singular thing, gives birth to a root by means of which it reproduces itself.

1. The Gallium aparine of Linnæus. See B. xviii. c. 44.

2. The Opuntia. The Cactus Opuntia of Linnaæus; the cactus, or Indian fig.