opposite coast of America, may perhaps be doubted: it 
probably possesses the same medical properties as the 
original species, which is used as Sarsaparilla, and may 
therefore have been imported into Brazil. 
We believe that all authors have concurred in referring 
this genus to Asphodeleae, without, however, having had 
an opportunity of examining the seeds. We have not 
dissented from the measure, although we certainly think 
the question far from being settled. It possesses not the 
crustaceous seed-coat by which true Asphodeleae are dis¬ 
tinguished ; and in habit it is widely different from that 
order, if we except Luzuriaga. It would be more properly 
referable to Smilaceae, if its fruit were berried, instead of 
membranous, and with that order it agrees in habit, as well 
as in sensible qualities. It is also very closely allied to 
Dioscorineae, from which its superior ovarium chiefly sepa¬ 
rates it. Upon the whole, it may be considered as a form 
equally related to all these orders, and not strictly referable 
to any one. 
Stem suffruticose, running, twining, round, hard, smooth, 
dark green. Leaves fascicled, lanceolate, tapering to the 
base, which is channelled, lined, smooth, bright green. 
Racemes proceeding from the axillae of the leaves, many- 
flowered, pendulous. Flowers in pairs, falling off from their 
pedicel, yellow-green, having the fragrance of new honey. 
Perianthium 6-leaved, with ovate, obtuse, reflexed, nearly 
equal segments, which imbricate at the base. Stamens 6, 
inserted into the base of the leaflets. Filaments subulate. 
Anthers ovate, anterior, versatile. Ovary ovate, 3-cornered, 
3-celled, many-seeded, with ovules attached to a placenta 
in the axis. Style continuous with the ovarium, 3-cornered, 
smooth. Stigma 3-lobed, papillose, with decurrent lobes. 
J. L. 
