Dioscorea. DIOECIA HEXANDRIA. 799 
This I have only found in its cultivated state, the natives 
esteem it next in rank to D. purpurea, consequently it holds 
the fourth place in their estimation amongst the Diancoratts, 
and is much cultivated about Calcutta. 
Root tuberous, deeply tinged with red immediately un- 
der the epidermis, or scarf skin, but this colour does not 
penetrate deep, they are of an oblong shape, and sometimes 
as much as three feet long ina rich soil. Stems herbaceous, 
twining, about six-seeded, with rather winged angles, other- 
wise smooth, and tinged with red in most parts. Leaves oppo- 
site, petioled, sagittate-cordate, entire, from three to seven- 
nerved, smooth, subulate, pointed. Petioles as in D, alata. 
Maxe. Spikes axillary, simple and compound, when simple 
_ crowded, and shorter than the leaves. lowers numerous, 
minute, Calyx asin the genus. FEMALE. Spikes axillary, 
generally simple, longer than the leaves, Flowers remote, 
very fragrant. Abortive stamens large, and distinct, almost 
like those of the male. 
4, D. purpurea, R. 
 Tubers oblong, reddish throughout ; stems twining, six (or 
more) ribbed or wipe: Leaves opposite, and alternate, cor- 
date. 
Beng. Lal-guranya-aloo, 
This also [have found only in a cultivated state, where it is 
wild I know not. The root is esteemed the next best to that of 
D. alata, consequently holds the third place amongst the 
Aloos. It is much cultivated, 
Root oblong, throughout ofa lighter, or darker’ purple, 
but always considerably deep in the tinge, and the farmers 
or cultivators of this species, say this colour is permanent. 
Stems sub-herbaceous, being sometimes perennial near the 
_ base, twining, six or more sivinbeed: or smooth; when the 
roots are more than one year old, "th lower permanent parts 
of the stems are generally armed with prickles. eaves 
opposite and alternate, long-petioled, cordate, with a subu- 
