PHANEROGAMIA 



529 



Asia, and the south-east of Europe. In the wild state only Triticum aegilopodioidcs 

 (from which Tr. monococcum is derived), Secale montanum, and Hordeum spontaneum 

 (allied to H. distichum) are known. In these wild forms, the spikelets fall from 

 thi' rhiichis at maturity, a character that would be unsuitable in cultivated forms. 

 The most important tropical food-plant of the order is Rice, Oryza saliva (Fig. 



B 



FIG. 5-26. Onizn sativa. Panicle (J nat. 

 size), mid a single spikelet (enlarged.) 



OmciAL. 



Loliiim temulentum. 



Pouosoua. 



526), which is largely cultivated to the limits of the warmer temperate regions, 

 and, when sufficient moisture is available, yields an enormous harvest. In Africa, 

 several varieties of Millet, Andropogon Sorghum, are cultivated, and it forms the 

 most important cereal for that continent. Panicum miliaceum and P. italicum, 

 of Asiatic origin, are still cultivated, though to a diminished extent, in the 

 Mediterranean region. The Sugar-cane, Saccharum qfficinarum, is another 

 important food -plant; it is a perennial, growing more than six feet high, and 



2 M 



