LlLIIFLORffl. 



321 



surrounded'by the leaf-sheaths (corms), and terminal flowers; the 

 linear leaves are not equitant, but have two longitudinal furrows 

 on the under side. The perianth is gamophyllous and funnel- 

 shaped. The stylar branches (stigmas) are fleshy, rolled together 

 in the shape of a horn, and split along the edge. Gladiolus has 

 corms like the Crocus ; spikes with slightly zygomorphic, almost 

 bilabiate flowers, most frequently turning to one side. Position 

 of the leaves as in the Ir\s.Dii>hnrhi>n<i has 2 fertile and 1 barren 

 stamen ; Hennodactylns has a unilocular ovary with 3 parietal placentae. 

 Cypella and Tigridia have bulbs. 



ff 



FIG. 312. Iris pseudacorus. One external and two internal perianth-leaves, and one 

 of the stylar-branches have been removed, y The outer, i the inner perianth-leaves ; 

 g stylar-branch ; a stigma; s anther. The ovary is seen in longitudinal section. 



770 species ; chiefly in the countries round the Mediterranean, and in Africa, 

 especially the Cape ("ladiolus, Ferraria, Moraa, GaJaxia, Sparaxis, Antholt/za, 

 Tritonia, I.ria, etc.), Australia and Tropical America (Sixyrinchinm, Tirjridia, 

 Cipiiru, Cijpella, etc). A great number are ornamental plants : the cultivated 

 Crocus-species are from the South of Europe and Asia ; Gladiolus cominu-iis 

 from S. Europe ; the other species principally from S. Africa. The native 

 species of Iris are 7. pseudacorus (yellow) and I. feetidissima. 



OFFICINAL : the stigmas of Crocus aativus (Oriental, cultivated in France, 

 Spain, Italy, and Austria), used as a colouring matter, saffron ; the rhizomes 

 of the S. European Irisjiorentina, pallida, and germanica (" Orris-root"). 

 W. B. v 



