360 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF [1889. 



6. Allium, 



Several species cultivated, onions, leeks, etc. 



The bulbs of lilies are rich in starch, and in some places are 

 used as food. The fruits of Yucca are purgative ; its leaves afford 

 fibre used in paper-making. The roots of some species are used for 

 soap in Southern Colorado, New Mexico, etc., a use apparently 

 unknown in the West Indies. Aloes have never been cultivated 

 to any extent, though conditions are favorable. 



Order XVII. SMILACEAE. 



1. Smilax Havanensis, Jacq. (Swains.) 



China-withe. Indigenous or from Jamaica. 



The various species of Smilax furnish Sarsaparilla, well known 

 as an alterative. The root of a Smilax, apparently S. balbisiana, is 

 known here as China-root, and is used by the bush-doctors in 

 syphilis. 



Order XVIII. COMMELYNEAE. 



1. Tradescantia discolor, Sw. 



Oyster-plant. Naturalized from West Indies. 



2. Commelyna elegans, Kth. 



Little is known of the properties of this order. The name 

 "Oyster-Plant" is taken from the appearance of the flower-buds. 



Order XIX. CYPERACEAE. 



1. Cyperus polystachyus, Rottb. 



2. C. compressus, L. 



3. C. Luzulae, Rottb. 



4. C. rotundus, Linn. 

 Nut grass. 



5. C. Vahlii, Steudel. (Herrick.) 



6. Cladium occidentale, Schrad. (Griseb.) 

 Prickly Sedge. 



7. Rhynchospora . c p. 1 



8. Scleria filiformis, Sw. 



9. Dichromena leucocephala, Michx. 

 Common. 



10. Fimbristylis spadicea, Vahl. 



Members of this family have very few useful properties. I do 

 not know of any that are used medicinally in this colony. The 

 rhizomes of C. rotundm are said to be diuretic and astringent. 



