2 14 The Ohio Naturalist. [Vol. XI, No. 1, 



SOME ECONOMIC MONOCOTYLS OF OHIO. 



G. W. Hood. 



The monocotyls are perhaps the most important plants. 

 They include the grass family which is of special consequence to 

 men and animals. The following brief summary includes some of 

 the most important economic monocotyledonous plants that are 

 found in Ohio. 



The rhizomes of the Typhaceae are rich in starch and serve as 

 food for man. The pollen is used to adulterate lycopod powder, 

 the heads of flowers serve as torches when dipped in coal oil, and 

 the downy fniit is used to stuff pillows. In many places the 

 leaves are employed for braid work, and they are also used between 

 the staves of barrels, and for chair bottoms. 



The young roots and shoots of Typha latifolia are eaten by 

 the Sioux and other Indian tribes, and the lea\TS used for matting. 

 The Sioux were accustomed to treat smallpox by frying out the 

 fat of the coyote and making a plaster by mixing it with the down 

 of the fniit, which they applied to the pustules of the patient. 

 The pollen is gathered and made into bread and cakes. 



The stems of the vSparganiaccae are used for making paper 

 and thatching roofs, while some of the species of the Naiadaceae, 

 particularly the Potamogetons, make a good fertilizer and can 

 be used as food for cattle. Potamogeton natans furnishes food 

 for swine and the tubers are roasted and eaten by man, while 

 P. lucens is employed as a protection for fish hatcheries. 



The species of Triglochin belonging to the Scheuchzeriaceae 

 furnish a good tasting greens and the seeds are also used for food. 



Among the Alismaceae, the species of vSagittaria produce a 

 good cattle food, while the rhizomes of Sagittaria latifolia are 

 used as human food and are found regularly on the markets in 

 China. They attain the size of a large fist and are called "Wap- 

 patoo." Before using the rhizomes are soaked in water to take 

 out the swampy taste. 



The nuts of the American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea) which occur 

 in large numbers in several places in the state are edible, the 

 large kernels having a sweet taste. 



The different species of the Vallisneriaceae furnish an excellent 

 food for ducks. The species Philotria canadensis, known as the 

 water pest, is used as a green fertilizer and cattle food. 



The family Graminaceae includes probably more economic 

 species than any other found in the state. The stems of Zizania 

 aquatica arc used for making joints of barrels intended to hold 

 whisky, and the Chippewa Indians ate the grain for food; while 

 Phalaris canarcinsis produces the well known canary seed. Anthox- 



