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The Aroidew are found chiefly between the tropics, They 
are comparatively rare in temperate latitudes. 
MONOHYPOGYNES. 
This family has been divided into three sections : 
1. The true Aroidez, which have unisexual naked flowers, 
and the fruit a berry. Arum, Dumb-cane (Caladium), 
African-arum (Calla). 
Il. The Orontiacew, with hermaphrodite flowers, and a 
Sealy calyx. Sweet Flag (Acorus), Dracontium, Pothos, 
Orontium, &e. 
TL. The Pistiacez, Floating plants, with a two-flowered 
spadix, naked flowers, and a capsular pericarp. _ Pistia, 
- This has bins made a separate order by some 
ists, 
- Ecoxomrcas, Prorenties.—The fleshy roots of many of 
family contain a considerable quantity of an amylaceous 
e, or starch, which, by maceration or roasting, isob- 
i free from the acrid principle which characterises the : 
order, and is very nutritious. The Arum maculatum, treat- 
ed in this way, furnishes a sort of substitute foe bread-flour, 
own by the name of Portland Sago, and much used in 
Mastoouth and in Portland Island. A: ssenlentum, A. mac 
fronatum, A. violaceum, A. Colocasia, Calla palustris, and 
some others, may be used in the same way. af 
Mepicinat Properties.—There is an acrid stimulating 
Principle found in this family, which renders many of them 
atic, stomachic, or putgative ;* but it is very volatile and 
acious. The root of Acorus Calamus, or Calamus aro- 
‘(Sweet Flag), is an agreeable aromatic. The aro- 
S ialissipic'n 6 volatile oil, The tuberous root « 
win, (Arum maculatum) is purgative : this property 
the acrid milky juice of the fresh root. The fresh le: 
Dracontium pertusum, laid upon the skin, 
