MONOEPIGYNE. 961 
embracing the upper part of the style. Ovary 3-celled, 
each cell many seeded: stigma dilated, hollow ; at the base 
f the filiform style are two scales, considered abortive sta- 
nens. Pericarp a 3-celled 3-valved capsule, occasionally a 
Seeds with a farinaceous albumen, and radicle next 
-Exampies.—Amomum, Curcuma, Zingiber, Kempferia. 
_ This has been considered an anomalous family among the 
Monocotyledons, which have generally 3 or 6 stamens, and 
mly 1 or 2 whorls in the perianth. They are considered as 
aving 6 stamens, however, of which some are modified. 
Of these stamens one is fertile, the other five abortive or bar- 
en. In place of two of the barren stamens we have the two 
seales or tubercles, at the base of the style, and the other 
are metamorphosed into the three inner petaloid seg- 
tents, so that in reality there are only two rows in the pe- 
nth. In this manner, as M. Lestiboudois has Lessin out, 
can explain these apparent anomalies. 
_Economican Properties.—The roots of the plants in this 
family contain an aromatic stimulating principle which ren- 
ders them agreeable as condiments, seasonings, &e. Ginger — 
Zingiber officinale of Mr. Roscoe, Amomum Zingiber, — 
Linn.) is the most notablé of these, but there are several 
others, which may be used in the same way. Curcuma an- 
ustifolia is said, by Dr. Ainslie, to furnish an excellent 
kind of arrow-root, and is much grown on the Malabar coast. 
They all contain a considerable quantity of fecula, but, in rae 
feneral, not ina state to be used as food, being mixed di 
impregnated with their hot aromatic principle. Tu 
‘Curcuma longa) is a constant ingredient in curries. — 
Plant also furnishes a yellow dye. Kempferia Galanga, y 
| some of which is also procured from Alpinia 
_ “anga, the roots vik veers en tte 10 
