THE MONOCOTYLEDONES 



1999 



These genera are restricted to eastern Asia. There are five species of 

 Aspidistra (Fig. 1933) which are chiefly interesting because of the 

 small brownish flowers, borne at soil level, whose large, flat style 

 forms a lid to the cavity made by the eight perianth segments. 

 Pollination is said to be brought about by small slugs and snails. 

 The one species of Rohdea is also pollinated by snails. It is a 

 native of Japan. Aspidistras are commonly grown as pot plants, 

 and in the absence of flowers are sometimes incorrectly assumed 

 to be Ferns. 



Polygonateae. Rootstock a rhizome, stem usually leafy throughout, 

 flowers axillary or in terminal racemes or panicles. Perianth 

 segments four to six, equal; free or united into a tube. Stamens 

 as many as the perianth segments, free or adnate to the perianth. 

 Ovary trilocular. Fruit a berry. Polygonatiuii, Maiantheuiiim, 

 Streptopus and Smilacina. 



The first two occur in Britain and in north temperate regions 

 generally. P. multiflorum (Fig. 1934) (Solomon's Seal) has a 

 sympodial fleshy rhizome on which the annual shoots leave 

 curious seal-like scars when they die. The flowers are pollinated 

 by bees. 



Fig. 1934. — Polyiiouatiim nni/tif!(inin!. Solomon's Seal 



Flowerinu; branch. 



10. Uviilarieae. Rootstock a tuberous or creeping rhizome. Stem 

 leafy, sometimes climbing leaves sessile. Flowers terminal, 

 solitary or axillary. Perianth segments free or connate. Stamens 

 six, hypogynous. Anthers sometimes opening by slits or terminal 

 pores. Fruit a loculicidal capsule. Uvidaria, Gloriosa, Littonia. 

 Species of Uviilaria are sometimes cultivated; there are four species 

 occuring in eastern North America. The genus Gloriosa contains 

 five species in the tropics of Asia and Africa. The plants climb by 

 2H 



