THE MONOCOTYLEDOXES 



2007 



which are dimbers with cymose umbels, and secondly Alstroemeria (Fig. 

 1943) with some fifty South American species. One interesting feature of 

 these plants is the fact that the leaf blade is twisted near the base so that the 

 lower surface becomes uppermost. The capsules split explosively. Many 



, Fig. IQ43. — Alstroemeria aurantioca. Inflorescence. 



species are cultivated in gardens under the name of Peruvian Lilies. They 

 are mostly red, orange or yellow in colour. 



The Philesiaceae have superior ovaries and are mostly woody plants 

 or climbers. The fruit is a berr^^ They are restricted to the southern 

 hemisphere, being found in South x\merica. South Africa and Australia 

 (Fig. 1944). Lapageria rosea, in Chile, is a climbing shrub with large 



Fig. 1944. — Distribution of Philesiaceae. {After Hutchinson.) 



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