2038 



A TEXTBOOK OF THEORETICAL BOTANY 



The genus Gladiolus (Fig. 1978) is popular with horticuhurists and 

 many hybrid varieties have been produced. The genus, w^hich contains 

 about 150 species, occurs in Africa as well as to a lesser extent in Europe 

 and Asia. G. illyricits is one of the most northern species and has been 



Fig. 1978. — Gladiolus byzantinus. A 

 Mediterranean species. Cultivated. 



found in the New Forest and the Isle of Wight. The flowers are markedly 

 protandrous and are pollinated by humble bees. 



Finally we may mention the genus Freesia, with three species found in 

 South Africa. Many colour varieties have been produced and are favourite 

 bowl and pot plants, grown in this country under glass for spring decoration. 



i 



i 



DIOSCOREALES 



The Dioscoreales are a small order of Monocotyledons in which the 

 plants are herbaceous or climbers, growing from a rhizome or a tuber, with 

 leafy shoots and usually alternate leaves, which are either ovate or cordate 

 in shape, with reticulate venation. The flowers are small and either 

 hermaphrodite or unisexual, consisting of a whitish perianth of united 



