Dioscorea. dioecia hexandria. 799 



This 1 have only found in its cultivated state, the natives 

 esteem it next in rank to D. purpurea, consequently it holds 

 the fourth place in their estimation amongst the Dioscoreas, 

 and is much cultivated about Calcutta. 



Root tuberous, deeply tinged with red immediately un- 

 der the epidermis, or scarf skin, but this colour does not 

 penetrate deep, they are of an oblong shape, and sometimes 

 as much as three feet long- in a rich soil. Stems herbaceous, 

 twining, about six-seeded, with rather winged angles, other- 

 wise smooth, and tinged with red in most parts. Leaves oppo- 

 site, petioled, sagittate-cordate, entire, from three to seven- 

 nerved, smooth, subulate, pointed. Petioles as in D. alata, 

 Male. Spikes axillary, simple and compound, when simple 

 crowded, and shorter than the leaves. Floioers numerous, 

 minute. Calyx as in the genus. Female. Spikes axillary, 

 generally simple, longer than the leaves. Floioers remote, 

 very fragrant. Abortive stamens large, and distinct, almost 

 like those of the male. 



4. T>. purpurea. R. 



Tubers oblong, reddish throughout ; steins twining, six (or 

 more) ribbed or winged. Leaves opposite, and alternate, cor- 

 date. 



Beng. Lal-gwranya-aloo. 



This also I have found only in a cultivated state, where it is 

 wild I know not. The root is esteemed the next best to that of 

 D. alata, consequently holds the third place amongst the 

 Aloos. It is much cultivated. 



Root oblong, throughout of a lighter, or darker purple, 

 but always considerably deep in the tinge, and the farmers 

 or cultivators of this species, say this colour is permanent. 

 Stems sub-herbaceous, being sometimes perennial near the 

 base, twining, six or more winged, or smooth ; when the 

 roots are more than one year old, the lower permanent parts 

 of the stems are generally armed with prickles. Leaves 

 opposite and alternate, long-petioled, cordate, with a subu- 



