273 



EssEyTiAf, Character. — Perianthium tiilmlar, coloured, C-parted, more or less 

 irregular, with a drcinate wstivation. Slumeux 'A or G, unequal, arising- from the calyx. 

 Ovarium superior, or rarely half inferior, ;i-celled, many-seeded ; .v/y/c 1 ; stiyma simjde. 

 Capsule 3-celled, S-valved, with loculicidal deliisceace. Seeds indefinite, attached to a 



central axis ; hiliim small ; embryo orthotropous, in the axis of somewhat mealy albumen 



Aqualic or marA'A-plants. Leaves sheathing at the base, with parallel veins. Flowers 

 either solitary, or in spikes or umbels, spathaceous, frequently blue. 



Affinities. These were referred to Commelineae by Mr. Salisbury, 

 and are considered nearly related to that order by M. Ach. Richard, who, 

 however, separates them, suggesting their being referable to the great recep- 

 tacle of miscellaneous monocotyledons called Liliaceae. It is not improbable 

 that the nearest relation of Pontederese is with Asphodeleae, (to which Link 

 actually refers Pontedera) and Butomese, from both which they are known 

 by their irregular flowers rolling inwards after expansion, 'independently of 

 more minute characters derived from the structure of the seeds and fruit. 

 Dr. Hooker, who has given an excellent figure of Pontederia azurea, states 

 that each fibre of the roots has a calyptrate covering at the extremity, similar 

 to that found on the roots of the Duck-weed. 



Geography. Water-plants found exclusively in North and South 

 America, the East Indies, and tropical Africa. 



Properties. Plants with neat deep green leaves and showy flowers; 

 of no known use. 



Examples. Pontederia, Heteranthera. 



CCXLVII. ASPHODELEiE. The Asphodel Tribe. 



AsPARAGi anrf AspHODELi, ofJuss. chiefly, (1789) — AsPHODELEii:, R. Broivn Prodr. 

 275. (1810). Z)ec. and Duby, 463. (1828) a section o/ Liliaceae; Lindl. Synops. 260. 



(1829) Ai.LiACE.?;, Aloinj., Hyacinthin^e, Dracjenace^, Link Handb. 



vol. 1. (1829), all sections o/Liliacea?. Asparagik.t, lb. 272. (1829.) 



Diagnosis. Hexapetaloideous monocotyledons, with a superior ova- 

 rium, anthers turned inwards, a coloured perianthium, a 3-celled fruit, a hard 

 black brittle testa, and an undivided style. 



Anomalies. Tricoryne has three distinct carpella. 



Essential Character — Calyx and corolla forming a 6-parted or 6-cleft, petaloid, 

 regular perianthivm. Stamens 6, inserted upon the perianthium, or hATfOgvnous ; the 

 3 opposite the sepals sometimes either unlike the rest or wanting. Ovarium superior, 

 3-celled, with 2- or many-seeded cells; ovules when 2, ascending; style 1 ; stiyma entire, 

 or with 3 short lobes. Fruit mostly a 3-celled, 3-valved capsule., with a loculicidal dehis- 

 cence; occasionally succulent, and sometimes 3-parted. Seeds with a testa, which is 



black, brittle, and crustaceous ; albumen fleshy; embryo included Herbaceous plants, or 



occasionally trees, with bulbs, or fascicled roots. Leaves with parallel veins. Peduncles 

 articulated in the middle. Flowers coloured. 



Affinities. There is really no other absolute distinction between these 

 and Juncese on the one hand, than their more petaloid perianthium and hard 

 brittle testa ; or Liliacese, on the other, than their smaller flowers and testa. 

 They are, nevertheless, properly established as an independent order, occu- 

 pying a higher place in the scale of developement than the Rush tribe, and a 

 lower than that of Lilies. From Melanthaceae they are known by their 

 anthers not being turned outwards ; from Smilacese, their simple undivided 

 style, narrow leaves, erect habit, and hard brittle testa, are marks of sepa- 

 ration ; at least it seems that, unless the two tribes are to be so distin- 

 guished, they must be considered the same. By some they are actually 

 united; by others different limits have been sought; but the baccate and 



T 



