278 



of this is visible, in R. racemosus, although there is nothing to indicate it in 

 R. hypophyllum and the like. 



Geography. Found in small quantities in most parts of the world, 

 especially in Asia and N. America. 



Properties. Best known for the diuretic demulcent powers of Smilax 

 Sarsaparilla, which also exist in other species of the same genus. Smilax 

 aspera is a common substitute in the south of Europe. Smilax China has a 

 large fleshy root, the decoction of which is supposed to have virtues equal 

 to that of Sarsaparilla in improving the health after the use of Mercury. 

 According to the Abbe Rochon, the Chinese often eat it instead of Rice, 

 and it contributes to make them lusty. Ainslie, 1. 70. The root of 

 Medeola virginica is stated to be diuretic, and to have some reputation 

 as a hydragogue. Barton, 2. 147. The roots of Trillium are generally 

 violently emetic, and their mawkish, rather nauseous, berries are at least 

 suspicious. Dec. 



ExAiVPLES. Trillium, Paris, Medeola, Convallaria, Streptopus, Smilax, 

 Drymophila, Ripogonum. 



CCL. DIOSCOREiE. The Yam Tribe. 



DioscoREiE, R. Brown Prodr. 294. (1810); Aqardh Aphor. 109.(1823.) Ach. Rich. 

 Nouv. Eltm. 434. (1828); 



Diagnosis. Hexapetaloideous monocotyledons, with an inferior ova- 

 rium, unisexual flowers, and a minute herbaceous spreading regular peri- 

 anth ium. 



Anomalies. 



Essential Character — Flowers dioecious. Calyx and corolla confounded, supe- 

 rior. Males : Stamens C, inserted into the base of the sepals and petals. Females : Ova- 

 rium 3-celled, with 1- or 2-seeded cells; style deeply triiid ; stifpnns undivided. Frtiit 

 leaf-like, compressed, with two of its cells sometimes abortive. Seeds flat, compressed ; 



embryo small, near the hilum, lying; in a large cavity of cartilaginous albumen Twining 



shrubs. Leaves alternate, occasionally opposite, usually with reticulated veins. Floivers 

 small, spiked, with from 1 to 3 bracteae each. 



Affinities. Undoubtedly the nearest approach among monocotyledons 

 to the dicotyledonous structure ; according to Mr. Brown approaching Smi- 

 lacese in structure and habit, but separable from them by the threefold cha- 

 racter of inferior ovarium, capsular fruit, and albumen having a large cavity. 

 Tamus is, however, between the two tribes, agreeing with Smilacese in its 

 baccate, with Dioscoreae in its inferior fruit. Prodr. 294. The leaves are 

 altogether those of dicotyledons; the stem, flower, and seeds, of mono- 

 cotyledons. 



Geography. Found exclusively in tropical countries of either hemi- 

 sphere, if Tamus be excluded. 



Properties. The yams, so important a food in all tropical countries, 

 because of their large, fleshy, mucilaginous, sweetish tubers, are the only re- 

 markable plants of the order. 



Examples. Dioscorea, Rajania, Oncus, TEchrna. 



