3o8 



AROIDEJE. 



CHAP. 



The Type-species, and several allies of the same and of 

 different genera, are very valuable food-producing plants, 

 widely cultivated in the tropics. 



Fig. 196. Spathe and spadix of 

 Colocasia antiquoriim. 



Fig. 197. Spadix removed of Colocasia. A 

 detached stamen to the right; a pistil 

 and surrounding scales to the left. 



In India the Colocasia is propagated by offsets from its 

 tubers, which grow to a large size, and contain abundance 

 of excellent farinaceous matter, from which the acrid juice, 

 characteristic of the Family, is driven off by the process of 



