315 OR CHI DA CE^. [chap. 



Type — AloiwcJwria vagin alls. 



An aquatic herb, common in rice-fields and ditches, with 

 radical, petiolate, cordate leaves, and racemes, apparently 

 springmg from the side of a petiole, of several rather large 

 bright blue flowers. 



Observe the raceme, borne upon a one-leaved scape ; as 

 the petiole is directly continuous with the scape, while the 

 raceme is lateral, the latter appears to spring from the side 

 of a petiole. 



This species is employed for various purposes in Indian 

 medicine. 



The Family is a very small one, chiefly confmed to the 

 stagnant waters of hot countries. 



107. Natural Order, Orchidacece. — The Orchid Family. 



Epiphytal or terrestrial herbs, with irregular flowers. 

 Stamen i (except Cypripediece), anther gynandrous. Ovary 

 inferior. 



Type — Dejidrobium nohile. 



