EPIGYNE^ 299 



style, which is sometimes trifid and petaloid, as in 

 Iris. The three stigmas or stigmatic lobes are 

 dilated, simple or divided, petaloid or fringed. The 

 ovules are numerous, anatropous. The capsules are 

 three-angled, three-celled, three-valved, opening by 

 loculi, with dissepiments in the middle. The seeds 

 are numerous, with a leathery testa and horny or 

 fleshy endosperm. The radicle points towards the hile. 



The flowers are conspicuous, and the petaloid 

 stigmas add to their attraction. Some, as Crocus, 

 are long-tubed, and adapted to butterflies. The 

 flowers contain honey, and insects play their part in 

 cross-pollination. 



The small seeds are dispersed, when the capsules 

 are ripe, by the wind. 



In this group are included many plants that are 

 ornamental, such as Ixia, Iris, Gladiolus, Crocus, the 

 last especially being a popular spring garden flower. 

 Saffron is derived from a species of Crocus. Orris- 

 root is obtained from the rhizome of Iris Florentina. 



Purple Crocus {Crocus vernus). 



Saifron from the shops, derived from Crocus sativus 

 (the dried stigmas), has the appearance of threads, 

 hence the name Crocus (Greek, croce). 



Though common in gardens this species is natural- 

 ised only in this country, in England, in Middlesex, 

 Suffolk, Nottingham. 



Fields and meadows near rivers are the habitat of 

 the Purple Crocus. 



