BLACK OR DARK PURPLE 219 



Flotuers. — The small white flowers grow in 

 umbels, some of which form a large panicle. 



In the south, this plant is said to become 

 a tree of fifty feet in height. In our section, 

 however, it is a small tree or large shrub. The 

 branchless stems often grow in groups, bearing 

 their large compound leaves in clusters at the 

 top. The general effect is somewhat like a 

 palm. The stems and leaves are thorny. The 

 flowers, like those of the Spikenard, are late in ap- 

 pearing and the fruit matures rapidly. Southern 

 New York is the northern limit, although it is 

 often cultivated farther north and sometimes 

 escapes. 



AMERICAN SPIKENARD. INDIAN ROOT 

 Alalia racemosa Ginseng Family 



Fruit. — The large raceme-like cluster of 

 fruits is composed of numerous umbels. Smaller 

 clusters grow in the leaf axils. The berry is 

 small, gobular, dark purple or reddish brown, 

 five-seeded, and crowned with tiny calyx teeth, 

 through which the styles project. The berries, 

 like the roots, are aromatic. September. 



Leaves. — The leaves are large and compound. 



