89. DIOSCOREACE&. [ 1. Dioscobia. 



in nummularia). Petioles very long, usually as long as and often 

 exceeding the blade, thickened and somewhat laterally compressed above 

 rarely grooved, and only appearing ridged or striate when dry. M. 

 panicle lj-4 7 several-nate in each axil or on an abbreviated common 

 peduncle. £r. nearly as long as the petals, on a short central column 

 surrounding a large grooved pistillode. Bracteole as large as the bract. 



The tubers are said to require a large number of successive boilings 

 before they are palatable. 



5. D. Hamiltoni, Hook. j. 



Superficially much resembling D. nunimularia, but the 

 stems distinctly angled. L. opp. narrowly ovate acuminate 

 or caudatn, base cordate or not with a slender petiole ridged 

 or sub-alate -above. M. inflorescence very easily recognized 

 from all the other wild species by the zig-z;ig rachis of the 

 spikes which bears a flower at each angle. F. spikes not 

 racemed on lateral branches, sometimes appearing panicled 

 in fruit from the absence of the leaves on the main rachi>. 

 Capsule with wavy wings when unripe, ripe lj-l^* diam. 

 by 1" long (longer than broad, F.B.I.) base obconic. 



Manbhum, Camp ; Hundrughag (Eanchi), Wood !; Ranchi, Clarlcel 

 Hazaribagh (Parasnath), Prain, Clarke ! 



Brown when dry. Bulbils ? Petiole about f the as long as the 

 blade almost winged above. Zig-zag spikes \-$" simple or branched, 1-5- 

 nate on the main stems or on an axillary rachis 3-5" long, or appearing 

 panicled from the suppression of the leaves. Petals -oblong-obovate. 

 St. 6 with large anthers on a central disc, not half as long as petals. 

 Bract acuniinate, bracteole very minute. F. spikes 3-9' long. (The 

 F. fl„ according to Wight's figure, is remarkable in having lanceolate- 

 acuminate perianth leaves, but the perianth leaves in the specimens 

 kindly lent me by Mr. Burkill are not specially characteristic.) 



6. D- alata, L. Merom tuar sanga, K. (Goat's milk 

 root, in allusion to its nutritive value). 



Tubers (cult.) very large proceeding direct from the 

 base of the stout stern, which has scattered prickles below 

 and on the petiole-bases, and is compressed or 4-angled 

 below, 4-many-win ged above. L. usuaUy opp. with the 

 cross nervules not very pronounced. Bulbils geminate, 

 often many on special branches, mostly oblong brown with 



582 



