CYPERACEA. 75 
(fig. 1103). Seed with fleshy or mealy albumen ( fig. 1103, alb) ; 
embryo lenticular (figs. 1103, pl, and 1104), enclosed in the base 
of the albumen (jig. 1103). 
Diagnosis.— Grass-like or Rush-like herbs with solid and 
usually angular stems. Leaves without ligules and with entire 
sheaths. Stamens few, hypogynous; anthers innate, 2-celled. 
Ovary superior, 1-celled; ovule solitary, erect, anatropous. 
Fruit indehiscent, 1-celled, 1-seeded. Embryo enclosed in the 
base of the albumen. 
Distribution and Nuwmbers.—Natives of all parts of the world, 
and found especially in marshes, ditches, and about running 
Fre. 1103. Fie. 1104. 
Fic. 1102. 
st 
ie 
od 
Fig. 1102. Hermaphrodite flower of a species of 
Club-rush (Scirpus), the glume having been 
removed. 6. Hypogynous sete or brist!es form- 
ingakindofperianth. st. Hypogynous stamens 
with 2-celled innate anthers. 0. Ovary. 5s, Style. 
stig. Stigmas, Fig. 1103. Vertica: section of 
the fruit of a species of Curez. s. Pericarp. fe. 
Integuments of the seed. alb. Albumen. pi. 
Embryo. Fig. 1104. Embryo of a species of 
Carex removed from the albumen. a. Lateral 
swelling. 7. Radicle. c. Cotyledon. ff. Slit 
corresponding to the plumule. 
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streams. Illustrative Genera :—Carex, Linn. ; Cyperus, Linn. ; 
Scirpus, Linn. There are about 2,000 species. 
Properties and Uses.—Although closely allied in their bota- 
nical characters to the Graminacez, the Cyperacez are alto- 
gether deficient in the nutritive and other qualities which render 
the plants of the Graminacez so eminently serviceable to man and 
other animals. Indeed the order generally is remarkable for 
the absence of any important properties. Some of the plants 
are slightly aromatic, stomachic, and diaphoretic, others de- 
mulcent and alterative, and a few have been used for economic 
purposes. The underground stems of certain species are edible 
when roasted or boiled. Some of the species by spreading 
and interlacing their subterranean stems through the sand of 
the sea-shore, and thus binding it together, prevent it from being 
washed away by the receding waves, and in this way protect the 
