PETALOIDE-E. 673 



ments of the perianth (figs. 1039 and 1040); anthers introrse 

 ifig. 1040). Ovary inferior {fig. 1040), 3-celled {fig. 1038). 

 Fruit a 3-celled, 3-valved, loculicidal capsule, with numerous 

 se^is ; or a berry with 1 — 3- seeds. Seeds with fleshy or homy 

 albumen, and an embryo with the radicle next the hilura {fig. 

 1041). 



Distribution, ^c. — Natives of many parts of the world, but 

 like the .Iridaceae, most abundant at the Cape of Good Hope. 

 Examples: — Galanthus, Leucojum, AmarylHs, Narcissus, Al- 

 stroemeria, Agave. There are 68 genera, and 400 species. 



Properties and Uses. — Several plants of this order possess 

 poisonous properties. This property is especially evident in 

 Hcemanthus toxicarius, the juice of which is used by the Hottentots 

 to poison their arrow-heads. Some yield excellent fibres. The 

 juice of some species is saccharine, and is used in the prepara- 

 tion of a fermented liquor. Starch may be obtained from some 

 species of Alstrcemeria. Medicinally, several species have been 

 employed as emetics and purgatives. 



Alstrcemeria pallida and some other species have succulent roots containing 

 much starch, » hich when extracted, is used as a kiad of arrow-root in certain 

 parts of South America. 



Agave americana, the American Aloe, Maguey, or Hundred-years' plant. 

 The latter name was given under the erroneous idea that the Agave lived a 

 hundred years before flowering. From the leaves of this and other species, 

 the useful fibre known as Aloe Fibre, Pita, or Pite Hemp is obtained. It is em- 

 ployed for textile fabrics, and for paper-making. The juice of the leaves of 

 Agave americana and other species just before flowering, contains much sugar 

 and mucilage, and when fermented, yields a vinous acid beverage called 

 Pulque, which is highly esteemed by the Mexicans. It has an odour something 

 like putrid meat. A very intoxicating spirit or brandy may be obtained from 

 the pulque. To this brandy the name of meiical or aguardient de magtiey has 

 been given. The unfermented juice is called Aguamiel or honey-water. 



Natural Order 255. HrPoxiDACEiE. — The Hypoxis Order. — 

 Diagnosis. — This is a small order of herbaceous plants, closely 

 allied to Amaryllidacese, from which they are distinguished by 

 their habit, their dry harsh leaves, by the outer divisions of 

 the perianth being of coarser texture than the inner, by their 

 seeds being commonly strophiolate, and especially by having an 

 embryo with the radicle remote from the hilum. The latter 

 character is of most importance. 



Distribution, 8fc. — They are scattered over various warm parts 

 of the globe. Examples: — Forbesia, Hypoxis. There are 4 

 genera, and about 60 species. 



Properties and Uses. — Tliey are reputed bitter and aromatic, 

 but none possess important properties. The fleshy roots of 

 some species are eaten. 



Natural Order 256. H^modokace^. — The Blood-Root 

 Order. — Herbs, or rarely shrubby plants, with fibrous roots. 

 Leaves usually equitant, ensiform. Perianth superior, tubular, 

 6-parted, regular, the divisions usually scurfy or woolly on their 

 outside. Stamens 3 — 6, when 3, opposite the inner segments of 



