694 SYSTEMATIC BOTANY. 



Fig, 1077. Fig. 1078. Fig. 1079. 



Ftg. 1077. Hermaphrodite flower of a species of Club-rush iScirpus), the glume 

 having been removed, b. Hypogynous setas or bristles forming a kind of 

 perianth, st. Hypogynous stamens -with 2-celled innate anthers, o. 



Ovary, s. Style, stig. Stigmas Fig. 1078. Vertical section of the fruit 



of a Carex. s. Pericarp, te. Testa, alb. Albumen, pi. Embryo Fig. 



1079. Embryoof a species of Carex removed from the albumen, a. Lateral 

 swelling, r. Radicle, c. Cotyledon. /. Slit corresponding to the plumule. 



Examples : — Carex, Elyna, Scleria, Rhyncospora, Schoenus, 

 Cladium, Chrysithrix, Hypolytrum, Fuirena, Scirpus, Cyperus. 

 Papyrus. There are 1 20 genera, and about 2000 species. 



Properties and Uses. — Although closely allied in their bota- 

 nical characters to the Graminacece, the Cyperaceae are alto- 

 gether deficient in the nutritive and other qualities which render 

 the plants of that order so eminently serviceable to man 

 and other animals. Indeed the order generally is re- 

 markable for the absence of any important properties. Some 

 are slightly aromatic, stomachic, and diaphoretic ; others 

 demulcent and alterative, and some have been used for eco- 

 nomic purposes. The underground stems of certain species are 

 edible when roasted or boiled. 



Carex. — The creeping stems of Carex arenaria and some allied species 

 have been used medicinally as substitutes for sarsaparilla, under the name of 

 German Sarsaparilla. 



Scirpus Various species of this genus, as S. lacustris and S. Taber- 



ncemontani , 8;c., are much employed like the common Rushes for mats, chair- 

 bottoms, baskets, &c., and also by coopers for filling up intervals in the seams 

 of casks. They are commonly known as Club-Rushes or Bull-Rushes. The 

 root of 5. lacustris was formerly used as an astringent and diuretic. 



Eriophorum — The species of this genus are commonly known under the 

 name of Cotton-grasses, from their fruits being surrounded by cottony or 

 downy hairs. 'J'hcse hairs are sometimes used for stuffing cushions, &c. The 

 leaves are reputed to possess astringent properties. 



Cyperus. — The rhizomes, tubers, or corms of C. longus, C. rotundus. 



