674 



SYSTEMATIC BOTANY. 



climates. They are found in various parts of the globe, but are 

 most abundant at the Cape of Good Hope. Examples of the 

 Genera : — Sisyrinchium, Iris, Grladiolus, Crocus. There are about 

 560 species. 



Fig. 1034. Fig. 1035. 



Fig. 1034. Diagram of the flower of a species of Iris, with a solitary bract 

 or spathe below, six divisions to the perianth in two whorls, three 



stamens, and a three-celled ovary. Fig. 1035. A flower of the Spring 



Crocus {Crocus vermis) cut open. Fig. 1036. The three petaloid 



stigmas of the same with the end of the style. Fig. 1037. Vertical 



section of the flower of Iris germanica. ce, ce. Two of the external 

 divisions of the perianth, ci. One of the internal divisions, t. Tube 

 formed by the union of the divisions, e, e. Stamens, covered by 

 the petaloid stigmas, s, s. o. Inferior ovary, with numerous ovules, g, 



attached to placentas in the axis. Fig. 1038. Vertical section of the 



seed of the same. t. Spermoderui or integuments of the seed. p. 

 Albumen, e. Embryo, vi. Micropyle. (From Jussieu.) 



Properties and Uses. — The rhizomes of several species possess 

 acrid properties, which render them purgative, emetic, &c. 

 Some have fragrant rhizomes. Others are employed as colour- 

 ing agents, and some are commonly regarded as antispasmodic, 

 carminative, «fec. Many contain starch in large quantities, but 



