G80 SYSTEMATIC BOTANY. 



403, 422, and 1043). Perianth green or petaloid, inferior (figs. 

 422 and 1046), 6-leaved (figs. 422 and 1043) or 6-parted (fig. 

 1044). Stamens 6 (figs. 422, 508, and 1043), inserted on the 

 periantli (fig. 1046), or rarely on the thalamus ; anthers introrse 

 (figs. 508 and 1046). Ovary superior (figs. 422, 508, and 1046), 

 3-celled (figs. 1043 and 1047); stj/le 1 (figs. 422 and 1046); 

 stigma simple (fig. 422) or 3-lobed (fig. 632). Fruit a loculicidal 

 capsnle, or succulent and indehiscent, 3-celled. Seeds with 

 fleshy albumen (fig. 1048), numerous. 



Distribution, ^c. — They are widely distributed throughout the 

 temperate, warm, and tropical regions of the globe. Examples 

 of the Genera: — Tulipa, Lilium, Aloe, Allium, Scilla, Hyacinthus, 

 Asphodelus, Asparagus. There are about 1,200 species. 



Properties and Uses. — The plants of this order frequently pos- 

 sess very important properties, but there is no great uniformity 

 in them. Some are purgative; others emetic, diuretic, dia- 

 phoretic, stimulant, acrid, &c. Several yield astringent sub- 

 stances, and many produce valuable fibres. The bulbs, young 

 shoots, and seeds of others are eaten. 



AUiuin.— The bulbs, Sic, of several species of this genus are well known 

 dietetical articles, and are extensively used as condiments under the names 

 of Onion, Garlic, Leek, &c. Garlic and Onion are sometimes employed in 

 i^iedicine ; thus externally applied, they are rubefacient, &c., and internally 

 administered, they are stimulant, expectorant, diuretic, and somewhat an- 

 thelmintic. All the species yield an acrid volatile oil, containing sulphur 

 as one of its ingi-cdients. Some species when cultivated in warm dry regions 

 lose much of their acridity and powerf nl taste, as the Portugal, Spanish, and 

 Egj'ptian Onions. A. .mtivum is the Common GarUc ; A. Cepa, the Onion ; 

 A. Porrum, the Leek ; A. Sdicenoprasum, the Chive ; A. Scorodopraiuin, the 

 Rocambole ; A. ascalonicuin, the Shallot. 



Aloe.— The species of this genus have succulent leaves {fig. 1044). The 

 purgative drug Aloes is the inspissated juice obtained from the parallel 

 brownish-green vessels found beneath the epidermis of the leaves. Several 

 commercial varieties are Icnown, but the origin of some is not accurately 

 determined. Aloe vulgaris {barbadensis) yields the kind called Barbadoes 

 Aloes. A. socotrina and other undetermined species of Aloe yield Socotrinc 

 Aloes, and probably also Hepatic Aloes, for, as shown by Dr. Pereira, 

 the difference between these two kinds may be readily accounted for by 

 difference of preparation in the two respectively. Thus, when the juice 

 of the Socotrine Aloes plant is inspissated by artificial heat, the product 

 resembles Socotrine Aloes ; but when solidified without the aid of artificial 

 heat, that of commercial Hepatic Aloes. Socotrine and Barbadoes Aloes are 

 officiiml in the British Pharmacopoeia. Cape Aloes is yielded by A. spicaia 

 and other species ; Indian Aloes, by A. Indica and others. Other commercial 

 varieties of Aloes are kno^vni as Horse or Caballine Aloes, Mocha Aloes, and 

 Cura9oa Aloes. Their sources are not accurately known. Aloes is used in 

 small doses as a tonic, and in larger doses as a purgative and emmenagogue. 



Asparagus. — A. officinalis. Asparagus. — The young succulent shoots called 

 tufios, when boiled, are highly esteemed as an article of food. These, and 

 the roots, and flowering stems, are sometimes employed as diuretics. The 

 juice of Asparagus has marked diuretic properties, and is deserving of more 

 attention than it has of late years received. Asparagus is also popularly 

 employed as a lithic. The roasted seeds have been used as a substitute for 

 coffee. 



Camassia esculenta has edible bulbs, which are used by the North American 

 Indians under the name of Quamash. They are also known as Biscuit- 

 roots. 



