petaloide.t:. 685 



fibrous roots. Leaves with parallel veins, fistular or more or less 

 flattened and grooved. Flowers regular {fig. 1053), usually 

 glumaceous, or sometimes petaloid. Perianth inferior, 6-parted 

 {fig. 1053), persistent. Stamens 6 {fig. 1053) or 3, perigynous; 



Fig. 1053. Fig. 1054. 



Fig. 1053. Flower of a species of "Wood rush (JaizuIo), havine an in- 

 ferior perianth with 6 divisions. 6 stamens, and a superior ovary -with 

 1 style and 3 stigmas. Fig. 1054. Vertical section of the seed. 



anthers introrse, 2-celled. Ovary superior {fig. 1053), 1 — 3- 

 celled; style 1 {fig. 1053); stigmas 3 {fig. 1053) or 1. Fruit 

 a loculicidal capsule, 3-valved, and with 1 or many seeds in 

 each cell; rarely 1-eelied, 1-seeded, and indehiscent; embryo 

 very mimite, in fleshy or horny albumen {fig. 1054). 



Distribution, ^-c. — A few are found in tropical regions, but 

 the mass of the order inhabit cold and temperate climates. 

 Examjyles of the Genera : — Luzula, Juncus, Narthecium, There 

 are about 200 species. 



Properties and Uses. — Their medicinal properties are unim- 

 portant, although some have a reputation as anthelmintics and 

 diuretics. Nartheciu?7i ossifraoum is poisonous to cows fed on it. 

 The pale cellular tissue at the base of some of the leaves of 

 certain sppcies is occasionally eaten. The chief use, however, 

 to which the plants of this order are applied is, in making floor 

 mats, and for the bottoms of chairs, &c. The leaves of the 

 species of Jimcus are employed for these purposes. The pith of 

 the fistular leaves of Junci are also employed for the wicks of 

 rushlights. 



Natural Order 268. Oroxtiaceje or Acorace.^. — The Oron- 

 tium or Sweet-flag Order. — Character. — Herbaceous plants. 

 Flowers perfect, arranged on a spadix, and with or without a 

 spathe. Perianth absent, or composed of scales, which are infe- 

 rior. Stamens equal in number to the scales of the perianth, 

 4 — 8, hypogynous or perigynous. Ovary superior, 1 or more 

 celled. Fruit baccate. Seed with an axile embryo which is 

 cleft on one side ; usually with fleshy or mealy albumen, or rarely 

 exalbuminous. This order is commonly regarded as a division 



