38 FOUNDATIONS OF BOTANY 
1. Y. filamentosa, L. SpanisH Daccer. Stem stout, 4-12 in. 
high. Leaves linear or linear-lanceolate, slender-pointed, narrowed 
above the spreading and clasping base, spreading or recurved, smooth, 
with loose, thread-like filaments on the margins. Panicle elongated, 
with bract-like leaves on the scape, widely branched, downy-hairy 
above, 3-6 ft. high. Perianth white, bell-shaped, 2 in. wide. Cap- 
sule oblong, angles rounded, sides furrowed, at length 3-valved and 
dehiscent. In sandy soil, and often cultivated for ornament.* 
XVII. ASPARAGUS, Tourn. 
Stem from fleshy fibrous roots, erect, branched, branches 
slender, with thread-like branchlets in the axils of scales which 
take the place of leaves. Flowers small, solitary, or racemed. 
Perianth 6-parted, segments distinct or slightly united. Sta- 
mens 6, perigynous, filaments thread-like. Ovary 3-celled, 
6-ovuled, style short, slender, stigmas 3, recurved. Fruit a 
berry.* 
1. A. officinalis, L. AspARAGus. Stem succulent and simple, with 
fleshy scales when young, becoming taller, more woody and widely 
branched when old. Flowers axillary, solitary, or 2 or 3 together on 
slender, jointed, drooping pedicels, greenish, segments linear. Berry 
red, few-seeded. Introduced from Europe, common in cultivation, 
and often escaped.* 
XVII. SMILACINA, Desf. 
Perennial, simple-stemmed herbs, with rootstocks. Leaves 
usually sessile, nerved, alternate. Flowers white, in a ter- 
minal raceme. Perianth spreading, 6-parted. Stamens 6, 
springing from the base of the perianth. Filaments slender. 
Anthers short, facing inward. Ovary 3-celled, 6-ovuled. Style 
short and stout, with a somewhat 3-lobed stigma. Fruit a 
1—2-seeded berry. 
1. S. racemosa, Desf. Fatse SprkENARD. A showy plant with 
curved stem 1-3 ft. high, downy throughout. Leaves abundant, 
oval or ovate-lanceolate, taper-pointed. Flowers small, in a com- 
pound raceme. Berries pale red, speckled with dark red or purple. 
Moist thickets. 
2. S. stellata, Desf. Plant 1 ft. or less in height, nearly smooth. 
Leaves broadly lanceolate, acute, clasping. #lowers few, larger than 
in No. 1, ina simple raceme. Berries very dark red. Along river 
banks. 
