MONOCOTYLEDONES 195 



segments of the perianth ; anthers mtrorse. Ovary inferior, or 

 partially so, 3-celled. Fruit dehiscent or indehiscent, covered hy 

 the withered perianth. Seeds few or numerous, with carti- 

 laginous albumen, and radicle remote from the hilum. 



Distribution and Numbers. — Natives of America, the 

 Cape of Good Hope, and Australia. Illustrative Genera : — 

 Haemodorum, Smith ; Vellozia, Mart, There are about 50 

 species. 



Projjerties and Uses. — The roots of some species are used as 

 dyeing agents m North America, others are edible, and a few are 

 bitter and astringent. 



Order 10. Iridace^, the Iris Order. — C h a r a c t e r. — Herbs, 

 usually' with bulbs, corms, or rhizomes. Leaves with parallel 

 venation, generally equitant. Floioers spathaceous. Periaiith 

 superior, petaloid, 6-partite, in two whorls, which are equal or 

 nearly so, or unequal, in the size of their segments ; or some- 

 times the parts are entirely distinct ; convolute in aestivation. 

 Stamens 3, inserted on the outer segments of the perianth ; 

 anther's 2-celled, innate, extrorse. Ovary inferior, 3-celled 

 with axile placentation ; style 1 ; stigmas 3, often petaloid. 

 Fruit capsular, 3-celled, 3-valved, with loculicidal dehiscence. 

 Seeds numerous with horny or fleshy albumen. 



Diagnosis. — Herbs. Leaves with parallel veins. Flowers on 

 scapes, spathaceous. Perianth petaloid, superior, 6-partite, or 

 rarely the parts are quite distinct, in two equal or unequal 

 whorls. Stamens 3, distinct or monadelphous ; anthers innate, 

 extrorse. Ovary 3-celled, with axile placentation, inferior. 

 Fruit capsular, with loculicidal dehiscence, 3-ceUed, 3-valved. 

 Seeds numerous, albuminous. 



Distribution and Numbers. — Chiefly natives of temperate 

 and warm climates. They are found in various parts of the 

 globe, but are most abmidant at the Cape of Good Hope. 

 Illustrative Genera : — Iris, Linn. ; Gladiolus, Tourn. ; Crocus, 

 Linn. There are about 560 species. 



Properties and Uses. — The rhizomes of several species 

 possess acrid properties, which causes them to be purgative, 

 emetic, &c. Some are poisonous, and a few have fragrant 

 rhizomes. Others are emplo^^ed as colouring agents, and some 

 are commonly regarded as antispasmodic, carminative, &c. 

 Many contain starch in large quantities, but as this is usually 

 combined with acridity, they are not generally available for 

 food, although some are stated to be thus employed m Africa. 



Order-] 11. Amaryllidace^, the Amaryllis Order. — Cha- 



o2 



