204 MANUAL OF BOTANY 



ter. — Herhs, with fibrous roots. Leaves eqnitant, ensiform 

 sheathing. Flowers surroimded by a spathaceous persistent 

 bract, hermaphrodite. Perianth inferior, 3-partite, petaloid, 

 the two upper segments united so that it appears to consist of 2 

 segments. Stamens 3, 2 of which are barren and petaloid, and 

 all united to the anterior lobe of the perianth ; ijollen united in 

 masses of four. Ovary superior, 3-celled, with axile placentas ; 

 style simple ; stigma capitate. Fruit a loculicidal capsule. 

 Seeds numerous, with an embryo in the axis of fleshy 

 albumen. 



Distribution, Numbers, and Properties. — They are natives 

 of China, Cochin China, and Australia. There are 2 genera 

 (Philydrum, Banls, and Hetaeria, Endl.) and 2 species. 

 Their properties and uses are unknown. 



Order 21. XYRiDACEiE, the Xyris Order. — Character. — 

 Sedge-like herbs. Leaves radical, sheathing, ensiform or filiform. 

 Flowers hermaphrodite, in scaly heads. Perianth inferior, 6- 

 partite, arranged in two whorls, — the outer sub-glumaceous or 

 scaly, distinct, and opposite the carpels ; the inner petaloid, 

 regular, and miited. Stamens 3, inserted into the base of the 

 outer lobes of the perianth, or sometimes 6 ; anthers 2-celled, 

 extrorse. Ovary superior, 1-celled, with parietal placentas. 

 Capsule 1-celled, 3-valved. Seeds numerous ; embryo minute, 

 in fleshy or mealy albumen. 



The genus Bapatea is sometimes made the type of a distinct 

 order — Itapiateacece. 



Distribution and Numbers. — Exclusively natives of tropical 

 and sub-tropical regions. Illustrative Genera : — Xyris, Linn. ; 

 Eapatea, Aubl. There are about 70 species. 



Properties and Uses. — Unimportant. The leaves and roots 

 of some species of Xyris ha^e been employed in cutaneous 

 affections. 



Order 22. Mayace^, the Mayaca Order. — Diagnosis. — 

 Small Moss-like plants growing in damp places. They are 

 closely allied to Commelynacege, from which they differ in their 

 habit ; then- 1-celled anthers ; their 1- celled ovary and capsule 

 with parietal placentas ; and in their carpels being alternate to 

 the outer segments of the perianth. 



Distribution, Numbers, and Properties. — The}' are found in 

 America from Brazil to Virginia. Mayaca, Aubl., is the only 

 genus, of which there are 4 sj)ecies. Their properties and uses 

 are unknown. 



Order 23. CoMMELYNACEiE, the Spiderwort Order.— C ha- 



