II.] 



CYPERACE^E. 



237 



The largest genus of the Order is Carex, of which 

 nearly 50 species are native in Britain. Carex differs 

 from the Type in having monoecious flowers, arranged in 

 spikes : the male flowers, consisting of 3 stamens, desti- 

 tute of a perianth, borne in the axil of a scale-like bract, 



FIG. 179. Male flower of Carex. FIG. 180. Female flower of same. 



FIG. 181. Vertical section of fruit of same. 



called a glume ; the female flowers, each enclosed in a 

 flask-shaped loose integument, called the perigynium, 

 which is open at the apex, to allow the stigmas to 

 protrude. 



The Papyrus used as paper by the ancients, especially 

 the Egyptians, was prepared from the pith-like tissue of 

 the stem of a large Cyperus. 



