L1LIIFI/ORJ5. 



321 



surrounded by the leaf-sheaths (corms), and terminal flowers; the 

 linear leaves are not equitant, but have two longitudinal furrows 

 on the under side. The perianth is gamophyllous and funnel- 

 shaped. The stylar branches (stigmas) are fleshy, rolled together 

 in the shape of a horn, and split along the edge. Gladiolus has 

 corms like the Crocus ; spikes with slightly zygomorphic, almost 

 bilabiate flowers, most frequently turning to one side. Position 

 of the leaves as in the Iris. Diplarrhena has 2 fertile and 1 barren 

 stamen; Hermodactylus has a unilocular ovary with 3 parietal placenta?. 

 Cypella and Tigridia have bulbs. 



FIG. 312. Iris pseudacorus. One external and two internal perianth-leaves, and one 

 of the stylar-branches have been removed, y The outer, i the innac perianth-leaves ; 

 g stylar-branch ; a stigma ; s anther. The ovary is seen in longitudinal section. 



770 species ; chiefly in the countries round the Mediterranean, and in Africa, 

 especially the Cape (Gladiolus, Ferraria, Morcea, Galaxia, Sparaxis, Antholyza, 

 Tritonia, Ixia, etc.), Australia and Tropical America (Sisyrinchium, Tigridia, 

 Cipura, Cypella, etc). A great number are ornamental plants : the cultivated 

 Croczts-species are from the South of Europe and Asia ; Gladiolus communis 

 from S. Europe ; the other species principally from S. Africa. The native 

 species of Iris are I. pseudacorus (yellow) and I. fcetidissima. 



OFFICINAL : the stigmas of Crocus sativus (Oriental, cultivated in France, 

 Spain, Italy, and Austria), used as a colouring matter, saffron ; the rhizomes 

 of the S. European Iris Jlorentina, pallida, and germanica (" Orris-root "). 



