IT& LINN.tA.S NATL'KAf. SYSTLM. 



mous with aromatic, consequently answers to nearly 

 all the plants it contains. These plants nearly ap- 

 proach the orchidea in aspect. Ginger, cardamoms, 

 zedoary, &c. 



Their roots are fleshy, mostly acrid nnd aromatic j stem simple ; 

 leaves lanceolate, quite entire, even, stalked, convoluted contrary to 

 the direction of the sun ; their stalks sheathing the stem. Inflo- 

 rescence either a spike or cluster ; flower superior ; calyx a peri- 

 anth of three valves ; corolla always irregular. Pericarp in most 

 instances a capsule of three cells and three valves, with many seeds 

 in each cell ; stamen one ; anther consists of two parallel distinct 

 lobes, united lengthwise with the filament ; gennen roundish, with 

 a thread-shaped style, lodged between the lobes of the anther, and a 

 dilated cup -like, often fringed stigma. 



ORDER IX. SPATHACEj*. 



10. In this order are arranged those plants which 

 produce flowers with a spathe or sheath. They are 

 further distinguished by their bulbous root consisting of 

 a radical bulb formed from the basis of the last year's 

 leaves, which envelopes the rudiments of the future 

 foilage. Meadow- saffron, narcissus, and many more. 



In this order the leaves are sheathing at the root, and with a few 

 exceptions, linear or linear-lanceolate. Stem, a round, two-edged 

 or triangular scape. The flowers are stalked within the sheath, and 

 in most instances they are superior j corolla usually monopetaloits ; 

 stamens six, except in githyllis ; pistil one, except in colchicum ; 

 capsule three celled with many seeds. 



ORDER X. CORONARI*. 



11. This order lias received its name from the flowers 

 of many of its plants being formerly used to decorate a 



