LINN^AN NATURAL SYSTEM. 179 



coronary or garland, in consequence of their beauty. 

 Hyacinths, lilies, crown-imperial, asphodel, &c. 



With this order the root is tuberous ; the stem is simple, often a 

 mere scape, occasionally leafy, in consequence of a partial elevation 

 of the radical leaves ; flower destitute of a spathe or any sort of 

 calyx, consists of six petals /stamens six; germen superior ; capsule 

 three celled and three valved, the sides placed one above another. 



ORDER XI SARMENTACE.E. 



12. Sarmenta among the ancients meant unarmed, 

 prostrate, weak branches, unable to support themselves ; 

 hence this name is applied to the order before us, many 

 plants belonging to which, answer to that character, 

 being of a long, weak, trailing or twining habit, Paris, 

 aristolochia, asparagus, smilax, and many more. 



All the sarmentacese are monocotyledonous, and entirely without 

 pubescence, but they differ so ranch in their natural appearances, 

 that no common character derived from the fructification, can be 

 made applicable to the whole order. The roots are oblong and 

 fleshy ; the stem at first coming forth is smooth and leafless, mostly 

 branched; in some prostrate leaves in every instance simple and 

 undivided, sometimes linear, sometimes lanceolate and acute, or 

 heart-shaped, uniform, mostly alternate. Flowers mostly on simple 

 stalks j stamens six, except in menospermum ; styles three, or three 

 cleft ; calyx or corolla generally deficient ; fruit generally three celled. 



ORDEE XII. HOlERACEjE.* 



13. This denomination, literally meaning pot-herbs, 

 is given to plants that are tender or brittle in the mouth, 

 and usually used for culinary purposes. Beet, rhubarb, 

 amaranth, &c. 



" Incorrectly printed in many works hnlnracerr. Sir J. K. Smith 



