8S HYPOXIS ERECTA. — STAR-GRASS. 



which appears to be Africa, judging by the numerous species 

 growing there, has found a limit to its power of extension, and 

 produces seeds rarely, or in those jDarts of our country only 

 which are most favorable to its original requirements. In the 

 absence of seeds it would have to multiply chiefly by offsets ; 

 but the exact manner of their growth requires further observa- 

 tion. The main plant increases by slow additions at the apex, 

 the under portion dying every year, as shown in our plate, where 

 the rootless portion of the base represents the decaying part. 

 As in time, from its erect position, the apex must necessarily 

 rise up to the surface of the ground, it is probable that the main 

 plant dies when this point is reached, and that the race is then 

 continued by the younger offspring. 



The Star-Grass is in flower in May, according to some authors, 

 and in June, according to others. But in Germantown, Pa., it 

 blossoms from May to September. It is found in all the states 

 on the eastern slope of the continent, from Maine to Florida. 

 In Kansas and Arkansas it is quite common ; and it was also 

 found by Marcy's expedition on the head waters of the Trinity 

 River, in Northern Texas. It does not, however, seem to have 

 reached Colorado, nor is it found in Wyoming or Idaho, and it 

 is probably wholly confined to the regions east of the Rocky 

 Mountains. Its northwestern limit is Minnesota, where it is 

 abundant. 



The favorite places of growth of this species seem to be open 

 woods, or waste places covered with low shrubs ; but our speci- 

 men is from a cranberry swamp, and it may have been that this 

 position favored the production of seed. 



Explanations of the Plate. — i. Complete plant. — 2. Mature capsule with seed. — 

 3. Anther much enlarged. 



