Monocotyledones. 25 



III. GALANTHUS. Snowdrop. 



(Gr., gala, milk; anthos, flower. From the color of the flower.) 



Scape from a coated bulb, bearing usually a single nodding flower. 

 The 3 inner segments of the perianth shorter than the outer, and less 

 spreading, notched at the apex. Anthers erect and not versatile. 



i. Galanthus nivalis, Linn. (L., nivalis, snowy.) Leaves 2, linear and pale; 

 scape bearing a drooping white flower; inner perianth segments tipped with green. 

 Flowering in e arly spring. 



IRIDACE^. IRIS FAMILY. 



Herbs with equitant 2-ranked leaves rising from corms, rootstocks, 

 or tubers. The regular or irregular, mostly clustered flowers usually 

 subtended by bracts. Perianth coherent to the ovary, the segments in 

 an outer and an inner whorl of 3 each. Stamens 3, separate or mona- 

 delphous, inserted on the perianth opposite the outer whorl of segments. 

 Ovary 3-celled and 3-angled or lobed ; ovules numerous in each cell ; 

 style 3-lobed. 



I. IRIS. Flower-de-luce. 



(Ancient name of these flowers, from Gr., iris, rainbow.) 



Erect or ascending equitant leaves from horizontal rootstocks. 

 Flowers large and terminal. Tube of the perianth somewhat prolonged 

 above the ovary, 6-cleft above, the 3 outer segments broad and spread- 

 ing or reflexed, the inner 3 segments erect as a rule and usually nar- 

 rower than the outer segments. The 3 stamens inserted at the base of 

 the outer perianth segments ; anthers linear or oblong. Ovary 3-celled ; 

 style petallike, united below with the tube of the perianth ; overarching 

 above and bearing a shelflike stigma below the apex. 



1. Iris Germanica, L. COMMON FLOWER-DE-LUCE. Flowers large and 

 scentless. Outer divisions of the perianth bearded, deep violet, pendent, about 3 

 inches long ; inner, obovate divisions lighter colored, and nearly as large. 



2. Iris pumila, L. (L.,pumilus, dwarf.) DWARF GARDEN IRIS. Outer divi- 

 sions of the perianth bearded ; flowers few, violet or purple, close to the ground in 

 early spring. Stem from 4 to 6 inches high. 



