260 THE STAB-GBASS. 



The Z/eaves, compared with Iris, are both like and 

 unlike. In venation, parallel-veined ; in vernation, equitant 

 and triquetrous (3-rowed) ; in outline, linear ; in position, 

 vertical. Several of the outer leaves are reduced to mere 

 sheaths involving all the others at the base. In surface 

 character, i. e. in quality, the leaf, and indeed the whole 

 plant, is clothed with soft, scattered hairs. 



Inflorescence. Several scapes shorter than the leaves 

 (2-6', leaves 3-8') issue with them, and stand erect, although 

 as slender as a thread (filiform), each bearing an irregular 

 umbel of 2-5 flowers. The minute bracts, forming an in- 

 volucre, must not escape notice. 



The Flower is perfect, regular, having the usual 4 sets 

 of organs, and closely analogous to both the Irids and the 

 Lilyworts. But from these two orders the Star-grass differs 

 severally by at least one important character. Here let the 

 student close the book, and determine these differences for 

 himself. The sepals and petals being similar form a perianth. 



The Irids have 3 stamens with extrorse anthers. How is 

 this in the Star-grass ? 



The Lilyworts have the perianth free from the ovary. 

 How is this in the Star-grass ? 



Compared, with the Trilliads or the Orchids, the differ- 

 ences become many and more obvious. What are they ? 



Are the sepals and petals quite similar in form and color ? 

 Both are imbricated and persistent, withering on the ad- 

 herent ripening ovary. The 6 anthers are sagittate, i. e., 

 arrow-shaped. Only one style appears and one capitate 

 stigma ; but the fruit is a 3-celled capsule, containing many 

 roundish, black seeds. 



The Name is Hypoxis erecta Hypoxis from two Greek 

 words signifying " sharp beneath," probably referring to the 

 form of the ovary, or flower-bud. 



