BLACK OR DARK PURPLE 161 



streams. The species grows as far west as the 

 Rocky Mountains. 



INDIAN CUCUMBER ROOT 

 Medeola Virginian Lily-of-the-Valley Family 



Fi^uit. — The dark purple berries are borne at 

 the summit of the plant on upright stems. 

 They are globular, usually three or four in num- 

 ber, three-celled, and few-seeded. The mark of 

 the style is at the tip. September. 



Leaves. — The leaves are in two whorls. The 

 lower whorl is borne about midway of the stem 

 and consists of from five to nine obovate-lanceo- 

 late leaflets, which are stemless, parallel-ribbed, 

 and netted-veined. The upper whorl, at the top 

 of the stem, is usually of three, occasionally 

 more, smaller ovate leaflets. 



Flowers. — The greenish yellow flowers are 

 borne on drooping stems and are often nearly 

 hidden beneath the upper whorl of leaflets. 

 They are like small lilies and have recurved 

 perianths, six recurved reddish stamens, and 

 three recurved stigmas. June. 



The flowers on their drooping stems are often 

 tucked under the upper leaflets, which serve as 



