CLASSIFICATION OF ANGIOSPERMS. 495 



consisting of the main rhizome, and " long curcuma," composed 

 of the short branches. They occur in cylindrical or ovoid pieces, 



FIG. 273. Zingiber officinale, the rhizome of which constitutes the ginger of the market. 

 Entire plant showing rhizome and roots, a leaf-branch and a flower-branch, as also scars of 

 previous year's growth after decay of leaf- and flower-branches. A, entire flower; B, sec- 

 tion of flower showing beak-like appendage at the apex of the fertile stamen, which encloses 

 the style; C, three-parted labellum or irregular segment of corolla showing 2 tooth- 

 like staminodes (rudiments of stamens) at the base; D, the ovary with lower portion of 

 style and two epigy nous, filiform processes which secrete nectar; E, apex of funnel-shaped, 

 fringed stigma. After Berg and Schmidt. 



2 to 5 cm. long, of a yellowish-brown color externally, bright yel- 

 low internally, and aromatic odor and taste. Curcuma contains 



