180 



DE CANDOLLE'S SYSTEM. 



Seeds numerous; embryo taper, or minute, in the base of 

 mealy albumen. 



USES. The sub-acid fragrant fruit of Ananassa sativa is the 

 well-known Pine-apple. The dry filamentous stems of Til- 

 landsia usneoides are used in tropical countries for stuffing- 

 mattresses. 



TYPICAL GENERA. Bromelia, Tillandsia. 



168. Smilacex. Herbaceous plants or under-shrubs, with 

 a tendency to climb. Stems woody. Flowers hermaphrodite 

 or dioecious. Calyx and corolla inferior, 6-parted. Stamens 6. 

 Ovary 3-celled ; stigmas 3. Fruit a roundish berry. Albu- 

 men between fleshy and cartilaginous. 



USES. The diuretic demulcent called Sarsaparilla is the 

 root of several species ; others have a large fleshy root possess- 

 ing similar properties, and called Chinee radix : it appears to 

 be nutritious. The leaves of Smilax glycyphylla are bitter- 

 sweet, and are used for tea in New Holland. 



Smilax glycyphylla. 1. A male flower seen from above. 2. A female flower. 

 3. A transverse section of an ovary. 4. A seed. 5. A section of a seed, showing 

 the embryo. 



169. Liliacetz. Boots fibrous or fasciculate. Stem none ; 

 a bulb; or tuberous, or creeping, or arborescent. Calyx and 

 corolla inferior, coloured, regular. Stamens 6. Anthers open- 



