II. CANNACE^E. 



757 



lization see p. 156). Anacharis, a native of America, is now abundant in North Europe, where it hns 

 increased so rapidly as to impede navigation in many parts of England. Hydrocharis and Stratiofea 

 also abound in North Europe, where they are utilized as manures. Blyxa is a native of India and Mada- 

 gascar. The herbage of Hydrochandcce is mucilaginous and moderately astringent ; Ilydrocharis Morstu- 

 rana was formerly employed with Nytnph&a. Ottelia and Boottia are eaten by the Indians, but form a 

 poor vegetable [the starchy rootstock is the part eaten]. The tubers and fruits of EnhdM*, n Indian 

 and Celebes plant, are edible j the fibre of its leaves is textile. 



II. CANNACE^E. 

 (CANNED, Br. CANNACE^, Agardh. MARANTACE^E, Lindl.) 



FLOWEKS $ . PERIANTH superior, double ; outer herbaceous, 3-phyllous ; inner 

 petaloid, irregular, composed of petals and staminodes. STAMEN solitary, lateral ; 

 ANTHER l-celled. OVARY inferior, 3-1-celled ; OVULES campylotropous or anatropous. 



Thalia dealbata, 

 Diiigram. 



Canna. 



Vertical section of seed, 



showing the thickened endo- 



pleura near the micropyle. 



Thalia. 

 Hooded staminode. 



