XXVIII. CYCLANTHE^]. 



827 



We have thought it best to divide Typhacea into two tribes, distinguished by habit, inflorescence, 

 and the structure of the male and female flowers, and of the fruit and seed. The ovule of TypJui has been 

 figured as orthotropous, but it is evidently anatropous ; the micropyle faces the top of the cell, and the 

 chnlaza is turned towards the bottom. 



Typhacea are allied on the one hand to Aroidea and C'yperacea, and on the other to Fandaiiea;, from 

 which Sparganium only differs in its small stature, more simple fruit, and pendulous seed ; this resemblance 

 is so striking that one is tempted to regard Fandanea as gigantic Sparganiums. This family contains few 

 species : Typha is dispersed over the tropical and temperate regions of the whole world, and principally 

 of the northern hemisphere, where its species inhabit stagnant water and the sides of streams. Sparya- 

 nium prefers cold or temperate regions. 



The starchy rhizome of Typha possesses slightly astringent and diuretic properties, which lead to 

 its use in East Asia for the cure of dysentery, urethritis and aphthae. The stems and leaves are used for 

 thatching cottages. It has been vainly tried to utilize the bristles of the spike in the manufacture of a 

 sort of velvet. The seeds of Sparyanium are eaten by water-birds. [The pollen of Typlia is made into 

 bread by the natives of Scind and New Zealand.] 



XXVIII. CYCLANTPIE^E, Poiteau. 



Steniless or caulescent PLANTS. STEM sub-woody, often climbing by means of 

 adventitious epiphytic roots. LEAVES cauline or radical, petioled, alternate or 



Carludocica. 9 flower seen from 

 above, showing the four perigonial 

 scales, opposite the four caducous fila- 

 ments, and alternate with the four 

 lobes of the ovary. 



Carludovica. 



Stamen, inner 



face. 



Carludorica. 

 Stamen, outer 



Carlurlorica. Diagram 9 , showing face, 



the perianth, the situation of the four 

 filaments, and the four parietal 

 placentas. 



Carlvdovka palmata. 



Carlutloi-ica. 



Bundle of stamens, 



outer face. 



Carludovica. 



Bundle of stamens 



inner face. 



