Mdant/iacea Bulbocodium. 535 



4. BULBOCDDIUM. 



A genus resembling Crocus in general habit and aspect, 

 but differing botanically in having a superior ovary and six 

 stamens. The bulbs differ in the downy not fibrous nature of 

 their coatings ; the name is derived from /3oA/3os, a bulb, and 

 /cwSiov, a fleece, in allusion to this character. 



1. B. vernum (fig. 258). Flowers violet-purple, appearing 

 in early Spring before the leaves are developed, not more than 

 2 or 3 inches high. Leaves ultimately 6 to 9 inches long. 

 This is still a rare plant in gardens. It is a native of mountain 

 pastures of Central Europe. 



5. COLCHICUM. 



A small genus of Autumn-flowering bulbous herbs allied to 

 the preceding genus. Leaves not appearing till Spring, larger 

 and broader than in Crocus or Bulbocodium. The ovary is 

 underground, and is not visible until borne aloft by the 

 growing leaves in Spring. The ancient Greek name. 



1. C. autumnale. Meadow Saffron. A native of many 

 parts of England, though nowhere very abundant. Flowers 

 usually pale purple, but there are variously-striped varieties 

 and also a white variety in cultivation. This is sometimes 

 called Autumn Crocus, from its resemblance ; but besides its 

 technical characters, the long flat leaves are sufficient to dis- 

 tinguish it from that genus. It furnishes the drug of the same 

 name. 



ORDER XIV. PONTEDERACEJE. 



A small order of aquatic or semi-aquatic plants with broad 

 leaves and solitary racemose or spicate flowers. Perianth funnel- 

 shaped, circinate when withering. Anthers turned inwards. 

 Fruit capsular, dehiscing loculicidally. 



1. PONTEDERIA. 



A small genus of pretty aquatic plants with creeping rhizomes 

 and long-stalked oblong or cordate leaves, and one-leaved 

 stems terminated by a raceme of blue flowers. Perianth some- 

 what two-lipped. Stamens 6, the upper 3 often sterile. Ovary 

 3-celled, two cells abortive and the other 1-seeded. Named 

 after an Italian botanist. Natives of America. 



