Graminea Gyncriiim. 



539 



comprising Wheat, Oats, Barley, Eye, Maize, Rice, Millet, and 

 many other kinds of grain, as well as the Sugar-cane. The 

 genera are variously estimated from 250 to 300, and the 

 species at about 4,500. There are many highly ornamental 

 species, some of large stature and imposing aspect, and some of 

 diminutive size and very graceful habit. 



1. GYNfiRIUM. 



This beautiful genus of Grasses needs little description, being 

 well known throughout the country for its highly ornamental 



Fig, 260. Gynerium argentetim. (8 to 12 feet high.) 



appearance. It belongs to the Eeed tribe, having 2-flowered 

 spikelets and unisexual flowers, the male and female borne on 

 different plants. The etymology of the name is from yuwj, a 

 female, and Ipwi/, wool, in reference to the woolly stigmas. 

 There are several species of this genus, but only one has been 

 introduced. 



1. G. argenteum (fig. 260). Pampas Grass. One of the 



