LILIACE^ 



421 



formed. In September another series of roots grow, 

 not downwards, but outwards ; these are thin, they have 

 no power of contraction, and simply absorb nourish- 

 ment like those of ordinary plants. From November 

 to April is the winter rest, and in April another circle 

 of stout contracting roots is produced, which again drag 

 the bulb downwards. Eventually it comes to lie at a 

 depth of 10-15 cm." 



A. oleraceum. — The flowers, according to Bentham, 

 are pale brown ; Knuth describes them as at first 

 greenish white, and gradually becoming rose colour. 

 They are protandrous, and usually few in number ; some 

 are replaced by bulbils. 



A. Schoenoprasum ( Chives ).^ — A very rare plant in 

 Britain ; found in rocky pastures in a few counties. 

 This is one of the species with fistular leaves — an arrange- 

 ment which is useful 

 as a protection against 

 undue transpiration, and 

 also probably against 

 wind. 



A. triquetrum is a 

 South west European 

 species which occurs in 

 Britain only in Corn- 

 wall. 



In the other British 

 species the 3 inner 

 stamens are flattened 

 and three - cleft (Fig. 

 338, c). I have seen no 

 suggestion as to the 

 purpose of this curious 

 arrangement. 



A. sphserocephalum 

 (Fig. 338) has a globular, dense umbel. 

 Britain only on St. Vincent's Eocks, Bristol 



Fia. 338. — Allium spJuerocephalmn. Figure 

 of plant reduced, a, flower ; b, an outer, 

 c, an inner stamen ; J, pistil ; enlarged. 



It is found in 



