26 



KEY AND FLORA 



leaves. Spadix projecting from the edge of the spathe, con- 

 sisting of numerous bisexual flowers. Sepals 6. Stamens 6. 

 Ovary 2-3-celled, with numerous ovules. Fruit 1-few-seeded. 



Fig. 6. Acorus Calamus 



A, spadix; B, a single flower, enlarged; C, diagram of flower, enlarged. 

 (After Schimper) 



1. A. Calamus L. Sweet Flag. Scape with a long, leaf-like pro-- 

 longation (spathe) beyond the green, very closely flowered spadix. 

 Along borders of brooks and swamps. 



The rootstocks furnish the well-known calamus or " sweet flag 

 root" sold everywhere by druggists. 



7. COMMELINACE.a;. Spideewort Family 



Herbs, with slimy or mucilaginous juice ; stems somewhat- 

 STicculent, jointed, leafy, simple or branched. Leaves simple,, 

 succulent, narrow, entire, sheathing at the base, sheaths entire-- 



