MONOCOTYLEDONOUS PLANTS. 



11 



The general appearance of a common sedge may be learned 

 from Fig. 33, and the flower-cluster and the flower under- 

 stood from an inspection of Fig. 212. 



The species are even more difficult to determine than those 

 of grasses. 



Fig. 212. — Inflorescence, Flower and Seed of a Sedge. 

 (Great Bulrusli, Selrpus lacustris.) 

 1, magnified flower, surrounded by a perianth of hypogynous bristles ; 2, the 

 seed ; 3, section of the seed, showing the small embryo enclosed in the 

 base of the albumen. 



ARACE^, ARUM FAMILY. 

 Perennial herbs, with pungent or acrid juice, leaves often 

 netted-veined, small flowers (perfect or imperfect) clustered 

 along a peculiar fleshy spike called a spadix and frequently 



