PETALOIDE^ 



281 



kanshira (Commelina appendictilata), also a common 

 weed in ditches; other species of Commelina, which 

 are also similar weeds; Aneilema sptratitm, A. ■vagina- 

 turn, and Cyanotic axillaris are common field-weeds. 

 Tradescantia, an American genus, presents marked 

 differences from the Monocotyledonous type in its 

 vascular system. The hairs on the filaments of the 

 stamens of Tradescantia virgiiiica are interesting as 

 showing circulation of protoplasm. Some species 

 of Tradescantia are common in 

 our gardens. The hairs on the 

 filaments of Cyanotis axillaris 

 also show circulation of proto- 

 plasm. Compare with this cir- 

 culation or irregular motion of 

 the protaplasm the rotation or 

 regular motion of the proto- 

 plasm met with in Vallisneria 

 and Chara. 



Nat. Order 3. Juncacece. — 

 These are plants which ap- 

 proach the Graminacece in their 

 grass-like aspect and gluma- 



ceous perianth, and the Liliacece in the structure of 

 their flowers. The leaves are either cylindrical, or 

 flat and linear, or reduced to mere sheaths. The 

 plants commonly grow in ditches and wet places, 

 and go by the name of Rushes {/uncus), one or 

 two species of which are commonly seen everywhere 

 (fig. 253). The Order bears anemophilous flowers. 

 Self-pollination is usually prevented by protogyny. 

 Cleistoga.my sometimes occurs. Closely allied to it 

 is the Nat. Order En'ocaulacece, which have a grass- 

 like aspect, monoecious flowers, and are common 

 weeds in rice-fields. 



Fig. 233.— y«««« bufoniits 



