MONOCOTYLEDONES. 



181 



10. Iridaceae. The Iris family differs from the pre- 

 ceding in having but three sta- 

 mens, and equitant three-ranked 

 leaves. There are about five 

 hundred species, mainly found 

 in the south temperate climates. 

 Many species of Iris,' Gladiolus, 

 and Crocus, are cultivated for 

 the beauty of their flowers. The 

 dye Saffron is obtained from the 

 stigmas of Groom sativus; up- 

 wards of four thousand flowers 

 are required to produce one ounce 

 of Saffron. 292 



11. Orchidaceae. Orchis family. The Orchids (Fig, 

 293) are terrestrial and epiphytic plants; with irregu- 

 lar, generally showy, flowers ; a six-parted perianth ; one 

 segment of the inner whorl usually much modified; and 

 called the labellum; one 6r two gynandrous stamens; 



pollen in cohering masses (pollinia) ; 

 stigma generally broiad and glutinous ; 

 seeds minute'; containing a rudiment- 

 ary embryb; and no endospferm. A 

 large order (three thousand species), yet 

 possessing but a few economic uses. 

 It is, however, highly esteemed in cul- 

 tivation for the hundreds of curious 

 flowers, both as regards color and shape. 

 The latter have reference to their polli- 

 nation; none of them are able unaided 



Fig, 292. Amaryllis. FJg. 293. An Orchid {Orchis fusca) ; up, upper lip; un, 

 labellum; ov, ovary; sp, spur; P.s, pollen-sac; st, stigma; />, poUinia; cl, cau- 

 licle; d, disk ; /and //, natural size ; ///and IV', magnified. 



