CYPERAOR^. 



J249 



We shall deseribei one species of each of five genera. 



1. CYPE'RIIS DI4NOni!S. 



The plant (Fig. 256) is from 4 to 10 inches in height. The culm 

 is triangular, leafy towards, the base, but naked above. At the 

 summit there > 



is an umbel 

 the rays of 

 which are 

 unequal in 

 length, and 

 on each ray 

 are clustered 

 several flat 

 brown - colour- 

 ed spikes, the scales of 

 which are imbricated in 

 two distinct rows. At the 

 base of the umbel there 

 are 3 leaves of very un- 

 equal length, forming a 

 sort of involucre, and the 

 base of each ray of the 

 umbel is sheathed. In 

 each spike every scale ex- 

 cept the lowest one con- 

 tains a flower in its axil. 

 The flower (Figs. 257 and 

 258) is entirely destitute of 

 perianth, and consists of 2 

 stamens and an ovary sur- 

 mounted by a 2-cleft style, 

 being consequently perfect. 

 The plant is pretty easily 

 met with in low wet places. 



Fig. 257. 



Fig. 258. 



Fig. 250. 



