Xil^ Jfamilij. 



Indian Cucumber-root. Medeola Virginiana. 



Found in moist rich woods, during June. 



The slender, smooth, green stalk varies from 1 to 3 feet in height ; 

 a light fleecy wool is loosely caught around it. 



The oblong leaf tapers at both ends, it is 3-ribbed, and the margin 

 is entire ; its color is a fresh full green. The leaves clasp the stalk, and 

 are set in two whorls, of 3 to 9 in number. 



The flower is inconspicuous on account of its light greenish color ; 

 its 3 petals and 3 calyx-parts are long, narrow, and much recurved ; the 

 6 stamens ai-e colored a dark crimson-red, with brown tips, and the 3 

 divisions of the pistil are long and spreading. Three or four blossoms 

 on their slender stems hang beneath the upper ^vhorl of leaves. 



The green, spidery flower of the Medeola is curious rather than 

 pretty, — the charm of the plant lies in the slender stalk, with its two 

 whorls of fine green leaves lightly poised about it. When the dark 

 blue-black berry is ripe its stem takes on an upward curve, and at 

 about the same time a crimson-red spot appears at the base of the 

 leaves. 



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