Graminea—Gynertum. 539 
comprising Wheat, Oats, Barley, Rye, Maize, Rice, Millet, and 
many other kinds of grain, as well as the Sugar-cane. The 
genera are variously estimated from 250 to 300, and the 
species at about 4,500. There are many highly ornamental 
species, some of large stature and imposing aspect, and some of 
diminutive size and very graceful habit. 
1. GYNERIUM. 
This beautiful genus of Grasses needs little description, being 
well known throughout the country for its highly ornamental 
Fig. 260. Gynerium argentevm. (8 to 12 feet high.) 
appearance. It belongs to the Reed tribe, having 2-flowered 
spikelets and unisexual flowers, the male and female borne on 
different plants. The etymology of the name is from yuri} a 
female, and Zpsov, wool, in reference to the woolly stigmas. 
There are several species of this genus, but only one has been 
introduced. 
1. G. argéntewm (fig. 260). Pampas Grass.—One of the 
