MONOCOTYLEDONS 329 



(6) Gynsecium inferior. 



Order. Iridete. — Flowers with a six-partite brightly coloured 

 perianth : androecium of three stamens, the anthers of which 

 open outwards ; gynseciura syncarpous, three-celled, the simple 

 style often surmounted by three leaf-like coloured branches on 

 which are the stigmas. Fruit a capsule containing endospermous 

 seeds. Common plants of the Order are Yellow flag (Iris 

 Pseud-acorus L.), Crocus and Gladiolus. 



Order. AmaryllidecB. — Flowers with a six-partite coloured 

 perianth : androecium of six stamens, the anthers of which open 

 inwards. The gynEecium and fruit resemble those of the Iridece. 

 Common examples are Daffodil (Narcissus) and Snowdrop 

 (Galanthus). 



(3) Perianth present, epigynous, and zygomorphic. 



Order. Orchidece. — Flowers irregular, generally with one stamen, 

 which is united to the style. Gynsecium inferior, ovary mostly 

 one-celled with parietal placentas. The fruit is a capsule con- 

 taining a large number of very minute seeds. Common ex- 

 amples are Purple Orchis (Orchis mascula L.), Spotted Orchis 

 (Orchis maculata L.) and Tway-blade (Listera ovata L.). 



Ex. 172. — Students should describe as many common plants as possible, 

 taking their parts in the order indicated below. 



(i) Habit and general appearance. — Whether annual, biennial or perennial; 

 herbaceous or woody. 



(ii) Root. — Fibrous or with a distinct tap-root ; presence or absence of 

 adventitious roots. 



(iii) Stem. — Herbaceous or woody ; erect, decumbent, prostrate, or wind- 

 ing, &c. ; shape in transverse section, square, round, ribbed, &c. ; hairy, 

 spiny, with harsh or hispid hairs, or glabrous : colour. 



(iv) Leaf. — Radical or cauline ; opposite, whorled or alternate ; simple or 

 compound ; if compound, pinnate or palmate ; stipulate or exstipulate ; sessile 

 or petiolate ; shape of blade or leaflets ; character of the margins and tips ; 

 smooth or hairy surfaces. 



(v) Injlorescence. — Definite or indefinite ; kind ; presence or absence of 

 bracts and bracteoles. 



{Vi) Flower. — Complete or incomplete ; regular or irregular; zygomorphic 

 or actinomorphic. 



