26 KEY AND FLORA 
leaves. Spadix projecting from the edge of the spathe, con- 
sisting of numerous bisexual flowers. ‘Sepals 6. Stamens 6. 
Ovary 2—3-celled, with numerous ovules. Fruit 1-few-seeded. 
Fig. 6. Acorus Calamus 
A, spadix; DB, a single flower, enlarged; (, diagram of flower, enlarged. 
(After Schimper) 
1. A. Calamus L. Sweer Fraa. Scape with a long, leaf-like pro- 
longation (spathe) beyond the green, very closely flowered spadix. 
Along borders of brooks and swamps. 
The rootstocks furnish the well-known calamus or * sweet flag 
root” sold everywhere by drugeists. 
7. COMMELINACEA. Sriperwort F amity 
Herbs, with shmy or mucilaginous juice; stems somewhat 
succulent, jointed, leafy, simple or branched. Leaves simple, 
succulent, narrow, entire, sheathing at the base, sheaths entire 
