MONOCOTYLEDONES 195 



segments of the perianth ; anthers introrse. Ovary inferior, or 

 partially so, 3-celled. Fruit dehiscent or indehiscent, covered by 

 the withered perianth. Seeds few or numerous, with carti- 

 laginous albumen, and radicle remote from the hilum. 



Distribution and Numbers. — Natives of America, the 

 Cape of Good Hope, and Australia. Illustrative Genera : — 

 Hsemodorum, Smith; Vellozia, Mart. There are about 50 

 species. 



Properties and Uses. — The roots of some species are used as 

 dyeing agents in North America, others are edible, and a few are 

 bitter and astringent. 



Order 10. IeidaoejE, the Iris Order. — Charaote r. — Herbs, 

 usually with bulbs, corms, or rhizomes. Leaves with parallel 

 venation, generally equitant. Flowers spathaceous. Perianth 

 superior, petaloid, 6-partite, in two whorls, which are equal or 

 nearly so, or unequal, in the size of their segments ; or some- 

 times the parts are entirely distinct ; convolute in aestivation. 

 Stamens 3, inserted on the outer segments of the perianth ; 

 anthers 2-celled, innate, extrorse. Ovary uiferior, 3-celled, 

 with axile plaoentation ; style 1 ; stigmas 8, often petaloid. 

 Fruit capsular, 3-celled, 3-valved, with loculicidal dehiscence. 

 Seeds numerous with homy or fieshy albumen. 



Diagnosis. — Herbs. Leaves with parallel veins. Flowers on 

 scapes, spathaceous. Perianth petaloid, superior, 6-partite, or 

 rarely the parts are quite distinct, in two equal or unequal 

 whorls. Stamens 3, distinct or monadelphous ; anthers innate, 

 extrorse. Ovary B-celled, with axile placentation, inferior. 

 Fruit capsular, with loculicidal dehiscence, 3-oelled, 3-valved. 

 Seeds numerous, albuminous. 



Distribution and, Numbers. — Chiefly natives of temperate 

 and warm climates. They are found in various parts of the 

 globe, but are most abundant at the Cape of Good Hope. 

 Illustrative Genera : — Iris, Linn. ; Gladiolus, Tourn. ; Crocus, 

 Linn. There are about 660 species. 



Properties and Uses. — The rhizomes of several species 

 possess acrid properties, which causes them to be purgative, 

 emetic, &c. Some are poisonous, and a few have fragrant 

 rhizomes. Others are employed as colouring agents, and some 

 are commonly regarded as antispasmodic, carminative, &c. 

 Many contain starch in large quantities, but as this is usually 

 combined with acridity, they are not generally available for 

 food, although some are stated to be thus employed in Africa. 



Order. 11. Amaryllidacb^, the Amaryllis Order. — Cha- 



o2 



