MONOCOTYLEDONES 2ll 



lamina, parallel-veined. Flowers hermaphrodite or very 

 rai'ely unisexual. Perianth- inferior, arranged in two whorls, 

 each consisting of three parts ; the outer whorl herbaceous, the 

 inner coloured. Stamens few or numerous ; anthers introrse. 

 Carpels distinct, several; ovaries superior, 1-ceUed ; ovules 

 soUtary or 2 superposed ; ^Zacemtas axile or basal. Fruit d.\:y. 

 Seeds without albumen ; emhryo undivided, curved. 



Distribution and Numbers. — These plants are principally 

 found in the northern parts of the world. Illustrative Genera : 

 — AJisma, Juss. ; Actinocarpus, B. Br. There are about 50 

 species. 



Properties and Uses. — Of httle importance. Many have 

 fleshy or mealy rhizomes, which are edible when cooked. Others 



FiQ. 976. Fia. 977, 



Fig. 976. Flower of a species of Alisnm, witli au inferior perianth arranged 

 iu two whorls each consisting of three parts, six stamens, and numerous 

 separate carpels. Fig. 977. Vertical section of the same flower. 



possess astringent properties. Alisma Plantago had formerly a 

 reputation as a remedy in hydrophobia. 



Order 32. BuTOMAOEa;, the Butomus Order. — Characte r. — 

 Aquatic plants with parallel-veined leaves, sometimes miUsy. 

 Flowers hermaphrodite, showy. Perianth inferior, of six 

 pieces, arranged in two whorls {fig. 978), the inner being 

 coloured. Stamens few, or numerous. Carpels 3—6, or more, 

 more or less distinct ; ovaries superior ; ovules numerous, ar- 

 ranged all over the inner surface of the ovaries. Fruit many- 

 seeded, separating more or less when ripe into as many parts as 

 there are component carpels. Seeds without albumen. This 

 order is included by Bentham and Hooker in Alismacece. 



Distribution and Numbers. — A few plants of this order 

 occur in tropical countries, but the greater number inhabit the 



V 2 



