786 



XI. AMARYLLIDE^. 



The stigmas of the BaiFron (^Crocus sativus), the origin of which is ud known, and the cultivation ol 

 which dates from very ancient times, contain a strong-scented volatile oil and a rich yellow dye ; they 

 are greatly esteemed as an emmenagogue, and as an excitant of the gastric and cerebral functions ; it is 

 still cultivated in France and Spain, and largely used by dyers and liqueur manufacturers, and also as a 

 condiment in some countries. The stigmas of the other species of Crocus, although containing a 

 colouring matter, are useless. The blue perianth of Iris germanica, crushed and mixed with lime, 

 yields the Iris green of painters. Finally, the seeds of /. Pseud-acorus are a well-known substitute 

 for coffee. 



XI. AMARYLLIDE^. 



(Narcissoeum sectio, Jussieu. — Naecisse.*!, Agardh.- 



AMAETLLIDACEiE, Lindl.) 



-Amaeyllide^, Br.- 



Flowees § . Peeianth superior, petaloid, 6-fid or -partite, 2-seriate, sometimes 

 with a crown simulating a s-wpplementan-y perianth. Stamens 6, very rarely 12-18, 

 inserted on the perianth. O^auy inferior, 3- l-celled ; style simple; ovules anatro- 

 pous. Peuit a loculicidally B-valved capsule, or fleshy and indehiscent. Seeds 

 albuminous ; testa membranous or thich ; eaphe lateral, immersed. Embeto short, 



Spowflake. 

 Androeciiun and pistil, 



Snowflake. 



Seed, entire and cut yertioally 



(mag.). 



