362 The Natural System of Botany. 



AmaryllidacejE. Ex.: Amaryllis, Narcissus (Jonquil, 

 Daffodil), Galanthus (Snow-drop), Agave (Mexican Aloe). 

 Bulbous-rooted plants, with showy flowers ; very ornamental, 

 and many* species much cultivated. 



Iridace^e. The Iris Tribe. These are perennial .herbs, 

 having bulbous roots, or rhizomas, and showy flowers, with 

 spathaceous bracts. Ex. : Iris (Blue Flag, Fleur-de-lis, &c), 

 Crocus (Saffron, &c), Tigridia (Tiger Lily). The bulbs con- 

 tain starch, with some acrid and aromatic properties. 



DioscoreacejE. The Yam Tribe. A small order of twi- 

 ning plants, with dioecious flowers. Yams are the tubers of 

 Dioscorea sativa, and form an important article of food in 

 tropical countries. 



Smilace^e. The Smilax Tribe. This order consists of a 

 few herbs or shrubby plants, some of which are climbing. 

 The veins of the leaves are reticulated. Sarsaparilla is made 

 of the roots of several species of Smilax. 



LiliacejE. The Lily Tribe. A large and widely-dispersed 

 order. They spring from bulbs or tubers ; the flowers are 

 usually ornamental, finely colored, regular and perfect. Many 

 possess a bitter principle, and the bulbs of some yield a verv 

 nutritious food. This extensive order is separated into several 

 sub-orders or tribes. In one are comprised such bulbous 

 plants as the Lily and the Tulip; in a second, the Tuberose 

 and Hemerocallis ; in a third, the Onion, Squill, and Hyacinth ; 

 in a fourth, the Asphodel and Asparagus ; and in a fifth, the 

 Convallaria (Solomon's Seal), and Uvularia (Bellwort, &c.) 



Pontederiace^j. The Pickerel-Weed Tribe. These are 

 aquatic plants, with sheathing leaves, and often spathaceous 

 inflorescence. Ex. : Pontederia, (Pickerel-weed), Schollera, &c. 



Melanthace.*:. The Colchicum Tribe. Herbs, with 

 bulbs, corms, or fascicles, and regular flowers. Qualities, 

 generally acrid and poisonous. Ex. : Colchicum, Veratrum, 

 (White Hellebore), Trillium, Medeola. 



Juncace-e. The Rush Tribe. Herbs, generally grass-like, 

 frequently leafless, with small, dry flowers. Ex.: Juncus 

 (Rush, &c.) 



CoMMELYNACEiE. The Spider-wort Tribe. Leaves, usu- 

 ally sheathing. Flowers, distinguished from most other Endo- 



