diosc6re^ 



are several species, D. saliva and D. aldta, natives of India, and 

 D. Batatas, native of China. Their tubers sometimes weigh 30 or 

 40 lb., and the Chinese species yields enormous crops in France 

 and Algeria, and is hardy in this country, but is not appreciated. 

 1. TXmus (Black Bryony). — Perianth bell-shaped; stigmas 



2-lobed ; berry few-seeded, 

 the plant.) 



(Name, the Classical Latin name of 



tAmus communis (Black Bryony). 



i. T. communis (Black Bryony). — The only British species, a 

 handsome plant with a large, black tuber ; a slender, green stem, 

 twining among bushes to the length of many feet, and bearing 

 numerous very glossy, cordate, acuminate leaves, which in autumn 

 turn to a purple bronze or to a bright lemon-yellow, and clusters of 

 small, green flowers, which are succeeded by oblong scarlet berries. 

 The plant at that season is very attractive ; but the stem dies down 

 to the ground in winter. — Hedgerows in England ; common. — Fl. 

 May, June. Perennial. 



