354 



WEEDS AND USEFUL PLANTS. 



244 



5. AL'LIUM, L. Gaelic. Onion. 



[The ancient Latin name of Garlic] 



Perianth of 6 entirely colored sepals, distinct or united at the base, 1- 

 nerved, becoming dry, more or less persistent. Filamenta subulate-fili- 

 form, more or less dilated below, — the inner or alternate ones often mem- 

 brauaceously dilated, trifid or with a slender cusp or tooth at summit, on 

 each side. Style filiform ; stigma simple or sometimes trifid. Capsule 

 membranaceous, trigonous, or somewhat 3-lobed. SeeJs few, roundish 

 and angular ; testa black, rugose or minutely granular-dotted. Herbs 



Fig. 244. The Ten O'clock, or Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) . 



