BOTANY AND PLANT ECONOMICS 87 
triiida of Venezuela. These yams are largely used in lieu of 
potatoes in the countries in which they grow. (The sweet 
potato, often called “Yam,” is a morning glory tuber, not a true 
yam.) 
The Iris Family {Iridacece) . 
Case 44. — Left half. The members of this family have been 
but little utilized outside of horticulture; note however Orris 
Root {Iris florentina) and Blue Flag Root {Iris versicolor) from 
our bogs and ditches. 
The Pepper Family {Piperacecc). 
Case 44. — Left half. Note that white pepper is a product 
of the same plant as black pepper, the former having had its 
outer husk removed ; both are the fruits of the East Indian Pep - 
per Plant {Piper nigrtim) . Observe the full fruiting spikes of 
Long Pepper {Piper longum) ; and Cordoncillo and Matico 
{Piper angustifolium ?) of Guatemala. Observe also Cubebs 
{Piper cubeba) and refer to Case 80 for the use of the Betel 
Peper {Piper betel) in Betel chewing. 
The Orchid Family {Orchidacece). 
Case 44. — Left half. The commercial types of the Vanilla 
bean {Vanilla planifolia) used as a flavoring substance in cook- 
ery, and confectionery; also Salep {Orchis mascula), and Craw- 
ley Root {Corallorhiza odontorhiza) used in medicine. 
The Indian Shot Family {Cannacece). 
Case 44. — Left half. A small monotypic family princi- 
pally utilized in horticulture, where it is characterized by the 
Canna. Note the shot-like seeds of Canna indica and a necklace 
formed of the same. 
The Arrowroot Family {Marantacece). 
Case 44. — Left half. Arrowroot flour and starch from 
Maranta arundinacea and Maranta indica, and the Venezuelan 
Lairen Starch from Calathea allouia. 
The Ginger Family {Zingiber ace ce) . 
Case 44. — Right half. Note the peculiarities of the flowers 
and roots of this family as indicated in the colored plate. Tur- 
meric {Curcuma longa) , an East Indian Dye-root ; also used as 
a condiment. (See Curry Powder Ingredients in Case 80.) Gin- 
ger, the well known condiment obtained by powdering the roots 
