357 
included embryo, a radicle usually centripetal, and the stamens, when there 
are only 3, ’opposite the sepals : from Asphodeleae in the integument of the 
seed, in the texture of the perianth, and in habit. Prodr. 258. Agardh 
combines Restiacese and Junceae, Aph. 157. 
From Palms they are distinguished, independently of their habit, by the 
texture of the perianth, by the constant tendency to produce more than 1 
ovule in each cell, and by the embryo never being remote from the hilum. 
Juncus is an instance of a monocotyledonous plant having distinct pith. 
“ Xerotes, in the structure and appearance of its flowers, and in the texture 
of albumen, has a considerable resemblance to Palms, but it wants the pecu- 
liar characters of the seed, and also the habit of that remarkable order. Fla- 
geUaria difiers from Xerotes chiefly in its pericarp, and in the form and rela- 
tion of its embryo to the albumen, which is also of a different texture. In all 
these respects it approaches to Cyperacese, with some of whose genera it has 
even a certain resemblance in habit.” Brown in Flinders, 578. From Melan- 
thacese the order is known by the concrete carpels and anthers turned inwards. 
Geography. Chiefly found in the colder parts of the world, some even 
in the coldest, two existing in the ungenial climate of Melville Island. Seve- 
ral, however, are known in the tropics. Eight are mentioned as inhabiting 
the tropical parts of New Holland alone. According to Humboldt (Diss. 
Geogr. 43), they constitute of the flowering plants in the equinoctial 
zone ; in the temperate zone, ; in the frozen zone ; in North America, 
; in France, In Sicily, according to Presl, they do not form more 
than 
Properties. Only employed for mechanical purposes, as the Rush and 
others for making the bottoms of chairs, &c. ; the pith of the same for the 
wick of common candles. Juncus eflusus is cultivated in Japan for making 
floor-mats. Thunb. The leaves of Flagellaria are said to be astringent and 
vulnerary. 
GENERA. 
Cephaloxys, Desv. 
Juncus, L. 
Rostkovia, Desv. 
Marsippospermum, 
Desv. 
Luzula, DC. 
Xerotes, R.Br. 
Lomandra, La Bill. 
Kingia, R. Br. 
Astelia, Bks. 
Flagellaria, L. 
§ APHYLLANTHEiE, 
Bartl. 
Dasypogon, R. Br. 
Calectasia, R. Br. 
Order CCLV. PHILYDRACE.^. 
PhilydrejE, R. jBr. (1832 ?); Lindl. Nixus, 22. (1833). 
Essential Character. — Perianth 2-leafed, coloured, withering. Filaments 3, united 
at the base, inserted into the base of the lower leaf of the perianth ; the lateral ones peta- 
loid and sterile*; an^/ier with distinct cells. Ovar?/ superior ; simple ; stigma capitate. 
Capsule 3-celled, 3-valved ; the valves having the partition in their middle. Seeds nume- 
rous, minute. — Root fascicled- fibrous. Stems erect, simple, leafy. Leaves ensiform, some- 
what cellular, equitant with their half-sheathing bases. Spikes terminal, simple or divided. 
Flowers alternate, solitary, sessile, subtended by a spathaceous persistent bract, yellow, 
scentless. 
Affinities. “ At the end of Juncaceae I have placed, not without hesi- 
tation, a genus which in the structure of the flower is most distinct from all 
others, but which nevertheless shews some affinity with Xyris, and perhaps 
Bm-mannia. These plants, indeed, which is curious enough, in certain points 
belonging to the structure of the seed and stamen, agree with Orchidaceae, 
othervdse very different.” R. Br. Prodr. 264. To this I have nothing to add, as 
