LILIACE. 149 
A very large order of wide distribution, including nearly 190 genera 
and 2,100 species. In New Zealand we have 10 genera and 23 species, 
belonging, however, to several different tribes. Ahipogonum scandens 
(Supple-jack) and Luzuriaga (Calliwene) parviflora have netted-veined 
leaves; both are endemic, but the former is allied to Australian and the 
latter to South American species. Cordyline (Cabbage-tree), with 5 species, 
all endemic, is of Australian and Polynesian affinity. 7 species of Astelia 
occur, all endemic and dicecious, but the genus ranges from Australia to 
South America. Dianella (1 sp.), Arthropodium (2sp.), Herpolirion (1 
sp.), and Iphigenia (1 sp.) are of Australian affinity. Antherscwm (2 sp., 
both endemic), is a genus of wide distribution: A. rossi is only found in 
the Auckland and Campbell Islands ; A. hookeri in New Zealand proper. 
The most characteristic genus is Phormiuwm (New Zealand Flax), consist- 
ing of 2 species, both of which are endemic, ranging, however, as far as 
Norfolk Island. 
The order contains many useful plants. Well-known medicinal 
products are yielded by the leaves of various species of Aloe, the bulbs of 
Scilla maritima, and the roots of certain species of Smilax (Sarsaparilla). 
Other useful plants are the various forms of Alliwm (including Garlic, 
Onion, Leek, Shallot, &c.), and Asparagus. A large number of genera 
are cultivated for their flowers—e.g., Lapageria, Polygonatuim {(Solomon’s 
Seal), Convallaria (lily of the Valley), Hemerocallis (Day Lily), Funkia, 
“ucca (Adam’s Needle), Agapanthus, Scilla (Squills), Muscart (Grape 
Hyacinth), Hyacitnthus, Chionodoxa, Ornithogalum (Star of Bethlehem), 
Iitium, Fritillaria, Tulipa, Colehicum (Autumn Crocus), &c.—all names 
familiar to gardeners. 
Order XII. CypERAcEa. 
Grass-like or rush-like herbs, usually perennial. Stems 
solid, mostly 3-gonous. lLeaf-sheaths closed (not split as in 
grasses), blades often with scabrid margins. Flowers ¥ or 
unisexual, in spikelets consisting of several small scale-like 
bracts (glumes) imbricated round the rachis or distichous, 
with one sessile flower in the axil of each, or the lower ones 
and sometimes a few at the end empty. Spikelets usually 
collected into simple or compound spikes, panicles, or irregular 
umbels. Glumes concave, usually rigid, sometimes awned. 
Perianth 0, or formed of 3-6 or more hypogynous bristles or 
scales. Stamens 1-6, usually 3, hypogynous ; filaments free, 
more or less flattened; anthers basifixed, 2-celled, connective 
often produced into a sniall terminal appendage. Ovary 1- 
celled; with 1 erect anatropous ovule (enclosed in Carew and 
Uneinia in a coriaceous utricle); style 1, divided above into 2 
or 3 filiform stigmatic branches. Fruit a small flattened or 
3-angled nut. Seed erect, with floury endosperm, at the base 
of which is a small lenticular or ovoid embryo. (Pp. 99-101, 
figs. 197-2038.) 
be large and widely-distributed order of plants, which are especially 
to ke found in moist situations. About 100 genera and 2,000 species are 
known, the largest number occurring In the colder regions of the Northern 
Hemisphere. In New Zealand 14 genera occur, represented by nearly 
100 species, of which over 40 belong to the genus Carex. The only 
endemic genus is Desmoschenus, represented by one species, D. spiralis, 
which is @ common plant on our sea-shores, Carpha, Gahnia, Lepido- 
