EMBRYOPHYTA SIPHONOGAMA
(PHANEROGAMAE)
SUBDIVISION GYMNOSPERMAE
CLASS I. CYCADALES
FAMILY 1.CYCADACEAE
Stem simple, rarely branched at the top, woody, with mucilagineous juice. Leaves pinnate or pinnatisect, forming a tuft at the top of the stem and intermingled with scales. Flowers solitary, terminal, in the shape of a cone (but sometimes overtopped by the continued growth of the stem), dioecious, without a perianth. Stamens bearing many pollen-sacs on their lower side. Ovules 2-8 to each carpel, straight, with a single coat. Seeds drupe-like, albuminous. Embryo with two more or less united cotyledons.—Genera 3, species 25. Tropical and South Africa. (Plate 1.)
1. Stem growing through the female flower, covered with the remains of the old leaves. Leaf-segments one-nerved, coiled in bud. Carpels pinnately toothed or cleft, each with 4-8 ascending ovules.—Species 2, one growing wild in Madagascar and the neighbouring islands, the other cultivated and sometimes naturalized in various parts of Africa. Used as ornamental and medicinal plants; the fruits are edible and the pith contains starch (sago). [Tribe CYCADEAE.]CycasL.Stem not growing through the female flower. Leaf-segments with several nerves, straight in bud. Carpels each with 2 descending ovules. [TribeZAMIEAE.]22. Leaf-segments with pinnate nerves. Stem without remains of old leaves at the base. Cone-scales (stamens and carpels) imbricate.—Species 2.South-east Africa (Natal). Used as ornamental plants.StangeriaTh. MooreLeaf-segments with parallel nerves. Stem covered with the remains of old leaves. Cone-scales not imbricate.—Species 20. South and CentralAfrica. The pith (Kaffir-bread) and the seeds of some species are eaten and also used for making a sort of beer. Several species yield gum or serve as ornamental plants. (Plate 1.)EncephalartosLehm.
CLASS II. CONIFERAE
FAMILY 2.TAXACEAE
Stem branched, woody, with resinous juice. Leaves alternate, linear or linear-lanceolate. Flowers solitary or the male umbellate, dioecious, without a perianth. Stamens with 2-9 pollen-sacs. Carpels free, one-ovuled, shorter than the seeds, sometimes rudimentary. Seeds 1-2, drupe-like, surrounded by a fleshy aril. Embryo with 2 or more free cotyledons.—Genera 2, species 9. (UnderCONIFERAE.)
Stamens with 2 pollen-sacs and a triangular blade. Pollen-grains with air-bladders. Carpels distinctly developed. Ovule inverted, with two coats. Aril enveloping the seed. Leaves with resin-ducts.—Species8. South and East Africa, Madagascar, Island of St. Thomas. They yield timber and bark for tanning. (IncludingNageiaGaertn.) [SubfamilyPODOCARPOIDEAE.]PodocarpusL’ Hér.Stamens with 5-9 pollen-sacs and a peltate blade. Pollen-grains without air-bladders. Carpels rudimentary. Ovule straight, with one coat.Aril cup-shaped. Leaves without resin-ducts.—Species 1. North-westAfrica. A poisonous, medicinal and ornamental plant, with hard wood.“Yew.” [SubfamilyTAXOIDEAE].TaxusL.
FAMILY 3.PINACEAE
Stem branched, woody, with resinous juice. Leaves needle-or scale-like. Flowers unisexual, without a perianth. Stamens in catkins, with 2-5 pollen-sacs below the scale-like limb. Carpels arranged in the shape of a cone or bud, leathery woody or fleshy, when ripe. Ovules 2 or more to each carpel, rarely only 1. Seeds hidden by the carpels, without an aril. Embryo with 2 or more free cotyledons.—Genera 6, species 25. (UnderCONIFERAE.) (Plate 2.)
1. Leaves alternate (as are also the floral leaves), but sometimes fascicled, needle-like. Stamens with 2 pollen-sacs. Pollen-grains with air-bladders.Carpels divided into an inner and an outer scale, leathery or woody when ripe. Ovules and seeds 2 to each carpel; ovules turned downwards. [Tribe ABIETINEAE.]2Leaves opposite or whorled. Stamens with 3-5, very rarely 2 pollen-sacs.Pollen-grains without air-bladders. Ovules turned upwards.[Tribe CUPRESSINEAE.]42. Shoots all alike (all long). Leaves solitary, flat. Pollen-sacs opening obliquely or transversely; connective without an appendage. Cones ripening the first year; scales leathery.—Species 2. North-westAfrica. The wood and the resin are used, the latter especially for the preparation of turpentine. “Silver fir.”AbiesJuss.Shoots of two kinds, long and short. Leaves of the short shoots in clusters of two or more, surrounded by scales when young. Pollen-sacs opening longitudinally; connective with an appendage. Cones ripening the second or third year; scales woody.3
CYCADACEAE.FLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 1.J. Fleischmann del.Encephalartos Lemarinelianus De Wild. & Dur.AYoung plant.BMale inflorescence.CStamen.DPollen-sacs.EFemale inflorescence.FCarpel. (Apartly from De Wildeman, Notices sur des plantes utiles ou intéréssantes de la flore du Congo.)
CYCADACEAE.FLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 1.J. Fleischmann del.Encephalartos Lemarinelianus De Wild. & Dur.AYoung plant.BMale inflorescence.CStamen.DPollen-sacs.EFemale inflorescence.FCarpel. (Apartly from De Wildeman, Notices sur des plantes utiles ou intéréssantes de la flore du Congo.)
CYCADACEAE.
FLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 1.
J. Fleischmann del.
Encephalartos Lemarinelianus De Wild. & Dur.
AYoung plant.BMale inflorescence.CStamen.DPollen-sacs.EFemale inflorescence.FCarpel. (Apartly from De Wildeman, Notices sur des plantes utiles ou intéréssantes de la flore du Congo.)
PINACEAE.FLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 2.J. Fleischmann del.Callitris cupressoides (L.) Schrad.AFruiting branch.BMale inflorescence.CStamen.DFruit.ECarpel.FSeed.
PINACEAE.FLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 2.J. Fleischmann del.Callitris cupressoides (L.) Schrad.AFruiting branch.BMale inflorescence.CStamen.DFruit.ECarpel.FSeed.
PINACEAE.
FLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 2.
J. Fleischmann del.
Callitris cupressoides (L.) Schrad.
AFruiting branch.BMale inflorescence.CStamen.DFruit.ECarpel.FSeed.
3. Leaves all needle-like; those of the short shoots in clusters of many; those of the long shoots scattered. Flowers inserted upon short shoots, the males solitary. Cone-scales flat, imbricate, without a terminal appendage, deciduous.—Species 2. North-west Africa. They yield timber and medicinal drugs. “Cedar.”CedrusLoud.Leaves of the short shoots needle-like, in clusters of two or three, very rarely solitary; leaves of the long shoots scale-like. Male flowers in spikes replacing short shoots; female flowers towards the end of the branches, replacing long shoots. Cone-scales thick, with a terminal umbonate appendage, persistent.—Species 4. North Africa; also naturalized in South Africa and St. Helena. Wood, bark, and resin are used for carpenters’ and joiners’ work, for tanning and for the manufacture of paper, tar, pitch, colophony, turpentine, and other chemical products, as well as in medicine. The seeds of some species (especially those of the stone-pine,P. PineaL.) are edible. “Pine.”PinusL.4. Fruit fleshy, berry- or drupe-like. Seeds not winged, as many as the carpels or fewer. Leaves usually needle-like.—Species 9. North and EastAfrica. They yield wood, bark for tanning, resin, an essential oil, brandy (gin), and medicines; some are used as ornamental plants.(IncludingArceuthosAnt. & Kotschy andSabinaSpach).JuniperusL.Fruit woody, cone-like. Seeds winged, as many as the carpels or more.Leaves usually scale-like.55. Carpels 4, valve-like, separating at the apex when ripe, 1-10-seeded.—Species8, one of them only naturalized. North, South, and southernEast Africa, Madagascar and Mauritius. Some of them (especiallyC. quadrivalvisVent.) yield timber and resin (sandarac) which is used for the preparation of lacquer, varnish, cement, and in medicine. (IncludingTetraclinisMast. andWiddringtoniaEndl.) (Plate 2.)CallitrisVent.Carpels 8-10, peltate, separating at the margins when ripe, many-seeded.—Species1. Cultivated in North Africa as an ornamental plant and sometimes naturalized. It yields timber and is used in medicine.“Cypress.”CupressusL.
CLASS III. GNETALES
FAMILY 4.GNETACEAE
Stem woody. Juice not resinous. Leaves opposite, undivided. Flowers in spikes or panicles or the female solitary, unisexual, but the male sometimes with rudimentary ovules. Perianth of the male flowers tubular or 2-4-parted, of the female bladder-like. Stamens 2-8. Ovule 1, erect, straight. Embryo with 2 cotyledons.—Genera 3 species 8. North and Central Africa.
1. Stem turnip-shaped, very short. Leaves 2, very large, sessile, linear, withparallel nerves. Flowers in panicled spikes; the male consisting ofa 4-partite perianth, 6 stamens with 3-celled anthers, and a rudimentary ovule. Ovule with a single coat.—Species 1; German South-westAfrica and Angola. (TumboaWelw.) [SubfamilyWELWITSCHIOIDEAE.]WelwitschiaHook. fil.Stem shrubby or twining. Leaves numerous, not very large. Male flowers consisting of a 2-partite or a tubular, undivided perianth and2-8 stamens with 1-2-celled anthers, without rudimentary ovules, but sometimes accompanied by sterile female flowers.22. Leaves large, with a short foot-stalk, lanceolate oblong elliptical or oval, penninerved. Stem climbing. Flowers in spikes or panicles, the male consisting of a tubular, undivided perianth and 2 stamens with 1-celled anthers. Ovule with two coats.—Species 2. West Africa. The young leaves are used as a vegetable. [SubfamilyGNETOIDEAE.]GnetumL.Leaves scale-like. Male flowers in spikes or panicles, female solitary or in pairs. Male flowers consisting of a 2-partite perianth and 2-8 stamens with 2-celled anthers. Ovule with a single coat exceeding the perianth.—Species 5. North Africa and northern Central Africa.The fruits of some species are eaten or used in medicine. [SubfamilyEPHEDROIDEAE.]EphedraL.
ORDER PANDANALES
FAMILY 5.TYPHACEAE
Aquatic or marsh herbs with a creeping root-stock and simple stems. Leaves in two ranks, linear. Inflorescences spadix-like, cylindrical, superposed, interrupted by bracts, the lower female, the upper male. Flowers unisexual, without a perianth, but usually surrounded by hairs. Stamens 2-7; connective thickened; anthers opening lengthwise by two slits. Ovary 1-celled. Ovule 1, pendulous, inverted. Style and stigma simple. Fruit tardily dehiscent. Seed with abundant albumen and a long, axile embryo.
Genus 1, species 4. They are used as ornamental plants and in medicine, and yield potash and also materials for plaiting and stuffing and for the manufacture of paper and felt. The root-stock and the pollen are edible. “Reedmace.”TyphaTourn.
PANDANACEAE.FLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 3.J. Fleischmann delPandanus Candelabrum Beauv.AWhole plant.BMale inflorescence.CLeaf.DFemale inflorescences.EMale flower.AandD(from Palisot-Beauvois Flore d’Oware et de Benin.)
PANDANACEAE.FLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 3.J. Fleischmann delPandanus Candelabrum Beauv.AWhole plant.BMale inflorescence.CLeaf.DFemale inflorescences.EMale flower.AandD(from Palisot-Beauvois Flore d’Oware et de Benin.)
PANDANACEAE.
FLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 3.
J. Fleischmann del
Pandanus Candelabrum Beauv.
AWhole plant.BMale inflorescence.CLeaf.DFemale inflorescences.EMale flower.AandD(from Palisot-Beauvois Flore d’Oware et de Benin.)
POTAMOGETONACEAE.FLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 4.J. Fleischmann delPotamogeton javanicus Hassk.AFlowering branch.BFruiting branch.CFlower.DOvary cut lengthwise.EFruit cut lengthwise.
POTAMOGETONACEAE.FLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 4.J. Fleischmann delPotamogeton javanicus Hassk.AFlowering branch.BFruiting branch.CFlower.DOvary cut lengthwise.EFruit cut lengthwise.
POTAMOGETONACEAE.
FLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 4.
J. Fleischmann del
Potamogeton javanicus Hassk.
AFlowering branch.BFruiting branch.CFlower.DOvary cut lengthwise.EFruit cut lengthwise.
FAMILY 6.PANDANACEAE
Shrubs or trees, usually with aerial roots. Leaves in three ranks, sword-shaped, usually spiny. Flowers dioecious, without bracts, arranged in solitary or panicled, spike-or head-like spadices, which are inserted in the axil of spathe-like bracts. Perianth none. Ovaries connate, 1-celled. Ovule 1, descending, inverted. Stigma 1, sessile. Fruits drupe-like, congested into a globose or ovoid head. Seed with abundant albumen. (Plate 3.)
Genus 1, species 65. Tropics. They yield timber, fibres, flowers used in perfumery, edible fruits, and medicinal drugs. “Screw-pine.”PandanusL.
FAMILY 7.SPARGANIACEAE
Aquatic or marsh herbs with a creeping root-stock. Leaves in two ranks, linear. Flowers unisexual, in globular heads, the lower of which are female. Perianth of membranous scales. Stamens 3 or more. Ovary superior, 1-2-celled. Ovule 1 in each cell, pendulous, inverted. Style simple, stigmas 1-2. Fruits drupe-like. Seed with a mealy albumen and a large, axile embryo. (UnderTYPHACEAE.)
Genus 1, species 2. North-west Africa. “Bur-reed.”SparganiumL.
ORDER HELOBIAE
SUBORDER POTAMOGETONINEAE
FAMILY 8.POTAMOGETONACEAE
Aquatic herbs. Leaves with axillary scales. Flowers solitary or spicate, regular, with 1-4-merous whorls. Perianth simple and little developed or wanting. Stamens 1-4. Anthers sessile, opening outwards or laterally. Carpel 1, with a 1-celled ovary, or several distinct or almost distinct carpels. Ovules solitary in each carpel, very rarely 2, pendulous or laterally fixed Fruit indehiscent. Seed exalbuminous. Embryo with a strongly developed radicle.—Genera 8, species 35. (IncludingZOSTERACEAE, underNAIADACEAE.) (Plate 4.)
1. Flowers in spikes, hermaphrodite or polygamous, without a perianth, but the stamens sometimes provided with a sepal-like connective.2Flowers solitary or in cymes, unisexual.52. Spikes with a flat axis, at the time of flowering enclosed in the sheaths of the uppermost leaves. Stamen 1. Pollen-grains filiform. Carpel1. Stigmas 2, on a short style. Embryo with a very large radicle and a tail-like cotyledon. Submerged marine plants.—Species 2. North andSouth Africa and Madagascar. Used for stuffing and as packing material.“Grass-wrack.” [Tribe ZOSTEREAE.]ZosteraL.Spikes with a cylindrical axis, at the time of flowering not enclosed in the sheaths of the uppermost leaves. Stamens 2-4. Stigma 1, undividedor many-parted.33. Spikes compound, submerged. Spikelets shorter than their bracts. Flowers polygamous. Stamens 3, rarely 4. Pollen-grains filiform. Carpel 1.Stigma divided (or provided with narrow appendages). Embryo witha very large radicle and a straight cotyledon resembling the leaves of the plumule. Marine plants.—Species 1. Mediterranean Sea. The leaves are used for packing and thatching, and also in medicine. [TribePOSIDONIEAE.]PosidoniaKoen.Spikes simple, above the water. Flowers hermaphrodite. Pollen-grains globular or bent. Carpels usually 4. Stigma simple, more or less peltate. Embryo with a curved cotyledon. [Tribe POTAMOGETONEAE.]44. Spikes two-flowered. Stamens 2. Anthers with a very short appendage and kidney-shaped cells opening outwards. Pollen-grains bent. Fruit stalked. Embryo with a very thick radicle. Salt-water plants. Leaves subulate.—Species 1.RuppiaL.Spikes several-flowered. Stamens 4. Anthers with a sepal-like appendage and straight cells opening laterally. Pollen-grains globular. Fruit sessile. Embryo with a slightly thickened radicle.—Species 20. Used for manure; some have edible root-stocks. “Pondweed.” (Plate 4.)PotamogetonTourn.5. Perianth none. Stamens 2. Pollen-grains filiform. Carpels 2. Stigmas strap-shaped, longer than the style. Embryo with an accumbent cotyledon. Marine plants. [Tribe CYMODOCEAE.]6Perianth present, at least in the female flowers. Stamens 1-2. Pollen-grains globular. Carpels 3-9. Stigma shield- or funnel-shaped, shorter than the style. Embryo with a hooked or rolled cotyledon.Fresh- or brackish-water plants. [Tribe ZANICHELLIEAE.]76. Stigma 1. Anthers inserted at slightly different heights. Ripe carpels scarcely compressed.—Species 2. Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Angola.(HaloduleEndl., underCymodoceaKoen.)DiplantheraThouarsStigmas 2. Anthers inserted at the same height. Ripe carpels compressed and keeled.—Species 5. North Africa, Senegambia, East Africa,Madagascar and neighbouring islands. (IncludingPhycagrostisAscherson)CymodoceaKoen.7. Perianth in the male flowers none, in the female cup-shaped and undivided.Anthers stalked, opening by 2 longitudinal slits. Carpels usually 4, slightly curved, with a peltate stigma.—Species 1. North and SouthAfrica, southern West Africa, Madagascar and neighbouring islands.ZannichelliaMich.Perianth in the male flowers 3-toothed, in the female consisting of 1-3 segments. Anthers sessile, opening with one longitudinal slit. Carpels3, straight, with a funnel-shaped stigma.—Species 1. North-westAfrica (Algeria).AltheniaFr. Petit
APONOGETONACEAE.FLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 5.J. Fleischmann del.Aponogeton leptostachyus E. Mey.APlant in flower.BFemale flower.CCarpel cut lengthwise.
APONOGETONACEAE.FLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 5.J. Fleischmann del.Aponogeton leptostachyus E. Mey.APlant in flower.BFemale flower.CCarpel cut lengthwise.
APONOGETONACEAE.
FLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 5.
J. Fleischmann del.
Aponogeton leptostachyus E. Mey.
APlant in flower.BFemale flower.CCarpel cut lengthwise.
ALISMATACEAEFLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 6.J. Fleischmann del.Limnophyton obtusifolium (L.) Miq.APlant in flower.BMale flower from above.CMale flower cut lengthwise.
ALISMATACEAEFLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 6.J. Fleischmann del.Limnophyton obtusifolium (L.) Miq.APlant in flower.BMale flower from above.CMale flower cut lengthwise.
ALISMATACEAE
FLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 6.
J. Fleischmann del.
Limnophyton obtusifolium (L.) Miq.
APlant in flower.BMale flower from above.CMale flower cut lengthwise.
FAMILY 9.NAIADACEAE
Herbs growing in fresh or brackish water. Leaves linear, toothed or spiny. Flowers axillary, solitary or in glomerules, unisexual. Perianth little developed, in the male flowers simple or double, sack-like, in the female simple and sack-like or wanting. Stamen 1. Anthers 1-or 4-celled. Pollen-grains globular or ovoid. Ovary 1-celled. Ovule 1, erect, inverted. Style 1; stigmas 2-3. Seed with a hard coat, exalbuminous. Embryo straight, with a large radicle and a well developed plumule.
Genus 1, species 10. (IncludingCauliniaA. Braun)NaiasL.
FAMILY 10.APONOGETONACEAE
Aquatic herbs with a tuberous root-stock. Leaves radical, narrow, with several longitudinal and many transverse nerves. Flowers in 1-4 spikes connected at the base, enclosed when young in a sheath, and rising above the water. Perianth of 1-3 more or less brightly coloured segments. Stamens 6 or more, hypogynous, free. Anthers attached by the base, opening with two longitudinal slits. Carpels 3-8, distinct. Ovules in each carpel 2-8, basal or sutural, ascending, inverted. Fruits membranous, dehiscent. Seeds 2 or more, erect, exalbuminous, with a straight embryo. (UnderNAIADACEAE.) (Plate 5.)
Genus 1, species 20. Tropical and South Africa. Some are used as ornamental plants, especially the lattice-leaf (A. fenestralisHook. fil.) with perforated leaves. The tubers are edible and contain starch. (IncludingOuvirandraThouars).AponogetonThunb.
FAMILY 11.SCHEUCHZERIACEAE
Marsh herbs. Leaves linear, with axillary scales. Flowers in terminal racemes or spikes, regular, hermaphrodite. Perianth of 6 segments, usually green. Stamens 3-6. Anthers turned outwards; pollen-grains ovoid. Ovary 3-6-celled. Ovule 1 in each cell, ascending, inverted. Stigmas sessile. Seeds exalbuminous, with a straight embryo. (JUNCAGINEAE, underNAIADACEAE.)
Genus 1, species 4. North, South, and West Africa. The leaves and fruits of some species are edible. (JuncagoTourn.)TriglochinL.
SUBORDER ALISMATINEAE
FAMILY 12.ALISMATACEAE
Aquatic or marsh herbs, with milky juice. Leaves with axillary scales. Flowers regular. Perianth of 3 sepals and 3 petals, rarely in the female flowers of 3 sepals only. Stamens 6 or more, rarely 3. Anthers opening outwards. Pollen-grains globular. Carpels 6 or more, rarely 3, distinct or united at the base. Ovules solitary in each carpel, rarely two or more, inverted. Seeds without albumen; embryo curved.—Genera 9, species 15. Tropical and North Africa. (Plate 6.)
1. Carpels on a large and distinctly convex receptacle. Inner perianth-segments petal-like, larger than, or almost as large as the outer. Stamens6 or more. [Tribe SAGITTARIEAE.]2Carpels on a small and almost flat receptacle.42. Flowers hermaphrodite. Ripe carpels numerous, slightly compressed, with many ribs.—Species 3. Central and North-west Africa. (UnderAlismaL.)EchinodorusEngelm.Flowers unisexual or polygamous. Ripe carpels much compressed laterally.33. Flowers monoecious or polygamous. Petals a little longer than the sepals.Carpels many. Ripe carpels with two crest-like ribs.—Species 1.Tropics. (LophiocarpusMiq., underSagittariaL.)LophotocarpusTh. Dur.Flowers dioecious. Petals shorter than the sepals, white. Carpels 7-9.Ripe carpels with 3 ribs.—Species 1. German South-west Africa.RautaneniaBuchenau4. Petals much smaller than the sepals or wanting. Stamens 3 or 9. [TribeWIESNEREAE.]5Petals larger than the sepals, coloured. Stamens 6, rarely 9. [TribeALISMEAE.]65. Flowers dioecious. Petals in the female flowers wanting. Stamens 9.Carpels about 12.—Species 1. East Africa.BurnatiaMich.Flowers monoecious. Petals present, but very small and falling off early.Stamens 3. Carpels 3-6.—Species 2. East Africa and Madagascar.(WisneriaMich.)WiesneraMich.6. Carpels 6-8, united at the base and spreading horizontally, containing2 or more ovules each and opening by a lid when ripe.—Species 2. NorthAfrica. The root-stock is edible.DamasoniumTourn.Carpels 6-20, distinct, with a single ovule in each, indehiscent.77. Flowers polygamous-monoecious. Carpels 15-20. Pericarp bony within, hollow on either side. Leaves sagittate.—Species 3. Tropics. (Plate6.)LimnophytonMiq.Flowers hermaphrodite. Leaves ovate, cordate, or lanceolate.88. Carpels 6-12, irregularly whorled, slightly compressed and 3-5-ribbed when ripe; pericarp woody within.—Species 2. Tropics and Egypt.(UnderAlismaL.)CaldesiaParl.Carpels 15-20, distinctly whorled, much compressed and 2-ribbed when ripe; pericarp leathery or parchment-like.—Species 1. North andEast Africa. The root-stock contains starch and is used in medicine.“Water-plantain.”AlismaL.
SUBORDER BUTOMINEAE
FAMILY 13.BUTOMACEAE
Aquatic or marsh herbs. Leaves linear or lanceolate. Flowers in umbel-like cymes, regular, hermaphrodite. Perianth of 6 segments, all, or the inner ones only, petal-like. Stamens 9, very rarely fewer. Pollen-grains globular. Carpels 6, very rarely fewer, distinct or united at the base only, opening when ripe along the ventral suture. Ovules on irregularly branched parietal placentas, numerous, inverted. Seeds without albumen.—Genera 2, species 2. North and Central Africa. (UnderALISMACEAE.)
Perianth-segments nearly equal, all petal-like, pink, persistent. Embryo straight. Leaves linear. Juice not milky.—Species 1. North-westAfrica (Algeria). Used as a garden plant. The root-stock is edible.“Flowering-rush.”ButomusTourn.Perianth-segments unequal, outer sepal-like, inner petal-like, white, falling off very early. Embryo horseshoe-shaped. Leaves elliptical. Juice milky.—Species 1. Northern part of Central Africa. (ButomopsisKunth)TenagocharisHochst.
FAMILY 14.HYDROCHARITACEAE
Aquatic herbs. Leaves with axillary scales. Flowers enclosed when young in a one-or several-flowered spathe of one or two bracts, regular, rarely somewhat irregular. Perianth consisting of a calyx and a corolla, rarely simple. Stamens 2-12. Anthers opening outwards or laterally. Ovary inferior, more or less distinctly one-celled, with 2-15 parietal placentas, which sometimes form incomplete dissepiments. Seeds without albumen.—Genera 10, species 40. (Plate 7.)
1. Stigmas 2-5. Placentas as many, slightly raised.2Stigmas 6 or more. Placentas as many, much projecting and generally meeting in the centre of the ovary.62. Petals none. Stamens 3. Pollen-grains filiform. Stigmas several times as long as the sepals. Embryo with a strongly developed radicle.Totally submerged marine plants. Leaves more or less distinctly stalked.—Species 2. Indian Ocean. [SubfamilyHALOPHILOIDEAE.]HalophilaThouarsPetals present, but sometimes very small and falling off very early. Pollen-grains globular. Stigmas at most twice as long as the sepals. Embryo with a not very strongly developed radicle. Freshwater plants; flowers raised above the water. Leaves sessile. [SubfamilyVALLISNERIOIDEAE.]33. Leaves whorled. Spathes 1-flowered. Flowers unisexual. Stamens 3.—Species1. Upper Nile, Madagascar, Mauritius. Used in refining sugar. [Tribe HYDRILLEAE.]HydrillaL. C. Rich.Leaves spirally arranged. Spathes of the male flowers several-flowered.44. Spathes of the male flowers 2-10-flowered, not breaking away from the stem. Stamens 3-9. Ovules inverted.—Species 3. Madagascar andAngola. [Tribe BLYXEAE.]BlyxaNoronhaSpathes of the male flowers many-flowered, breaking away from the stem.Stamens 2-3. Ovules straight. [Tribe VALLISNERIEAE.]55. Male flowers regular, with 3 fertile and 2-4 sterile stamens. Stigmas linear, 2-cleft or 2-parted. Leaves one-nerved. Stem elongated.—Species10. Tropical and South Africa.LagarosiphonHarv.Male flowers somewhat irregular, with 2-3 fertile stamens and sometimesa sterile one. Stigmas ovate, notched or two-toothed. Leaves several-nerved.—Species2. North and Central Africa. Used in refining sugar.VallisneriaMich.6. Leaves in two rows. Ovules inverted, inserted in the angles formed by the placentas and the wall of the ovary. Radicle of the embryo strongly developed. Marine plants. [SubfamilyTHALASSIOIDEAE.]7Leaves in rosettes. Ovules inverted, but inserted on the whole surface of the placentas, or straight. Radicle of the embryo not strongly developed. Freshwater plants. [SubfamilySTRATIOTOIDEAE.]87. Scape of the male flowers short, of the female long and at length spirally twisted. Male spathes several-flowered; flowers with 3 petals and 3 stamens.—Species 1. Madagascar and Red Sea. Yields fibres and edible seeds.EnalusL. C. Rich.Scapes moderately long, not spirally twisted. Male spathes one-flowered; flowers without petals, with 6 stamens.—Species 1. East Africa.ThalassiaSoland.8. Placentas undivided. Ovules straight. Fertile stamens 9. Stem emitting runners. Leaves floating.—Species 1. Algeria and Madagascar.“Frogbit.” [Tribe HYDROCHARITEAE.]HydrocharisL.Placentas two-cleft. Ovules inverted. Seeds very numerous. Fertile stamens 6-12. Stem very short, without runners. Leaves at least partially submerged. [Tribe OTTELIEAE.]99. Flowers hermaphrodite. Spathes one-flowered. Stigmas 6.—Species 9.Tropics and Egypt. Some are used as vegetables. (Plate 7.)OtteliaPers.Flowers dioecious. Spathes of the male flowers several-flowered. Stigmas9-15.—Species 10. Tropics. Some are used as vegetables.BoottiaWall.
ORDER TRIURIDALES
FAMILY 15.TRIURIDACEAE
Small, pale, yellowish or reddish herbs. Leaves reduced to scales. Flowers in racemes, regular, monoecious. Perianth of 6 petaloid, valvate segments united at the base. Stamens 3; filaments short or wanting; anthers 2-celled, opening transversely. Carpels inserted on a convex or conical receptacle,
HYDROCHARITACEAE.FLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 7.J. Fleischmann del.Ottelia alismoides (L.) Pers.APlant in flower.BFlower.CStamen.DPistil cut lengthwise.
HYDROCHARITACEAE.FLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 7.J. Fleischmann del.Ottelia alismoides (L.) Pers.APlant in flower.BFlower.CStamen.DPistil cut lengthwise.
HYDROCHARITACEAE.
FLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 7.
J. Fleischmann del.
Ottelia alismoides (L.) Pers.
APlant in flower.BFlower.CStamen.DPistil cut lengthwise.
GRAMINEAE.FLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 8.J. Fleischmann del.Chloris Gayana KunthAPlant in flower.BInflorescence.CSpikelet.DFlower.EEmpty glume above the flower.
GRAMINEAE.FLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 8.J. Fleischmann del.Chloris Gayana KunthAPlant in flower.BInflorescence.CSpikelet.DFlower.EEmpty glume above the flower.
GRAMINEAE.
FLOW. PL. AFR.Pl. 8.
J. Fleischmann del.
Chloris Gayana Kunth
APlant in flower.BInflorescence.CSpikelet.DFlower.EEmpty glume above the flower.
numerous, distinct; styles lateral; ovules solitary, erect, inverted. Fruits dehiscing by a longitudinal slit.
Genus 1, species 3. West Africa and Seychelles. (IncludingSeychellariaHemsl.)SciaphilaBlume
ORDER GLUMIFLORAE
FAMILY 16.GRAMINEAE
Stem usually herbaceous and hollow between the nodes. Leaves alternate, usually linear and furnished at their base with a sheath split open on one side and ending in a ligule. Inflorescence consisting of spikelets, rarely of single flowers, usually enclosed by 2 glumes (outer or empty glumes) and arranged in spikes, racemes, or panicles. Flowers in the axil of the flowering glume (or valve), subtended by the usually 2-keeled palea and sometimes by one or two, rarely more, minute lodicules. Perianth none. Stamens 1-6, usually 3. Anthers opening by 2 slits or pores. Ovary 1-celled. Ovule 1, erect or laterally affixed, slightly curved, with the micropyle turned downwards. Styles 2, rarely 3 or 1. Fruit indehiscent; pericarp usually dry and adnate to the seed. Embryo outside the copious albumen.—Genera 205, species 1600. “Grasses.” (Plate 8.)