Order Clv
IRIDEÆ.
The peculiarity of this order exists in the superior six-cleft perianthium, three stamens opposite the outer segments, and the anthers so inserted that the line of their bursting is towards the outside of their flower. Occasionally, they are still called by the old appellation of Ensatæ. Most of the species are extremely beautiful; and as they are generally very easily cultivated, they have become universal favorites in gardens. Many of the species are found by the side of streams, or in rich pastures in Europe, Siberia, and America; others adorn the most barren deserts of the same countries, with their perishable flowers; a third set, consisting for the most part of Sisyrinchium and its allies, are found in cool parts of the islands in the South Seas; and, lastly, a large proportion of the order contributes to the herbage of Southern Africa, that indescribable charm which has captivated all observers. Their medicinal virtues are trifling. I'ris florentína and germánica have roots, which, when dry, smell like violets, and are slightly stimulant, acting as sternutatories or purgatives, according as they are employed. The stigmas of the Crocus form the well-known saffron, which differs from the general character of the order, in being aromatic, and possessing a valuable coloring matter, which has the singular property of entirely disappearing under the influence of the sun's rays. 93 Crócus Ker 94 Witsénia Ker 95 I'xia Ker 96 Trichonéma Ker 97 Geissorhiza Ker 99 Sparáxis Ker 98 Hesperántha Ker 100 Tritónia Ker 101 Watsónia Ker 102 Babiána Ker 103 Lapeyroúsia Ker. 104 Melasphæʼrula Ker NATURAL ARRANGEMENT. 105 Gladiolus Ker 106 Anomathéca Ker 107 Antholyza Ker 112 Aristéa Ker 115 I'ris Ker 116 Moræ'a Ker 117 Márica Ker 118 Pardánthus Ker