Chapter V: Dicotyledoneae (5)

170. Spikelets with 2 flowers and a bristle-like continuation of the axis. Stamens 3. Styles short.--Species 2. North-west Africa. They yield fodder and edible seeds. =Arrhenatherum= Beauv.

Spikelets with 3 flowers, one of which is sometimes reduced to a glume, without a continuation of the axis. Stamens in the male flowers 3, in the hermaphrodite 2. Styles long. (See 128.) =Hierochloe= Gmel.

171. Axis of the spikelets jointed at the base; spikelets falling entire, 2-flowered, the upper flower usually male, the lower hermaphrodite with the flowering glume unarmed.--Species 6. North-west and South Africa. Some are used as ornamental grasses. =Holcus= L.

Axis of the spikelets jointed above the persistent outer glumes. 172

172. Fruit grooved in front, usually adherent to the glumes. Spikelets large. 173

Fruit not grooved, free. Spikelets usually small. 174

173. Fruit slightly grooved. Styles inserted laterally below the summit of the ovary.--Species 30. Extra-tropical regions and mountains of the tropics. Some species are poisonous, others are used as fodder-, medicinal, or ornamental plants. =Bromus= L.

Fruit deeply grooved. Styles inserted at or near the summit of the ovary. (See 152.) =Avena= L.

174. Flowering glumes 2-cleft or 2-toothed to 2-awned. 175

Flowering glumes irregularly and minutely toothed or 2-lobed with toothed lobes or entire. 176

175. Flowering glume of the lower flower awnless, entire. Outer glumes 3-5-nerved. Spikelets linear-oblong.--Species 1. North-west Africa (Algeria) =Ventenata= Koeler Flowering glume of the lower flower awned, 2-toothed. Outer glumes 1-3-nerved. Spikelets lanceolate-elliptical.--Species 20. Extra-tropical regions and mountains of the tropics. Some species are used as fodder-or ornamental grasses. =Trisetum= Pers.

170. Awns of the flowering glumes jointed, thickened towards the tip.--Species 3. North Africa. (Under _Aira_ L.) =Corynephorus= Beauv.

Awns of the flowering glumes not jointed, slender throughout.--Species 5. Azores, Canaries, high mountains of Central Africa, subantarctic islands. Used as ornamental grasses. (Under _Aira_ L.) =Deschampsia= Beauv.

177. (153.) Flowering glumes of the fertile flowers cleft in 3-23 awn-like or awn-bearing lobes. [Subtribe PAPPOPHORINAE.] 178

Flowering glumes entire or 2-lobed, rarely (_Triodia_) 3-lobed, bearing a single awn or unawned. 182

178. Flowering glumes 3-cleft, with 3 awns. Spikelets 5-15-flowered, in panicles.--Species 9. Southern and Central Africa, Sahara, Egypt. Some are used as fodder-grasses. =Triraphis= R. Br.

Flowering glumes 4-many-cleft, with 5 or more awns. Spikelets 2-6-flowered. 179

179. Flowering glumes with 5-9 awns springing from the back of the lobes. Style 1, short and broad, 2-cleft. Spikelets 2-3-flowered, in dense panicles.--Species 1. Egypt. =Boissiera= Hochst.

Flowering glumes with 5-23 awns springing from the tips of the lobes or from the notches between them. Styles 2, free. 180

180. Flowering glumes with 9-23 awn-like lobes. Spikelets 2-3-flowered, in spike-like panicles. (See 142.) =Pappophorum= Schreb.

Flowering glumes with 5-7 awns or awn-like lobes. 181

181. Flowering glumes with 5-7 subequal, awn-like lobes. Spikelets 2-3-flowered, in heads.--Species 1. North-west Africa. =Echinaria= Desv.

Flowering glumes with 9 lobes, 5 of which are awn-like. Spikelets 4-6-flowered, in rather loose panicles.--Species 3. Central and South Africa and Egypt. Used as fodder and in medicine. (_Antoschmidtia_ Steud.) =Schmidtia= Steud.

182. Axis of the spikelets or flowering glumes covered with long hairs enveloping the glumes. [Subtribe ARUNDINAE.] 183 Axis of the spikelets and flowering glumes glabrous or short-haired. 185

183. Flowering glumes firmly membranous, 5-nerved, hairy like the axis of the spikelets. Ovary hairy at the top. Leaves narrow, more or less rolled up. Low grasses.--Species 1 (_A. tenax_ Link). North Africa. Used for making paper, in plaiting-work, as fodder, and as an ornamental plant. =Ampelodesma= Beauv.

Flowering glumes delicately membranous, 3-nerved; if hairy, then axis of the spikelets glabrous. Ovary glabrous. Leaves flat and rather broad. Tall grasses. 184

184. Flowering glumes glabrous, entire, produced into a fine point. Axis of the spikelets hairy. Lowest flower of each spikelet usually male. Panicles lax.--Species 2. Used in house-building, for plaiting-work and divers utensils, and as ornamental grasses; the root-stock is edible and used in medicine. “Reed.” (_Trichoon_ Roth) =Phragmites= Trin.

Flowering glumes hairy, 2-toothed, with a mucro in the notch. Axis of the spikelets glabrous. Flowers all hermaphrodite or the uppermost flower or all flowers of the lower spikelets male. Panicles dense.--Species 5. North Africa, Madagascar, South Africa. Used in house-building, for plaiting-work, and as medicinal, fodder-, and ornamental plants. Reed.” (_Donax_ Beauv., including _Neyraudia_ Hook. fil.) =Arundo= L.

185. Stigmas shortly papillose on all sides, projecting between the tips of the flowering glumes; styles long. [Subtribe SESLERINAE.] 186

Stigmas feathery, rather short, projecting near the base of the flowering glumes; styles short or almost wanting. 191

186. Styles united at the base. Stigmas spirally twisted. Spikelets in one-sided spikes or spike-like racemes, 2-flowered, very rarely 3-4-flowered. Glumes many-nerved; the outer ones unarmed, the flowering ones awned. Leaves transversely veined. (See 103.) =Streptogyne= Beauv.

Styles free. Spikelets in sometimes spike-like panicles or in heads. 187

187. Spikelets in spike-like panicles, falling singly and entire, 2-flowered, very rarely 3-4-flowered, the uppermost flower male. Glumes awned or mucronate. (See 130.) =Fingerhuthia= Nees

Spikelets in heads or head-like panicles or in fascicles arranged in spike-like panicles, not falling entire. 188

188. Spikelets in fascicles arranged in slender spike-like panicles, rarely in heads, and then stamen 1. Glumes 1-3-nerved, mucronate or awned. Spikelets 3-7-flowered.--Species 2. Central Africa. =Elytrophorus= Beauv.

Spikelets in head-like panicles. Stamens 3. 189

189. Glumes 4-7-nerved, long-awned. Spikelets 3-7-flowered. Panicles enveloped by the sheath of the uppermost leaf. Leaves awl-shaped.--Species 1. South Africa. =Urochlaena= Nees

Glumes 1-3-nerved, not awned, but sometimes mucronate. Leaves flat. 190

190. Spikelets 2-3-flowered, in spikes arranged in heads enveloped by the sheath of the uppermost leaf.--Species 1. North-west Africa (Morocco). (Under _Ammochloa_ Boiss.) =Dictyochloa= (Murb.) Camus

Spikelets 7-15-flowered. Inflorescence not enveloped by a sheath. Species 2. North Africa. =Ammochloa= Boiss.

191. (185.) Spikelets 2-flowered, the lower flower hermaphrodite, the upper female. Axis of the spikelet elongated between the flowers, but not continued beyond them. Glumes unarmed, with faint nerves. Spikelets in loose panicles.--Species 1. Madagascar. =Coelachne= R. Br.

Spikelets 2-flowered, both flowers hermaphrodite or the lower flower hermaphrodite, the upper one male or rudimentary, or 3-many-flowered. 192

192. Flowering glumes 1-3-nerved. [Subtribes TRIODIINAE and ERAGROSTINAE.] 193

Flowering glumes 5-many-nerved. 207

193. Flowering glumes 2-4-toothed or-cleft, rounded on the back, at least at the base. 194

Flowering glumes entire or obscurely toothed, rarely (_Diplachne_) distinctly 2-toothed and sometimes awned from the notch, but then keeled. 196

194. Flowering glumes with 3 rather obtuse lobes.--Species 1. North-west Africa. =Triodia= R. Br.

Flowering glumes with 2 acute lobes and an awn or mucro between them. 195

195. Flowering glumes with a long awn, the upper ones empty. Outer glumes unequal. Spikes approximate, almost digitate.--Species 1. South Africa. =Lophacme= Stapf

Flowering glumes with a short awn or a mucro. Outer glumes subequal.--Species 2. Central and South Africa. (Under _Diplachne_ Beauv.) =Crossotropis= Stapf

196. Spikelets of two kinds, the fertile 2-3-flowered and surrounded by the sterile consisting of numerous two-ranked glumes, arranged in one-sided spike-like panicles. Flowering glumes awned or mucronate.--Species 8. North and South Africa. Some have edible seeds or are used as fodder or ornamental grasses. “Dogstail.” =Cynosurus= L.

Spikelets all alike. 197

197. Spikelets in spike-like racemes, laterally flattened, falling as a whole, containing 3-4 fertile flowers and two empty glumes above them.--Species 1. Abyssinia. =Harpachne= Hochst.

Spikelets in panicles; empty glume above the fertile flowers 1 or none. 198

198. Main branches of the panicles two-ranked, usually branched at their base. 199

Main branches of the panicles not two-ranked. 203

199. Panicles spreading, with long, thin branches. Spikelets 2-4-flowered, with membranous, unarmed glumes. 200

Panicles contracted (more or less spike-like) or with very short, rather thick, but somewhat spreading branches. 201

200. Outer glumes slightly unequal. Perennial, creeping grasses, with flat leaves.--Species 1. North Africa. =Catabrosa= Beauv.

Outer glumes very unequal the lower very small. Stalk of the spikelet somewhat thickened. Delicate, annual grasses with narrow leaves.--Species 2. North Africa. =Sphenopus= Trin.

201. Panicles with short, rather thick, more or less spreading branches. Glumes hard. Spikelets 3-13-flowered.--Species 5. North Africa. =Cutandia= Willk.

Panicles strongly contracted, dense, more or less spike-like. Glumes membranous. Spikelets 2-5-flowered. 202

202. Upper outer glume much broader and somewhat longer than the flowering glumes. Lower outer glume very short, almost bristle-like. Flowering glumes awned below the tip.--Species 1. North-west Africa (Algeria). =Avellinia= Parl.

Upper outer glume neither broader nor longer than the flowering glumes. Lower outer glume almost equalling the upper one. (See 151.) =Koeleria= Pers.

203. Branches of the panicle spike-like. Flowering glumes 1-3-nerved, usually toothed. 204

Branches of the panicle raceme-like. Flowering glumes 3-nerved, not distinctly toothed, unarmed or mucronate. 205

204. Panicles contracted, spike-like. Flowering glumes entire, acuminate. Lodicules membranous. Fruit terete.--Species 3. South Africa and southern East Africa. (_Triphlebia_ Stapf, under _Lasiochloa_ Kunth). =Stiburus= Stapf

Panicles lax. Lodicules fleshy.--Species 9. Tropical and South Africa and Egypt. Some are used as fodder-grasses. =Diplachne= Beauv.

205. Flowering glumes rounded on the back. Spikelets conical, loosely 2-4-flowered; axis jointed, fragile. Fruit oblong, broadly grooved.--Species 1. North-west Africa (Algeria). Used in plaiting-work and as an ornamental grass. =Molinia= Schrank

Flowering glumes keeled. Spikelets not conical, densely 5-many-flowered. 206

206. Outer glumes unequal, the lower 3-nerved, the upper 5-nerved. Axis of the spikelet fragile. Fruit broadly grooved.--Species 1. Coast of East Africa. =Halopyrum= Stapf

Outer glumes 1-nerved, rarely the upper one 3-nerved. Axis of the spikelet usually tough. Fruit usually ovate and not grooved.--Species 130. Some are used as fodder-or ornamental grasses, others as sand-binders or for plaiting-work. The tef (_E. abyssinica_ Link) is cultivated in Abyssinia as a cereal. =Eragrostis= Host

207. (192.) Axis of the spikelet bearing above the fertile flowers two or more empty glumes usually forming a club-shaped body. Flowering glumes keeled. Outer glumes 3-5-nerved. (See 152.) [Subtribe MELICINAE.] =Melica= L.

Axis of the spikelet bearing above the fertile flowers a single empty glume or none, rarely several, but then flowering glumes rounded on the back. 208

208. Leaves broadly-lanceolate or ovate, with fine transverse veins between the nerves. [Subtribe CENTOTHECINAE.] 209

Leaves linear or linear-lanceolate, without distinct transverse veins. [Subtribes FESTUCINAE and BRACHYPODINAE.] 210

209. Spikelets 2-flowered, in pairs on the spike-like branches of a panicle. Outer glumes 3, the uppermost sometimes bearing a barren spikelet in its axil. (See 125.) =Poecilostachys= Hack.

Spikelets many-flowered. Outer glumes 2.--Species 4. Tropics. =Centotheca= Desv.

210. Spikelets in glomerules arranged in panicles. 211

Spikelets not in glomerules. 212

211. Panicles one-sided. Outer glumes unequal, 1-3-nerved. Flowering glumes larger, firmer, 5-nerved, mucronate or awned, ciliate on the keel.--Species 1. North and South Africa. Used as a fodder-and ornamental grass. “Cocksfoot.” =Dactylis= L.

Panicles equal-sided. Outer glumes subequal, 5-7-nerved, usually hispid. Flowering glumes shorter, thinner, 7-9-nerved, unarmed.--Species 3. South Africa. =Lasiochloa= Kunth

212. Spikelets tightly imbricate in short spikes arranged in racemes or heads. Flowering glumes broad, 7-9-nerved, somewhat shorter than the palea, mucronate.--Species 4. North and East Africa. =Aeluropus= Trin.

Spikelets tightly imbricate in solitary spikes or not imbricate. 213

213. Spikelets very tightly imbricate, arranged in a linear false spike. Flowering glumes sharply keeled from the base, 7-nerved, unarmed.--Species 7. North and South Africa and St. Helena. Used as ornamental plants. (_Brizopyrum_ Link). =Desmazeria= Dumort.

Spikelets not very tightly imbricate; if rather tightly, then flowering glumes not keeled. 214

214. Styles inserted on the front of the ovary, conspicuously below the top. Flowering glumes usually awned. Fruit linear or oblong, adhering to the palea. (See 173.) =Bromus= L.

Styles inserted on the top of the ovary or close to it. 215

215. Flowering glumes much shorter than the outer ones, 2-lobed or 2-cleft. Outer glumes with white, membranous margins.--Species 4. South and North Africa. =Schismus= Beauv.

Flowering glumes slightly shorter or longer than the outer ones. 216

216. Flowering glumes cordate at the base, very concave, scarious, broader than the outer glumes. Fruit strongly compressed.--Species 5. North Africa, Senegambia, and South Africa. Some are used as ornamental plants. “Quaking-grass.” =Briza= L.

Flowering glumes not cordate. 217

217. Flowering glumes distinctly keeled. 218

Flowering glumes rounded on the back, sometimes slightly keeled towards the tip. 220

218. Flowering glumes shortly awned, scarious. Panicles spike-like. (See 151.) =Koeleria= Pers.

Flowering glumes unawned, membranous herbaceous or cartilaginous. Panicles usually spreading. 219

219. Flowering glumes cartilaginous at the base, herbaceous towards the tip. Outer glumes unequal. Axis of the spikelet thickened. Panicles one-sided.--Species 1. North-west Africa (Algeria). =Sclerochloa= Beauv.

Flowering glumes membranous or herbaceous at the base or throughout.--Species 20. Extra-tropical regions and mountains of the tropics. Some are used as ornamental grasses. =Poa= L.

220. Spikelets 2-flowered with very approximate flowers and a bristle-like continuation of the axis beyond them. Outer glumes rather stiff, 1-3-nerved. Flowering glumes somewhat shorter, blunt, awnless.--Species 10. South and East Africa. =Achneria= Munro

Spikelets 2-flowered, with perceptibly distant flowers and usually membranous outer glumes, or 3-many-flowered. 221

221. Outer glumes 7-11-nerved, membranous. Flowering glumes toothed, usually awnless. Paleas narrow, 2-toothed. Spikelets usually 2-flowered. Fruit deeply furrowed. (See 152.) =Avena= L.

Outer glumes 1-5-nerved, rarely 7-9-nerved, and then flowering glumes awned and paleas broad. Spikelets usually 3-many-flowered. 222

222. Flowering glumes 2-cleft, awned, 7-9-nerved. (See 167.) =Danthonia= DC.

Flowering glumes entire, rarely toothed or 2-cleft, but then unarmed or 5-nerved. Styles very short. 223

223. Side-nerves of the flowering glumes nearly parallel, not joining the middle-nerve, sometimes obscure. Flowering glumes unarmed. Fruit oblong or ovate. 224

Side-nerves of the flowering glumes curved, converging towards the middle-nerve. Fruit oblong or linear. 225

224. Lodicules united. Styles distinctly developed. Fruit free, narrowly or not grooved.--Species 1 (_G. fluitans_ R. Br., manna-grass). North-west Africa. The seeds are used as food. (Under _Poa_ L.) =Glyceria= R. Br.

Lodicules free. Styles wanting. Fruit usually adherent to the palea, broadly or not grooved.--Species 4. North-west and South Africa. (Under _Glyceria_ R. Br.) =Atropis= Rupr.

225. Paleas with rigidly ciliate keels. Flowering glumes 7-9-nerved. Outer glumes 3-7-nerved, rather stiff. Spikelets in spike-like racemes.--Species 9. Extra-tropical regions and mountains of the tropics. Some species are used as ornamental grasses. =Brachypodium= Beauv.

Paleas with finely ciliate or rough keels. Flowering glumes usually 5-nerved. Outer glumes 1-3-nerved. 226

226. Seed with a linear hilum. (See 113.) =Festuca= L.

Seed with a punctiform hilum. 227

227. Spikelets upon stout stalks in one-sided panicles. Flowering glumes unarmed.--Species 2. North Africa, also introduced into South Africa. (Under _Festuca_ L.) =Scleropoa= Griseb.

Spikelets in spike-like racemes.--Species 3. North-west Africa. (Under _Festuca_ L.) =Catapodium= Link

FAMILY 17. CYPERACEAE

Grass-like herbs, very rarely (_Schoenodendron_) low trees. Stems usually triangular, rarely jointed. Leaves with a closed sheath, sometimes without a blade. Flowers in genuine or spurious spikelets arranged in spikes, heads, or panicles. Perianth much reduced or wanting. Stamens 1-6. Anthers opening by 2 longitudinal slits. Ovary superior or naked, 1-celled. Ovule 1, basal, inverted. Style simple or with 2-3 branches. Fruit a nut or a drupe. Seed free. Embryo lateral, enclosed by the albumen.--Genera 40, species 880. “Sedges.” (Plate 9.)

1. Flowers unisexual, but sometimes (_Bisboeckelerieae_) apparently hermaphrodite, single female flowers being surrounded by several male ones; in this case false spikelets branched at the insertion of one of the lowest bracts. 2

Flowers hermaphrodite or polygamous. Flowers either in centripetal spikelets without a terminal flower or in centrifugal (false) spikelets branched at the insertion of the uppermost bract below the terminal flower. 13

2. Spikelets unisexual, rarely partly unisexual, partly bisexual; the female 1-flowered, the male 2-or more-flowered. Stamens 1-2, rarely 3. [Tribe SCLERIEAE.] 3

Spikelets bisexual, rarely 1-flowered and spicate. 8

3. Perianth consisting of scales or bristles. Partial inflorescences panicled. 4

Perianth none. 6

4. Perianth of numerous bristles. Spikelets in spikes.--Species 6. Central Africa to Transvaal. =Eriospora= Hochst.

Perianth of 2-5 scales. 5

5. Perianth of 2-3 laciniate scales. Spikelets in head-like clusters. Herbs.--Species 1. West Africa. =Microdracoides= Hua

Perianth of 3-5 ciliate scales. Spikelets in spikes. Small trees.--Species 1. West Africa (Cameroons). =Schoenodendron= Engl.

6. Female flowers in the upper portion of the partial inflorescences. Spikelets in panicles.--Species 1. Madagascar. (Under _Eriospora_ Hochst.) =Fintelmannia= Kunth

Female flowers in the lower portion of the partial inflorescences or in special partial inflorescences. 7

7. Style thickened and jointed at the base, deeply 3-cleft. Fruit without a distinct disc. Spikelets in panicles. Leaves broad.--Species 3. Tropics. (Under _Scleria_ Berg) =Acriulus= Ridl.

Style not thickened at the base. Fruit very hard, surrounded by a disc at the base.--Species 60. Tropical and South Africa. (Including _Diplacrum_ R. Br.) =Scleria= Berg

8. (2.) Spikelets consisting of a terminal female flower surrounded by 3 or more male ones. Stamen 1. Female flowers not enclosed by an utricle-like bracteole. [Tribe BISBOECKELERIEAE, Subtribe CHRYSITRICHINAE.] 9 Spikelets 1-flowered, spicate, rarely 2-flowered or consisting of a basal female flower and several male ones. Stamens usually 3. Female flowers enclosed by an utricle-like bracteole. [Tribe CARICEAE.] 11

9. Male flowers 3. Style-branches 3. Spikelets numerous, in spikes which are sometimes arranged in panicles or heads.--Species 12. Tropics. (Including _Thoracostachyum_ Kurz) =Mapania= Aubl.

Male flowers 6 or more. Spikelets in spikes arranged in heads. 10

10. Style-branches 2. Fruit not ribbed. Spikes consisting of numerous spikelets. Leaves reduced to the sheath.--Species 1. Madagascar. Used for plaiting-work. =Lepironia= Rich.

Style-branches 3. Fruit many-striate. Spikes consisting of 1-4 spikelets.--Species 3. South Africa. =Chrysithrix= L.

11. Lateral spikelets consisting of one female flower and 1-6 male inserted above the female flower upon the distinctly developed axis of the spikelet; rarely male flowers reduced to empty glumes or wanting. Utricle usually 2-cleft.--Species 6. South and East Africa. (Including _Hemicarex_ Benth.) =Schoenoxiphium= Nees

Lateral spikelets consisting only of 1 female flower and the usually rudimentary axis. Utricle closed, entire or toothed. 12

12. Axis of the spikelet projecting beyond the utricle and hooked at the tip.--Species 2. Subantarctic islands. =Uncinia= Pers.

Axis of the spikelet enclosed and straight or more frequently rudimentary and usually early disappearing.--Species 80. Extra-tropical regions and mountains of the tropics. =Carex= L.

13. (1.) Spikelets (false spikelets) centrifugal, with a terminal flower, branched from the uppermost bract, 1-2-, rarely 3-6-flowered. 14

Spikelets centripetal, without a terminal flower, 3-many-, rarely 1-2-flowered; flowers hermaphrodite, a male one sometimes added. 24

14. Spikelets containing 1 terminal male flower and 1-2 lateral hermaphrodite flowers. Style dilated at the base.--Species 30. South Africa. (_Elynanthus_ Nees, including _Macrochaetium_ Steud.) [Tribe GAHNIEAE.] =Tetraria= Beauv.

Spikelets containing only hermaphrodite flowers, a male one being sometimes added. [Tribe RHYNCHOSPOREAE.] 15

15. Glumes 2-ranked. Style-branches 3. 16

Glumes not distinctly 2-ranked. 19

16. Perianth-bristles 6, alternately unequal. Fruit crowned by the base of the style. Spikelets in heads.--Species 9. South Africa, Madagascar and Mascarene Islands. (Under _Carpha_ R. Br.) =Asterochaete= Nees

Perianth-bristles equal or wanting. 17

17. Perianth-bristles stiff, not feathery, or wanting. Fruit not beaked.--Species 6. South Africa, Madagascar and neighbouring islands, Abyssinia, North Africa. (Including _Epischoenus_ C.B. Clarke). =Schoenus= L.

Perianth-bristles feathery. 18

18. Perianth-bristles 3. Glumes 4-5. Style with a thickened, persistent base. Spikelets in spikes or solitary.--Species 3. South Africa. (_Ecklonea_ Steud.) =Trianoptiles= Fenzl

Perianth-bristles 6. Glumes numerous. Style slightly thickened. Spikelets in panicles.--Species 2. Madagascar and neighbouring islands. (Under _Schoenus_ L.) =Cyclocampe= Steud.

19. Style-branches 1-2. Perianth of 6 or more bristles or wanting.--Species 15. (_Rynchospora_ Vahl). =Rhynchospora= Vahl

Style-branches 3. 20

20. Perianth of 3-6 bristles. 21

Perianth none. 22

21. Perianth of 3 bristles. Upper leaves with red sheaths.--Species 1. South Africa. (_Decalepis_ Boeck., under _Tetraria_ Beauv.) =Boeckeleria= Dur.

Perianth of 5-6 bristles. Lowest flower male.--Species 6. Madagascar and South Africa. =Costularia= C. B. Clarke

22. Partial inflorescences arranged in a panicle.--Species 5. =Cladium= R. Br.

Partial inflorescences arranged in a head. 23

23. Involucre of the inflorescence short. Stem leafless.--Species 1. Madagascar and neighbouring islands. (_Arthrostylis_ Boeck.) =Actinoschoenus= Benth.

Involucre of the inflorescence long. Stem leafy.--Species 1. West Africa and Madagascar. Used medicinally. =Remirea= Aubl.

24. (13.) Bracteoles 1-2. [Tribe HYPOLYTREAE.] 25

Bracteoles none. [Tribe SCIRPEAE.] 28

25. Bracteoles 1-2, parallel with the glume (bract), i.e. placed before or behind or before and behind it. Stamens 1-2. [Subtribe LIPOCARPHINAE.] 26

Bracteoles 2, lateral to the glume, sometimes united. Stamens 2-3. [Subtribe HYPOLYTRINAE.] 27

26. Bracteole 1, deciduous. Stamen 1. Spikelets solitary or in clusters of 2-3, subtended by a single involucral bract.--Species 2. Central and South Africa. (Under _Scirpus_ L.) =Hemicarpha= Nees

Bracteoles 2, persistent. Stamens 1-2. Spikelets in heads surrounded by several involucral bracts.--Species 10. Tropical and South Africa. (_Hypaelyptum_ Vahl). =Lipocarpha= R. Br.

27. Bracteoles united in front, longer than the glume. Spikelets solitary or in heads. Stem leafy at the base only.--Species 9. Tropical and South Africa. =Ascolepis= Nees

Bracteoles free or united behind, as long as or shorter than the glumes. Spikelets in heads or panicles. Stem leafy throughout its length.--Species 10. Tropics. =Hypolytrum= Rich.

28. (22.) Glumes distinctly 2-ranked. Partial inflorescences usually arranged in heads or umbels. [Subtribe CYPERINAE.] 29

Glumes not distinctly 2-ranked. Partial inflorescences usually arranged in spikes or panicles. [Subtribe SCIRPINAE.] 34

29. Perianth consisting of 6 bristles. Spikelets in panicles.--Species 1. Region of the great lakes. (Under _Carpha_ R. Br.) =Oreograstis= K. Schum.

Perianth none. 30

30. Flowers with a toothed or lobed disc at the base of the ovary. Spikelets solitary or in heads.--Species 3. South Africa. (Under _Ficinia_ Schrad.) =Hemichlaena= Schrad.

Flowers without a disc. 31

31. Style-branches 2. Spikelets containing an hermaphrodite and sometimes also a male flower, arranged in heads.--Species 40. Tropical and South Africa. The root-stock of some species is used in perfumery and medicine; others yield fodder. (Plate 9.) =Kyllinga= Rottb.

Style-branches 3, rarely 1-2, but then spikelets many-flowered. 32

32. Fertile flowers in each spikelet 1-2. Glumes with a winged keel, the lower glume enclosing the upper one. Spikelets in umbellately arranged heads.--Species 2. Tropics to Transvaal. =Courtoisia= Nees

Fertile flowers in each spikelet 3 or more, rarely 1-2, but then glumes not winged or the lower glume not enclosing the upper one. 33

33. Glumes with the margins united into a cylinder at their base, long acuminate at the top. Spikelets terete, 3-4-flowered, in spikes. Stamens 2.--Species 1. South-east Africa. (Under _Mariscus_ Gaertn. or _Cyperus_ L.) =Cylindrolepis= Boeck.

Glumes with free margins.--Species 300. The root-stocks of some (especially _C. esculentus_ L.) are eaten and used for the preparation of oil, perfume, and medicaments; the culms (especially of _C. Papyrus_ L.) are used for making paper and for plaiting-work; some species serve as fodder-or ornamental plants, others are noxious weeds. (Including _Galilea_ Parl., _Juncellus_ Griseb., _Mariscus_ Vahl, _Pycreus_ Beauv., and _Torulinium_ Desv.) =Cyperus= L.

34. (28.) Style conspicuously thickened at the base. 35

Style not or slightly thickened at the base. 37

35. Perianth none. Style deciduous.--Species 75. Some are used as fodder. (Including _Abildgaardia_ Vahl and _Bulbostylis_ Kunth). =Fimbristylis= Vahl

Perianth consisting of 3-8 bristles. Base of the style usually persistent. 36

36. Spikelets in heads. Glumes in 5 rows.--Species 1. Tropics. (Under _Fuirena_ Rottb.) =Pentasticha= Turcz.

Spikelets solitary.--Species 25. Some are used for plaiting-work or yield starch. (_Eleocharis_ R. Br.) =Heleocharis= R. Br.

37. Flowers with a toothed or lobed, persistent disc at the base of the ovary. Glumes usually brown or black.--Species 65. South Africa and mountains of East Africa and Madagascar. =Ficinia= Schrad.

Flowers without a disc. 38

38. Perianth-bristles 6 or more, much elongated after flowering. Spikelets solitary or in umbels.--Species 1. South Africa. The cotton-like perianth-bristles are used for stuffing cushions. “Cotton-grass.” =Eriophorum= L.

Perianth-bristles not elongated or wanting. 39

39. Glumes hairy, like the whole plant. Perianth of 3-6 toothed scales or bristles.--Species 20. =Fuirena= Rottb.

Glumes glabrous.--Species 70. Some are used as ornamental plants or for plaiting-work, others have edible root-stocks, also used in medicine. (Including _Isolepis_ R. Br. and _Schoenoplectus_ Reichb.) =Scirpus= L.

ORDER PRINCIPES

FAMILY 18. PALMAE

Stem woody, usually simple. Leaves pinnately or palmately split, at least 2-cleft, usually collected in a crown at the top of the stem. Flowers in simple or branched spadices enveloped by spathes, usually unisexual and provided with rudimentary stamens or carpels. Perianth-segments 6, similar in texture, but often unequal in size, leathery or parchment-like, green, white or yellow. Stamens 6 or more, rarely 3, united at the base or adnate below to the perianth. Carpels 3, superior, distinct or united and then forming a 1-3-celled ovary; sometimes 2 carpels empty or reduced to the style. Ovules solitary in each cell, filling the cell and sometimes adhering to its wall. Fruits berry-or drupe-like. Seeds with a small embryo and horny albumen.--Genera 36, species 100. (Plates 10 and 11.)

1. Carpels 3, distinct. Fruit consisting of 1-3 smooth berries. Leaf-segments induplicate in bud. [Subfamily =CORYPHOIDEAE=.] 2

Carpels 3, united and forming a 1-3-celled ovary, or carpel 1. 3

2. Leaves fan-shaped. Spadices with 2 or more incomplete spathes. Flowers polygamous or dioecious. Perianth of the female flowers as in the male. Seed ovate, not deeply grooved; albumen ruminate. Stem short, usually branched.--Species 1 (_Ch. humilis_ L.). North-West Africa. Used as an ornamental plant; the leaf-buds are eaten and the fibres used for making ropes or paper or for stuffing cushions. “Dwarf-palm.” [Tribe SABALEAE.] =Chamaerops= L.

Leaves pinnate. Spadices with one complete spathe. Flowers dioecious. Perianth of the female flowers differing from the male. Seed oblong, with a deep longitudinal groove.--Species 5. Some (especially the date-palm, _Ph. dactylifera_ L.) have edible fruits, also used for making brandy and sugar. They yield also palm-wine, wood, and fibres for plaiting and stuffing, and are used as ornamental plants. [Tribe PHOENICEAE.] =Phoenix= L.

3. Leaves fan-shaped. Spadices with many incomplete spathes. Fruit a drupe with 1-3 distinct stones; epicarp smooth or minutely dotted. [Subfamily =BORASSOIDEAE=, tribe BORASSEAE.] 4

Leaves pinnately dissected or 2-cleft. Fruit berry-like or covered with imbricate scales or containing a single stone; if fruit drupe-like and one-seeded, then spadices with 1-4 complete spathes. 8

_FLOW. PL. AFR_.

_Pl. 9._

J. Fleischmann del.

Kyllinga alba Nees

_A_ Plant in flower. _B_ Inflorescence. _C_ Flower (the ovary cut lengthwise).]

_FLOW. PL. AFR._

_Pl. 10._

J. Fleischmann del.

Raphia Laurentii De Wild.

_A_ Young plant. _B_ Group of fruits. _C_ Fruit. _D_ Seed. (_A_ from De Wildeman, Expedition Laurent).]

4. Male flowers many in each pit of the spadix. 5

Male flowers solitary in each pit of the spadix. 6

5. Male flowers 20-30 in each pit of the spadix. Stamens about 30. Fruit nearly always with a single stone. Seeds deeply 2-lobed.--Species 1. Seychelles. The fruit (“double cocoa-nut”) is eaten and used in medicine. =Lodoicea= Labill.

Male flowers 10 in each pit of the spadix. Stamens 6. Fruit with 3 stones. Seeds emarginate. Species 1 (_B. flabellifer_ L., Palmyra palm). Tropics. It yields timber, fibre (piassave), starch (sago), gum, vegetables, edible fruits, wine, vinegar, alcohol, sugar, and medicaments. =Borassus= L.

6. Stamens 15-30. Fruit with 3 stones, very rarely with 1-2. Medium-sized trees.--Species 3. Madagascar and Mascarene Islands. They furnish fibre for plaiting-work and are used as ornamental plants; one species has edible fruits. =Latania= Comm.

Stamens 6. Fruit with a single stone. Tall trees. 7

7. Albumen ruminate. Fruit medium-sized (the size of a walnut). Stem simple.--Species 3. Upper Nile and Madagascar. They yield timber, fibre, edible pith, and alcohol. (Including _Bismarckia_ Hildebr. & Wendl.) =Medemia= G. de Wuert. & Braun

Albumen homogeneous. Fruit large. Stem usually branched.--Species 13. Tropics to Natal and Egypt. They yield wood, fibre, edible fruits, and wine. “Dum palm.” =Hyphaene= Gaertn.

8. (3.) Ovary and fruit clothed with imbricate scales. Fruit one-seeded. Flowers with bracts and bracteoles. Leaf-segments reduplicate in bud. [Subfamily =LEPIDOCARYOIDEAE=, tribe METROXYLEAE.] 9

Ovary and fruit without scales. Flowers usually without bracts. [Subfamily =CEROXYLOIDEAE=.] 15

9. Ovary incompletely 3-celled. [Subtribe CALAMINAE.] 10

Ovary completely 3-celled. [Subtribe RAPHIINAE.] 11

10. Stem erect. Leaves without tendrils. Spadices terminal. Seed depressed-globose.--Species 1 (_M. Rumphii_ Mart.) Cultivated in Madagascar and the Mascarenes. It yields wood, fibre for plaiting and weaving, vegetables, and starch (sago). (_Sagus_ Blume). =Metroxylon= Rottb.

Stem climbing. Leaves with tendrils. Spadices lateral.--Species 6. Tropics. The stems (cane) are used for plaiting-work and for the manufacture of walking-sticks and various utensils. “Rattan-palm.” =Calamus= L.

11. Stem erect. Flowers monoecious, the male and female on the same branches of the much-branched terminal spadices. Seed oblong or ovate.--Species 10. Tropics. The leaf-stalks (false bamboo) are used for building houses and making furniture, the fibres (piassave) for plaiting, weaving, and brush-making. The stems, leaf-buds, and fruits of some species yield starch, meal, vegetables, wine, and oil. (Plates 10 and 11.) =Raphia= Beauv.

Stem climbing. Leaves with tendrils. 12

12. Flowers monoecious, in cymes on the primary branches of the lateral spadices; cymes consisting of one female and several male flowers.--Species 2. Equatorial West Africa. They furnish cane for plaiting-work and for the manufacture of various utensils. (Under _Calamus_ L.) =Oncocalamus= Mann & Wendl.

Flowers hermaphrodite or polygamous, in pairs on the branches of the spadices. 13

13. Spadices lateral. Spathes none.--Species 5. West Africa to the upper Nile. They furnish cane for plaiting-work and for the manufacture of various utensils. (Under _Calamus_ L.) =Eremospatha= Mann & Wendl.

Spadices terminal. Spathes tubular. 14

14. Seed flattened, with a thick raphe. Leaves with a short stalk and narrow segments.--Species 1. West Africa to the upper Nile. They furnish cane for plaiting-work and for the manufacture of various utensils. (Under _Calamus_ L.) =Ancistrophyllum= Mann & Wendl.

Seed roundish, deeply grooved, kidney-shaped in transverse section. Leaves with a rather long stalk and rather broad segments.--Species 2. West Africa. They furnish cane for plaiting-work and for the manufacture of various utensils. (Under _Ancistrophyllum_ Mann & Wendl. or _Calamus_ L.) =Laccosperma= Mann & Wendl.

15. (8.) Fruit a drupe; endocarp very hard, with 3 pores. [Tribe COCOEAE.] 16

Fruit a berry; endocarp membranous, rarely woody. [Tribe ARECEAE.] 17

16. Flowers sunk singly in deep pits of the spadix-branches. Spadices unisexual, with 2 deciduous spathes. Stamens united high up. Fruit rather small; pericarp spongy outside; pores towards the top of the stone.--Species 1 (_E. guineensis_ L. oil-palm). Central Africa. The stem and the leaves furnish wood, fibre, vegetables, and wine; the fruits are edible and used for making oil. [Subtribe ELAEIDINAE.] =Elaeis= Jacq.

Flowers inserted singly or in groups of three in shallow pits or notches of the spadix-branches. Spadices bisexual, with a woody, persistent spathe. Stamens free or united at the base. Fruit large; pericarp fibrous; pores towards the base of the stone.--Species 1 (_C. nucifera_ L., coco-nut-palm). Cultivated and sometimes naturalised on the shores of the tropics. The stem and the leaves furnish wood, fibre, tanning materials, vegetables, wine, and medicaments; the fruits are edible and yield oil, fodder, and a drink. [Subtribe ATTALEINAE.] =Cocos= L.

17. Leaves with long prickles. Spadices branched; spathes 2 or more, complete. Corolla of the female flowers imbricate in bud. Ovary 1-celled, with a laterally affixed ovule. Stigmas 3. 18

Leaves without prickles. 23

18. Leaves with a long sheath. Spadices below the leaves. Seed with homogeneous albumen. 19

Leaves with a rather short sheath. Spadices between the leaves. Seed with ruminate albumen. 20

19. Seed obtusely triquetrous. Stamens 9.--Species 1. Seychelles. =Deckenia= Wendl.

Seed ellipsoid, slightly compressed laterally. Stamens usually 12.--Species 3. Madagascar and Mascarenes. Used in house-building and as ornamental plants. =Acanthophoenix= Wendl.

20. Leaves 2-cleft, with pinnately toothed margins. 21

Leaves irregularly pinnatisect. 22

21. Stamens 6. Seed and endocarp furrowed. Spadices with 3 spathes. Leaf-stalk prickly.--Species 1. Seychelles. Used as an ornamental plant. =Verschaffeltia= Wendl.

Stamens 15-20. Seed and endocarp not furrowed. Spadices with 2 spathes. Leaf-stalk smooth.--Species 1. Seychelles. Used as an ornamental plant. (_Stevensonia_ Duncan). =Phoenicophorium= Wendl.

22. Stamens 6. Seed elliptical. Spadices twice branched, with several spathes.--Species 1. Seychelles. Used as an ornamental plant. =Roscheria= Wendl.

Stamens 40-50. Seed kidney-shaped. Spadices once branched, with 2 spathes.--Species 1. Seychelles. =Nephrosperma= Balf.

23. (17.) Spadices with many tubular incomplete spathes, twice branched. Stamens 6. Ovary 3-celled. Stem tree-like.--Species 4. Madagascar and Mascarenes. Used as ornamental plants. The fruit is said to be poisonous. =Hyophorbe= Gaertn.

Spadices with 1-4 spathes, all or the uppermost complete (i.e. completely enveloping the spadix, when young.) 24

24. Spadices with 4 spathes, simple. Flowers sunk in pits on the spadix. Corolla valvate in bud. Stamens 6. Ovary 3-celled. Stem reed-like.--Species 1. West Africa. The fruit is edible. =Podococcus= Mann & Wendl.

Spadices with 1-3 spathes; if simple, then corolla of the female flowers imbricate in bud or stamens 3 or many. 25

25. Stamens numerous. Stigma 1. Ovary 1-celled. Corolla valvate in bud. Spadices simple. Flowers sunk in pits on the spadix. Stem short.--Species 1. Equatorial West Africa. =Sclerosperma= Mann & Wendl.

Stamens 3-6. Stigmas usually 3. 26

26. Stamens in the male flowers 3, staminodes in the female 6. Ovary with 1 fertile and 2 empty cells. 27

Stamens 6. 28

27. Stamens opposite the petals, united at the base.--Species 3. Madagascar. =Trichodypsis= Baill.

Stamens alternating with the petals, free or almost free.--Species 7. Madagascar. Used as ornamental plants. (Including _Adelodypsis_ Becc.) =Dypsis= Nor.

28. Ovary 1-celled. 29

Ovary 3-celled, but usually one cell only fertile. 34

29. Spadices simple. Leaves deeply forked. Stem short, erect.--Species 5. Madagascar. =Haplophloga= Baill.

Spadices branched. 30

30. Spadices once branched. Stigma usually 1. Stem tree-like.--Species 5. Madagascar and neighbouring islands. Used as ornamental plants. The fibres of the leaves (piassave) are used in the manufacture of ropes and stuffs. =Dictyosperma= Wendl. & Drude

Spadices 2-3 times branched. Stigmas usually 3. 31

31. Spadices twice branched. Male flowers with valvate or subimbricate sepals. Anthers sagittate, basifixed, opening outwards or laterally. Rudimentary pistil 3-cleft. Female flowers larger than the male. Stigmas 3, subsessile. Tall trees.--Species 1 (_A. Catechu_ L., betel palm). Cultivated in East Africa. It yields wood, bark for tanning, fibre, vegetables, wine, and medicaments; the fruits are chewed. =Areca= L.

Spadices thrice branched. Male flowers with imbricate sepals. Anthers ovoid, opening inwards. Rudimentary pistil entire. 32

32. Styles basal. Stem reed-like.--Species 2. Madagascar. (_Chrysalidocarpus_ Wendl.) =Neodypsis= Baill.

Styles or stigmas terminal. 33

33. Leaves irregularly pinnatisect, with lanceolate segments. Stem low, reed-like.--Species 1. Madagascar. (Under _Dypsidium_ Baill.) =Neophloga= Baill.

Leaves regularly pinnatisect, with linear segments. Stem tall.--Species 2. Madagascar and Comoro Islands. (Including _Vonitra_ Becc.) =Phlogella= Baill.

34. Spadices simple. Petals lanceolate. Anther-halves linear. Style conical.--Species 3. Madagascar. =Haplodypsis= Baill.

Spadices much branched. Petals ovate or orbicular. Anther-halves oblong or ovate. Style 3-partite. 35

35. Flowers monoecious. Sepals of the male flowers orbicular. Stamens unequal in length. Stigmas awl-shaped. Albumen ruminate.--Species 5. Madagascar. Leaves used for plaiting-work. =Phloga= Nor.

Flowers dioecious. Sepals of the male flowers elliptical. Stamens subequal. Stigmas short and thick. Albumen homogeneous.--Species 2. Madagascar and Comoro Islands. =Ravenea= Hildebr. & Bouché

ORDER SPATHIFLORAE

FAMILY 19. ARACEAE

Leaves usually net-veined. Flowers in spadices, without bracteoles. Perianth simple or wanting. Fruit indehiscent or bursting irregularly, usually berry-like. Seed-coat fleshy.--Genera 33, species 150. (Plate 12.)

_FLOW. PL. AFR._

_Pl. 11._

J. Fleischmann del.

Raphia Laurentii De Wild.

_A_ Inflorescence. _B_ Male flower-buds. _C_ Male flower cut lengthwise. _D_ Stamen. _E_ Female flower.]

_FLOW. PL. AFR._

_Pl. 12._

J. Fleischmann del.

Hydrosme grata Schott

_A_ Leaf. _B_ Inflorescence and spathe. _C_ Stalk of the inflorescence. _D_ Inflorescence without the spathe. _E_ Stamen. _F_ Stamen from above. _G_ Pistil. _H_ Pistil cut lengthwise. (_B_-_H_ partly from a drawing in the Vienna Hofmuseum.)]

1. Flowers hermaphrodite. 2

Flowers unisexual. 5

2. Perianth none. Ovary incompletely 2-celled with several ascending ovules. Climbing shrubs. Leaves stalked, lanceolate.--Species 2. West Africa. Used as ornamental plants. (_Raphidophora_ Schott). [Tribe MONSTEREAE.] =Afroraphidophora= Engl.

Perianth of 4-6 segments. 3

3. Ovary 1-celled. Ovules 2 or more. Tall herbs. Juice milky. Root-stock tuberous. Leaves sagittate; stalk prickly.--Species 1. West Africa. Used for making salt. [Tribe LASIEAE.] =Cyrtosperma= Griff.

Ovary 2-3-celled. Juice not milky. 4

4. Ovule one in each cell, ascending, inverted. Seeds exalbuminous. Climbing shrubs. Leaves stalked, lanceolate to ovate. Spathe oblong or ovate.--Species 1. Madagascar and Comoro Islands. [Tribe POTHOEAE.] =Pothos= L.

Ovules several in each cell, pendulous, straight. Seeds albuminous. Herbs with a creeping root-stock. Leaves sessile, linear, sword-shaped. Spathe linear, sword-shaped, forming a continuation of the flowering stem.--Species 1 (_A. Calamus_ L., sweet-flag). Introduced in the Mascarene Islands. Yields tanning-materials and is used in the preparation of perfumes, liquors, snuff, and medicaments. [Tribe ACOREAE.] =Acorus= L.

5. Perianth present. 6

Perianth none. 8

6. Perianth cupular. Ovary 1-4-celled with 2 or more ovules in each cell. Juice milky. Leaves sagittate; stalk not thickened near the middle. Spathe-margins connate below.--Species 20. Central and South-East Africa. [Tribe STYLOCHITONEAE.] =Stylochiton= Leprieur

Perianth of 4 free segments. Ovary 2-celled with 1 ovule in each cell. Juice not milky. Leaves pinnate; stalk with a thickened joint near the middle. Spathe-margins free. [Tribe ZAMIOCULCASEAE.] 7

7. Stamens with free filaments; anthers opening by slits. Leaves several, once pinnate. Spathe upon a short stalk.--Species 1. East Africa and Mascarene Islands. Used as an ornamental plant. =Zamioculcas= L.

Stamens with united filaments; anthers opening by pores. Leaf 1, thrice pinnate in the adult stage. Spathe upon a long stalk.--Species 2. East Africa to the upper Congo. =Gonatopus= Hook. fil.

8. Stamens united throughout their length or almost so. 9

Stamens free or united in pairs or at the base only. 17

9. Female (inferior) part of the spadix adnate to the spathe, 1-flowered. Stamens 2. Floating water-plants. Juice not milky.--Species 1. Tropical and South Africa and Egypt. Used medicinally. [Tribe PISTIEAE.] =Pistia= L.

Female part of the spadix free from the spathe, several-flowered. Stamens 3-8, very rarely 2. Land-or marsh-plants. Juice milky. 10

10. Stem creeping. Leaves lanceolate, parallel-veined, with numerous primary and secondary lateral veins. Ovary completely or incompletely 2-3-celled with numerous ovules.--Species 12. West Africa. [Tribe ANUBIADEAE.] =Anubias= Schott

Stem erect or tuberous. Leaves ovate, ovate-sagittate or dissected, net-veined, rarely parallel-veined with 5 primary lateral nerves. 11

11. Ovules 1-3. Spadix with barren flowers below and above the male ones. Stem short, ascending. Leaves ovate or sagittate, entire, with about 5 primary lateral nerves and many parallel secondary ones.--Species 2. Madagascar and neighbouring islands and Zanzibar. They yield fibre and edible tubers and seeds and are used in medicine. =Typhonodorum= Schott

Ovules 4 or more. Leaves sagittate-or cordate-ovate and net-veined, or dissected. 12

12. Ovules 4. Female flowers with staminodes. Spadix with a terminal appendage. Stem tuberous. Leaves dissected.--Species 1. Seychelles. [Tribe PROTAREAE.] =Protarum= Engl.

Ovules more than 4. Leaves sagittate-or cordate-ovate. [Tribe COLOCASIEAE.] 13

13. Ovary completely 1-celled. Ovules straight or almost so. 14

Ovules incompletely 2-3-celled. Ovules inverted. Spadix without a terminal appendage. 16

14. Ovules few, basal. Stem erect. Spadix with a terminal appendage.--Species 1. Cultivated and sometimes naturalised in Madagascar and the neighbouring islands. Stem and leaves are edible; also used as an ornamental plant. =Alocasia= Schott

Ovules many, parietal. Stem tuberous. 15

15. Spadix with a terminal appendage. Spathe erect. Stamens 3-6.--Species 1 (_C. antiquorum_ Schott, taro or dinde). Cultivated and sometimes naturalised in Tropical and North Africa. The tubers and leaves are eaten and used in medicine; also an ornamental plant. (Under _Caladium_ Vent.) =Colocasia= Schott

Spadix without an appendage. Spathes recurved at the top. Stamens 2-3.--Species 1. Island of Socotra. Used as an ornamental plant. =Remusatia= Schott

16. Style disc-like, adnate to the styles of the neighbouring flowers. Ovules with a long funicle. Leaves leathery.--Species 2. Cultivated and sometimes naturalised in West Africa and the Mascarene Islands. Used as ornamental plants or vegetables. =Xanthosoma= Schott

Style none. Ovules with a short funicle. Leaves herbaceous, usually with red spots.--Species 1. Cultivated and sometimes naturalised in West Africa. Used as an ornamental plant. =Caladium= Vent.

17. (8.) Stem above ground and usually climbing or underground and creeping. Spadix without an appendage. Ovary 1-2-celled with 1 ovule in each cell. 18

Stem underground, short and thick, more or less tuberous. Juice milky. 23

18. Juice milky. Leaves cordate or sagittate. Female inflorescence not adnate to the spathe. Ovary 1-celled. [Tribe NEPHTHYTIDEAE.] 19

Juice not milky. Leaves lanceolate oblong or elliptical, acute or obtuse at the base, rarely cordate and then female inflorescence adnate to the spathe or ovary 2-celled. Seed albuminous. 22

19. Stem underground, creeping.--Species 3. West Africa. Used as ornamental plants. (Including _Oligogynium_ Engl.) =Nephthytis= Schott

Stem above ground, climbing, woody. 20

20. Leaves perforated or dissected. Male inflorescence three times as long as the female and contiguous to it. Ovary with a strongly projecting parietal placenta.--Species 2. West Africa. =Rhektophyllum= N. E. Brown

Leaves entire or lobed, not perforated. Ovary with a slightly projecting parietal or sub-basal placenta. 21

21. Leaves oblong, shortly cordate at the base. Male inflorescence twice as long as the female and contiguous to it. Stamens 2-3.--Species 1. West Africa (Cameroons). (Under _Cercestis_ Schott). =Alocasiophyllum= Engl.

Leaves sagittate or hastate. Stamens usually 4.--Species 7. West Africa. =Cercestis= Schott

22. Stem creeping. Female inflorescence adnate to the spathe, as long as the male. Ovary conical. Style present.--Species 1. Central Africa. Used as an ornamental plant. [Tribe CALLOPSIDEAE.] =Callopsis= Engl.

Stem climbing or erect. Female inflorescence free from the spathe. Ovary subglobose. Style wanting.--Species 17. Central Africa. Some are used as ornamental plants. [Tribe CULCASIEAE.] =Culcasia= Beauv.

23. (17.) Spadix covered with fertile flowers to the top. Ovary with 4 or more ovules. Leaves sagittate or hastate. Spathe funnel-shaped.--Species 10. South Africa and southern Central Africa; one species (_Z. aethiopica_ Spreng.) cultivated as an ornamental plant under the name of “Calla” and naturalised in the island of Madeira. (_Aroides_ Heist., _Richardia_ Kunth). [Tribe ZANTEDESCHIEAE.] =Zantedeschia= Spreng.

Spadix ending in an appendage which is glabrous or covered with rudimentary flowers, rarely without an appendage, but then ovary 1-2-ovuled and leaves dissected. 24

24. Ovules inverted. Ovary usually 2-4-celled. Male and female portions of the spadix contiguous, rarely separated by a glabrous interval without barren flowers. Leaf 1, dissected. [Tribe AMORPHOPHALLEAE.] 25

Ovules straight. Ovary 1-celled. Seeds albuminous. Spadix with a terminal appendage. [Tribe AREAE.] 27

25. Spadix ending in a flowerless appendage.--Species 35. Tropics. Some have edible tubers or are used as ornamental plants. (Under _Amorphophallus_ Blume). (Plate 12.) =Hydrosme= Schott.

Spadix covered with flowers to the top; upper flowers sometimes reduced to barren stamens. 26

26. Ovary 1-celled. Male inflorescence as long as the female. Spathe boat-shaped.--Species 7. Central Africa. Some have edible tubers. =Anchomanes= Schott

Ovary 2-celled. Male inflorescence longer than the female.--Species 2. Equatorial West Africa. (Including _Zyganthera_ N.E. Brown). =Pseudohydrosme= Engl.

27. Spadix unisexual (containing male or female flowers only). Stamens 2-4. Ovules basal. Leaves dissected.--Species 4. East Africa. Some are poisonous. =Arisaema= Mart.

Spadix bisexual (containing both male and female flowers). 28

28. Male inflorescence contiguous to the female. 29

Male inflorescence separated from the female by a distinct interval usually covered with rudimentary flowers. 30

29. Stamen 1. Anther opening by a slit. Ovules basal. Leaves sagittate or hastate.--Species 2. North Africa. Used as ornamental plants. The tubers are poisonous when raw, but edible when cooked, and furnish starch, medicaments, and a substitute for soap. =Arisarum= Targ. Tozz.

Stamens 3-4. Anthers opening by pores. Ovules basal or apical. Leaves several dissected.--Species 2. North-west Africa. Used as ornamental plants. The tubers are poisonous when raw, but edible when cooked, and furnish starch, medicaments, and a substitute for soap. =Dracunculus= Schott

30. Interval between the male and the female inflorescence without rudimentary flowers. Spathe divided into two chambers, one of which contains a female flower, the other one several male flowers. Stamens 2. Ovules numerous. Leaves ovate.--Species 1. North-west Africa (Algeria). =Ambrosinia= Bassi

Interval between the male and the female inflorescence clothed with rudimentary flowers. Spathe not 2-chambered. Female flowers several. 31

31. Ovules 6 or more, parietal. Stamens 3-4. Leaves sagittate or hastate.--Species 2. North Africa. Poisonous and sometimes used as ornamental plants. The tubers are edible when cooked and yield starch; they are also used in medicine and as a substitute for soap. =Arum= L.

Ovules 1-4, basal. Stamens 1-2. Leaves linear, oblong, ovate, or dissected. 32

32. Ovule 1. Leaves several, entire.--Species 3. North Africa. Used as ornamental plants. The tubers are edible when cooked, and yield starch, medicaments, and a substitute for soap. =Biarum= Schott

Ovules 2-4. Leaf 1, dissected.--Species 2. East Africa and Angola. Used as ornamental plants. The tubers are edible when cooked, and yield starch, medicaments, and a substitute for soap. =Sauromatum= Schott

FAMILY 20. LEMNACEAE

Floating herbs without distinct stems or leaves, consisting of leaf-or grain-like fronds. Inflorescence seated in a cavity of the frond and consisting of 1-2 male flowers and a female. Flowers monoecious, without a perianth. Stamen 1. Ovary 1-celled, with 1-6 basal ovules and a funnel-shaped stigma. Seed-coat fleshy.--Genera 3, species 12.

1. Fronds rootless. Inflorescence on the back of the frond, without a spathe and consisting of 1 male and 1 female flower.--Species 6. (Including _Wolffiella_ Hegelm., under _Lemna_ L.) [Subfamily =WOLFFIOIDEAE=.] =Wolffia= Horkel

Fronds with roots. Inflorescence at the margin of the frond, consisting of 2 male and a female flower enclosed by a spathe. [Subfamily =LEMNOIDEAE=.] 2

2. Fronds with one root each, 3-5-nerved.--Species 5. Some are used in medicine. “Duckweed.” =Lemna= L.

Fronds with several roots each, many-nerved.--Species 1. (Under _Lemna_ L.) =Spirodela= Schleid.

ORDER FARINOSAE

SUBORDER FLAGELLARIINEAE

FAMILY 21. FLAGELLARIACEAE

Climbing herbs. Leaves lanceolate, ending in a tendril. Flowers in panicles, regular, hermaphrodite. Perianth-segments 6, free, subpetaloid, yellowish or whitish, the outer somewhat shorter than the inner. Stamens 6. Anthers turned inwards. Ovary superior, 3-celled, with a solitary, inverted ovule in the inner angle of each cell. Style with 3 linear, recurved stigmas. Fruit a 1-2-seeded berry. Seeds with a mealy albumen and a small marginal embryo.

Genus 1. Species 1. Tropical and South-east Africa. Used in medicine and for plaiting-work. =Flagellaria= L.

SUBORDER ENANTIOBLASTAE

FAMILY 22. RESTIONACEAE

Grass-like herbs. Leaves linear or reduced to the sheath. Flowers in spikelets usually arranged in spikes or panicles, regular, unisexual. Perianth of 3-6 membranous or scarious segments, imbricate in bud, rarely absent in the female flowers. Stamens 2-3. Anthers 1-celled. Ovary superior, 1-3-celled, with 1-3 pendulous, straight ovules. Fruit dry. Seeds with a mealy albumen and a marginal embryo.--Genera 12. Species 230. South Africa to Nyasaland. (Plate 13.)

1. Ovary 1-celled, sometimes 2-3-celled when young. Fruit 1-celled, indehiscent. 2

Ovary 2-3-celled. Fruit 1-3-celled, dehiscent. Flowers dioecious. 10

2. Spikelets, all or most of them, bisexual, containing a male and a female flower, arranged in spikes. Styles 2.--Species 1. South Africa. =Phyllocomos= Mast.

Spikelets unisexual. 3

3. Female spikelets 1-flowered. Styles or stigmas 2. 4

Female spikelets 2-many-flowered, very rarely 1-flowered, but then stigmas 3. 6

4. Glumes distant. Male spikelets in panicles, female in spikes.--Species 10. South Africa (Cape Colony). (Including _Ceratocaryum_ Nees). =Willdenowia= Thunb.

Glumes closely imbricate. 5

5. Female flowers on a thick stalk. Style 1, with 2 stigmas. Fruits more or less distinctly stalked.--Species 15. South Africa (Cape Colony). =Hypodiscus= Nees

Female flowers on a thin stalk or sessile. Styles 2. Fruits sessile.--Species 20. South Africa to Nyasaland. =Hypolaena= R. Br.

6. Outer perianth-segments of the female flowers winged on the keel. 7

Outer perianth-segments not winged. Styles 2-3. 8

7. Style 1. Female spikelets in spikes.--Species 15. South Africa (Cape Colony). =Thamnochortus= Berg

Styles 2-3. Female spikelets solitary or in fascicles.--Species 5. South Africa (Cape Colony). (Under _Thamnochortus_ Berg). =Staberoha= Kunth

8. Female spikelets solitary or in clusters of 2-3 on the top of the stem, 2-5-flowered. Outer perianth-segments larger than the inner. Styles 2.--Species 8. South Africa (Cape Colony). =Cannomois= Beauv.

Female spikelets in spikes or panicles. Outer perianth-segments as large as or smaller than the inner, more rarely larger, but then styles 3. 9

9. Leaf-sheaths persistent. Styles 3.--Species 15. South Africa. =Leptocarpus= R. Br.

Leaf-sheaths deciduous, more rarely persistent, but then styles 2.--Species 30. South Africa. (Including _Lamprocaulos_ Mast.) =Elegia= L.

10. (1.) Leaf-sheaths persistent.--Species 100. South Africa. (Plate 13.) =Restio= L.

Leaf-sheaths, at least the upper ones, deciduous. Spikelets few-flowered. 11

11. Ovary and fruit 2-celled. Female spikelets in short spikes.--Species 1. South Africa (Cape Colony). =Askidiosperma= Steud.

Ovary and fruit 3-celled.--Species 15. South Africa. =Dovea= Kunth

FAMILY 23. MAYACACEAE

Herbs. Leaves alternate, linear, 2-toothed at the apex. Flowers in axillary, 2-3-flowered umbels, regular, hermaphrodite. Perianth consisting of 3 imbricate sepals and 3 imbricate petals. Stamens 3. Anthers opening by a terminal pore. Ovary superior, 1-celled, with 3 parietal placentas. Ovules numerous, straight. Style and stigma simple. Fruit capsular. Embryo at the apex of the mealy albumen.

Genus 1, species 1. Southern West Africa (Angola). =Mayaca= Aubl.

_FLOW. PL. AFR._

_Pl. 13._

J. Fleischmann del.

Restio compressus Rottb.

_A_ Upper part of a plant in flower. _B_ Inflorescence. _C_ Male flower. _D_ Male flower cut lengthwise.]

_FLOW. PL. AFR._

_Pl. 14._

J. Fleischmann del.

Xyris angustifolia De Wild. & Dur.

_A_ Plant in flower. _B_ Flower (the third sepal has fallen off). _C_ Lower part of the flower cut lengthwise.]

FAMILY 24. XYRIDACEAE

Herbs. Leaves radical, linear. Flowers in spikes or heads with an involucre of imbricate bracts, hermaphrodite. Sepals 3, one much larger than the others and deciduous. Petals 3, united below into a tube. Fertile stamens 3, adnate to the petals; staminodes 3. Anthers opening by longitudinal slits. Ovary superior, 1-celled or incompletely 3-celled. Ovules numerous, straight. Style 3-cleft. Fruit capsular. Embryo at the apex of the mealy albumen. (Plate 14.)

Genus 1, species 40. Tropical and South Africa. Some are used in medicine. =Xyris= L.

FAMILY 25. ERIOCAULACEAE

Herbs. Leaves radical, linear. Flowers in heads surrounded by an involucre, very small, monoecious. Perianth membranous, simple or double, rarely in the female flowers none. Stamens 2-6. Anthers 2-celled. Ovary superior, 2-3-celled, with one pendulous ovule in each cell. Styles or style-branches 2-3. Fruit capsular. Embryo small, at the apex of the albumen.--Genera 4, species 80. Tropical and South Africa. (Plate 15.)

1. Stamens 2-3, opposite the petals. Petals of the male flowers united below, without a gland on the inside. Style-branches 6, three of which bear a stigma, rarely 3. [Subfamily =PAEPALANTHOIDEAE=.] 2

Stamens 4-6, very rarely fewer, but then petals free. Petals usually with a gland on the inside near the apex. Style-branches 2-3, without alternating appendages. [Subfamily =ERIOCAULOIDEAE=.] 3

2. Petals of the female flowers united at their middle part.--Species 6. Central and South Africa. (Under _Paepalanthus_ Mart.) =Syngonanthus= Ruhl.

Petals of the female flowers free.--Species 3. West Africa and Mascarene Islands. =Paepalanthus= Mart.

3. Petals united into a tube, but free at the base in the female flowers. Inner involucral bracts more or less spreading. Stamens 6.--Species 8. Tropics. Some are used in medicine. (Plate 15.) =Mesanthemum= Koern.

Petals free or absent. Inner involucral bracts rarely spreading.--Species 60. Tropical and South Africa. =Eriocaulon= L.

SUBORDER BROMELIINEAE

FAMILY 26. RAPATEACEAE

Herbs. Leaves radical, lanceolate. Flowers in heads with 2 large involucral bracts, regular, hermaphrodite. Perianth corolla-like, yellow or whitish, 6-lobed. Stamens 6, inserted in the tube of the perianth. Anthers linear, opening by two terminal pores. Ovary superior, 3-celled, with 1 ascending, inverted ovule in each cell. Style simple. Fruit capsular. Embryo near the apex of the mealy albumen.

Genus 1, species 1. West Africa (Liberia). =Maschalocephalus= Gilg & Schum.

FAMILY 27. BROMELIACEAE

Herbs. Leaves for the most part radical, linear, toothed. Inflorescence terminal, cone-shaped. Flowers regular, hermaphrodite. Perianth consisting of a calyx and a corolla. Petals slightly cohering and bearing two scales at the base. Stamens 6, slightly adhering to the petals. Anthers linear, turned inwards. Ovary inferior or half-inferior, 3-celled, with many axile, inverted ovules. Style 1; stigmas 3. Fruits berry-like, united into a cone-shaped head. Embryo near the base of the mealy albumen.

Genus 1, species 1 (_A. sativus_ Schult., pine-apple). Cultivated and often naturalised in the tropics. The edible fruit and the fibres of the leaves are used. (_Ananassa_ Lindl.) =Ananas= Adans.

SUBORDER COMMELININEAE

FAMILY 28. COMMELINACEAE

Herbs. Leaves alternate. Inflorescence cymose. Flowers hermaphrodite. Perianth-segments 6, more or less distinctly separated into sepals and petals. Fertile stamens 2-6. Ovary superior, 2-3-celled. Ovules straight. Style terminal. Embryo near the apex of the more or less mealy albumen.--Genera 12, species 160. (Plate 16.)

1. Fruit indehiscent, ovate or globular. Ovary 3-celled. Petals free, white, more rarely pale pink or blueish. Inflorescence a panicle without spathe-like bracts. [Tribe POLLIEAE.] 2

Fruit dehiscing loculicidally. 3

2. Pericarp succulent. Margin of the leaves silky. Perfect stamens 3.--Species 10. West Africa and Upper Nile. Some are used as ornamental plants. =Palisota= Reichb.

Pericarp crusty. Margin of the leaves nearly glabrous. Perfect stamens 3 or 6.--Species 5. Tropics. =Pollia= Thunb.

3. Fertile stamens 2-3, sterile ones 0-4, often bearing empty anthers. [Tribe COMMELINEAE.] 4

Fertile stamens 5-6. [Tribe TRADESCANTIEAE.] 7

4. Inflorescence in the axil of spathe-like bracts. 5

Inflorescence without spathe-like bracts. 6

5. Sterile stamens with linear anther-halves cohering at the base. Ovary 2-celled with 1 ovule in each cell. Petals white. Spathes on the elongate branches of a panicle.--Species 1. West Africa. =Polyspatha= Benth.

Sterile stamens with cross-shaped anthers. Ovary usually 3-celled. Petals usually blue.--Species 80. Some have an edible root-stock or yield vegetables, medicaments, or dyeing-materials; others are used as ornamental plants. =Commelina= L.

6. Sepals large, equal, lanceolate, acute. Petals equal. Fruit with 3 equal-sized, many-seeded cells.--Species 1. East Africa. =Anthericopsis= Engl.

_FLOW. PL. AFR._

_Pl. 15._

J. Fleischmann del.

Mesanthemum radicans (Benth.) Koern.

_A_ Plant in flower. _B_ Inflorescence cut lengthwise. _C_ Bract. _D_ Male flower. _E_ Male flower laid open. _F_ Older female flower (from which the sepals have been removed excepting one). _G_ Older female flower laid open (the ovary cut lengthwise).]

_FLOW. PL. AFR._

_Pl. 16._

J. Fleischmann del.

Aneilema beninense Kunth

_A_ Flowering branch. _B_ Flower (the ovary cut lengthwise).]

Sepals small, unequal, ovate or oblong-ovate, obtuse. Petals unequal. Fruit with 2 cells, more rarely with 3, one of which is smaller and 1-2-seeded.--Species 30. Tropical and South Africa. Some are used as ornamental plants. (Plate 16.) =Aneilema= R. Br.

7. Petals united below into a tube, but sometimes free at the base, blueish or reddish. Ovary 3-celled with 1-2 ovules in each cell. 8

Petals free or nearly so. 9

8. Stamens inserted towards the top of the corolla-tube. Petals united from the base.--Species 5. Tropical and South Africa. =Coleotrype= C. B. Clarke

Stamens inserted at the base of the corolla. Petals free at the base.--Species 15. Tropical and South Africa. Some are used as ornamental plants. =Cyanotis= Don