GYMNOSTACHYS (from gymnos, naked, and stachys, a spike; in reference to the leafless scapes). ORD. Aroideae (Araceae). A monotypic genus. The species is a pretty greenhouse perennial herb. It thrives in a compost of peat and loam. Propagated by suckers and by divisions. GYMNOSTACHYS anceps (two-edged). fl. white, small, sessile, but not closely packed; perianth segments or scales obovate, truncate, not exceeding the ovary; scapes nearly as tall as the leaves, much flattened, with acute, smooth, or serrulate-scabrous edges. June. l., radical ones erect, rather rigid, strongly nerved, 1ft. to 3ft. long. Roots tuberous, fusiform. Australia, 1820.