(an old Greek name). Gramineae. Tall, broad-leaved, branched grasses with bead-like inflorescence, one of them grown in gardens.

Plant loose-growing: at the end of each peduncle is an indurated, globular, or oval, hollow bead, developed from a If . - sheath; from an orifice at the tip projects the staminate spike: pistillate flowers inclosed in the bead, the styles projecting. - Species about 3, E. Indies, the following widely distributed in all tropical countries.

Lacryma-J6bi, Linn. Job's Tears. Fig. 1025. Annual, 2-4 ft.: the beads or "tears," pearly white to lead-color, containing the seed, are about 1/2in. long. Dept. Agric, Div. Agrost., 20:14. - Cult, for ornament and as a curiosity. The hard bony fruits are used as beads and made into necklaces, to which are attributed marvelous properties. variety aurea zebrina, has yellow-striped blades. A. S. Hitchcock.

Fig. 1025. Coix Lacryma-Jobi. X 1/2) a. Blooming in spring: Ivs. appearing with the flowers