with very oblique nerves. Spikes aggregate, terminal, and subter- 

 mmal, deeply four-angled from the opposite closely placed and im- 

 bricated bracteas of the richest purple colour. Each of these is spa- 

 tulate, membranous, carinate, acute; and within it are two which 

 are smaller and narrower, one on each side the solitary sessile 

 flower. Calyx small, of five deep, almost subulate, rather unequal, 

 erect segments. Corolla a good deal protruded beyond the bracts, 

 purplish-blue, tubular, two-lipped ; upper lip straight and narrow, 

 two-lobed at the apex, lower one broader, bent down and three- 

 lobed at the apex. Stamens two, as long as the corolla. Anther* 

 cells two, divaricated yet partially parallel. Ovary ovate, with 

 its base sunk in a fleshy cup. Style as long as the corolla. 

 btigma obtuse. Fruit concealed by the large persistent bracteas, 

 unguiculate, two-celled, two-valved. Each cell contains two flat- 

 tened nearly orbicular seeds, supported by a curved process or 

 retinaculum. 



'i ¥ \ g \l' CalyX ( includin g the P istil ) with side bracts. 2. Corolla laid open. 

 <5. Anther. 4. Germen and hypogynous cup : — magnified. 



