latter, Griffith (Notule Pl. iii. p. 230) has correctly shown 
to be due to the coalition at a very early period of the 
two posticous sepals; and he attributes the monandrous 
andreecium to the suppression of the two posticous stamens, 
not considering the two lateral perianth segments to be 
staminodes, on account of their appearing to belong to a 
different series from the stamens. In our species, however, 
there is a very obscure connexion between the bases of these 
two segments and the filament, which favours the view of 
their staminal origin, though they may belong to an outer 
series of stamens, whilst the solitary developed one belongs 
to an inner series. 
The affinity of Philydree has been disputed. Brown 
regarded them as having affinities with Orchidee@ and Bur- 
manniacee ; Kndlicher places them between Melanthacee and 
Juncee ; and Lindley refers them to his alliance Xyridales, 
which also includes Commelynacee, Meyaceea, and Xyridacee, 
a position which appears to be the most natural. 
Descr. A tufted herb, three feet high, quite glabrous 
throughout. Leaves equitant, ensiform, acuminate, two 
feet long, one inch broad, dull green, coriaceous, margin 
perfectly entire, midrib prominent; nerves very oblique, 
few, with transverse venules; sheaths with scarious edges. 
Flowering-stem exceeding the leaves, terete, leafy. Panicle 
erect, with erect branches, a foot long, its branches, flowers, 
and upper bracts white; lower bracts ensiform, two inches 
long, green; upper ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, one quarter 
to half an inch long. Flowers sessile, three-quarters of an 
inch broad in their longest (vertical) diameter. Outer Peranth- 
segments oblong, ovate, obtuse, or apiculate, recurved, white ; 
inner much smaller, also recurved and obtuse. S/amens 
slightly curved, filaments very short and stout. Anthers 
oblong, obtuse, with parallel contiguous cells, connective 
orange-red at the back. Ovary curved, unequally 3-lobed 
and 3-celled, quite glabrous; style slender, and stigma 
minute.—/J. D. H. 
Fig. 1, Flower and bract ; 2, front view of flower; 3, stamens; 4, ovary; 
5, vertical section of do, :—all magnified, 
