354 r^^ Philippine Journal of Science 1913 
some forms with nearly glabrous adult leaves it is difficult to decide whether 
they should be referred here, or to Astronia rolfei as I have interpreted it. 
I agree with Mr. Elmer that, from the descriptions alone, it is difficult to 
determine the real differences between Astronia rolfei and A. cumingiana. 
/ 
24. ASTRONIA PIPERI sp. nov. 
Arbor circiter 15 m alta, ramulis petiolis inflorescentiisque 
densissime f errugineo-Iepidotis ; foliis oblongo-ellipticis, subcoria- 
ceis, usque ad 18 cm longis, utrinque subaequaliter angustatis, 
basi acutis, 3-nerviis, apice breviter obtuse acuminatis, in siccitate 
supra glabris, virldis, subtus minute pallide lepidotis, nerviis 
nervulisque brunneo-lepidotis; floribus ^ 5-meris, numerosis, 
calycibus 2.5 mm diametro, 5-dentatis, cupulatis. 
A tree about 15 m high, the trunk about 15 cm in diameter, 
the younger branchlets, petioles, inflorescence, and the nerves and 
nervules on the lower surface of the leaves densely ferruginous- 
lepidote or dark brown-lepidote, the nerves and nervules in sharp 
contrast to the pale-lepidote lower surface of the leaves. Leaves 
oblong-elliptic, 9 to 18 cm long, 4 to 7 cm wide, firmly chartaceous 
or subcoriaceous, about equally narrowed to the acute or obscurely 
rounded base and to the shortly acuminate apex, when dry the 
upper surface green, glabrous, shining, the lower pale, densely 
lepidote, the indumentum persistent, in rather sharp contrast to 
the dark brown-lepidote midrib, primary nerves, and to a less 
degree the transverse nervules of which there are about 25 pairs 
between the midrib and the longitudinal nerves; nerves promi- 
nent, leaving the very base of the leaf and extending to the apex, a 
very faint additional, submarginal, somewhat arched pair also 
usually present; petioles 1.5 to 3 cm long. Panicles terminal, 
subcorymbose, very densely dark brown-lepidote, 5 to 8 cm long, 
about as wide, many-flowered, the flowers somewhat crowded at 
the ends of the branchlets. Male flowers 5-merous, their pedicels 
1 to 1.5 cm long, densely lepidote as are the cup-shaped calyces 
which are 5-toothed, about 2.5 mm in diameter. Petals very 
broadly elliptic-ovate, 2 mm long. Stamens 10. Ovary entirely 
wanting. 
Leyte, Dagami, C. M, Wenzel 222 (type), June 21, 1913, in forests, 
the flowers white, pink, and yellow. Mindanao, Province of Surigao, 
Hinatuan, C. V. Piper 495, May, 1911. POLILLO, Bur. Set. 9270 Robinson, 
Au^st, 1909. 
A species manifestly allied to Astronia cumingiana Vid., A. rolfei Vid., 
etc., but distinguishable in general by its dark brown-lepidote, not pale, 
indumentum on its branchlets, petioles, inflorescences, nerves and nervules 
on the lower surfaces of the leaves. The one striking character by which 
