Ls 
421 
Segments of the perianth 6, in 2 series, the inner and outer 
nearly equal, commonly larger than the stamens. Stamens 6 or 
more; anthers introrse, basifixed, 2-celled, the cells separated by 
avery narrow septum, appearing I-celled when open; filaments 
free, attached to the base of the perianth. Staminate flowers 
without the rudiment of an ovary.  Pistillate flowers usually 
smaller than the staminate, with 3 or more abortive stamens, 
termed staminodia by some ; ovary 3-celled, each cell 1-2-ovuled; 
style very short or none; stigmas rather thick, recurved. Fruit 
baccate, globular or ovoid, 1~6-seeded, red or bluish-black when 
ripe. In structure the berry is very peculiar. Taking that of S. 
rotundifolia, a common northern species, by way of illustration, 
We find externally a thin, shining coat, separable from the inner 
parts. Beneath this lies a thin reddish pulp, through which three 
strengthening bands or ribs run from the base to the apex, unit- 
ing with each other like hoops. That these ribs are not intended 
to separate the cells is shown in the fact that they run across the 
backs of the seeds along the middle, and not along the dividing 
lines of the cells. They serve to impart firmness to the softer 
Parts of the berry and to support the exterior coat. Just below 
the pulp, but separate from it, lie from one to several hyaline elas- 
tic sacs, one enclosing each seed, appearing like so many cells, 
These sacs are rubber-like, and so elastic that they may be 
Stretched many times their length without breaking. According 
to a Texas correspondent of Mr. E. E. Sterns* this curious prop- 
erty is so noticeable in S. Bona-nox that it has led to the popular 
name “ Stretchberry,” by which that species is there known. It 
vhas been much disputed whether these sacs are in the nature of 
a test or an aril.+ That they are no part of the proper perianth, 
but adjuncts of the seeds, seems plain enough, but so far as I can 
See, they are neither aril nor test, but simply seed envelopes, 
although it may be hard to say what purpose they subserve in the 
€conomy of the plant. Beneath the sacs, between them and the 
Seeds, is another pulpy mass, which is attached to the hilum, cov- 
eo uae arene eee ea 
* Bull. Torr. Club, 25: 162. : 
+ Mr. Sterns in the article referred to has discussed the subject in a fresh and ori 
ginal way. He inclines to the opinion that the sacs here spoken of are to be consid- 
red as test and notas aril, 
