290 AFRICAN SPECIES OF AMOMUM. 



leaves^ flowers, and fruits, affords no character whatever : this fact I 

 was familiar with, from having observed what occurs in India in the 

 congeners of the African species, and in allied plants ; and I was 

 very glad to have my opinion confirmed by Dr. Daniell, who informs 

 me that there are no limits to the variations in stature and luxuriance 

 of the species. Generally speaking, the specimens from southern loca- 

 lities and from the hills are much the smallest ; but the size of the 

 largest fruit varies in individual specimens, to twice and even thrice 

 that of the smallest ; their shape varies also greatly, but within certain 

 limits. Generally speaking, the form of the spathaceous calyx and of 

 the segments of the perianth is tolerably constant ; but the processes 

 at the base of the filaments vary considerably, as does the expanded top 

 of the anthers, which, in different specimens of ^. Granum-Paradisi^ is 

 either lobed or notched, or entire or bifid. The foliage affords better 

 characters than is generally supposed, there being great and constant 

 differences in the length of the narrowed base of the blade, and its equal 

 or unequal sides, whilst the cordate base of the leaves of A, longiscapum 

 is a very striking character. 



Immature seeds are often pale and silvery, or lead-brown, while the 

 old ones are plump and shining. The seeds of all are tolerably con- 

 stant in form and surface, but not in colour, nor in the size or promi- 

 nence of the usually projecting parts surrounding the micropyle. How 

 far the taste of the seeds affords in all cases a trustworthy character, 

 admits of doubt. I can perceive very marked but unimportant dif- 

 ferences in the amount of aroma and of pungency in the seeds of A. Me- 

 legiieta^ but it is not possible to say whether these differences arise 

 from the flavour having never been developed, or from its being lost by 

 bad drying, or by exposure or moisture. Every one accustomed to test 

 the aroma and taste of wild or cultivated plants in their living state, is 

 aware how variable all species are in these respects, and that this is not 

 the exception, but the rule \ it is so with the cultivated Nutmeg, Ginger, 

 Clove, Cardamom, Tobacco, etc, etc. ; and to an equal or greater 

 degree with the wild UrnbelUferce and Compomtce that yield resinous and 

 aromatic secretions ; and it is to be remarked that not only do indivi- 

 dual species vary iu different localities, but that the same individual is 

 dependent on the distribution of heat, cold, and moisture, in all its 

 annually varying relative proportions. This fact cannot be too strongly 

 pressed upon the attention of the pharmacist at home, who is apt to 



