129 



the natural relations of the families in the Monocotyledons, the families must 

 be observed according to the dynamic view and should be grouped according 

 to every possible method. ENGLER'S system of the Monocotyledons shows but 

 partial relations of consecutive families. He gives as groups showing incon- 

 stancy of floral elements the Paudauales, Helobioe and Glumiflorse. As far as I 

 can judge, the Pandanales and Helobiae have indefinite numbers in floral elements, 

 but the Gluiniflorse have numbers various but constant to each of the genera 

 of the series. The 'serial arrangement shown in his system, (e.g. the Paudanales, 

 Helobire and then Glmniflorte), shows but partial relations in several different 

 respects ; it does not present to view the real relations in all directions. The 

 first series is not only related to the next tv> T o, but also to many other series. 

 Further he says 15 : 



Dass unter diesen die Pandanales wegen vorlierrsclaender Nachtbltitigkeit und 

 wegen groBer Unbestimmtheit in der ZaH der bisweilen cinch nock spiralig angeord- 

 neten Staubbliitter die niederste Stufe einnehmen, ist siclier. Ob nun die Glumiflora; 

 oder die Ilelobice folgen sollen, ist schwer zu entsckeiden. 



It is true, indeed, that the Pandauales seern to have such a definite position, 

 when regard is paid to their naked flowers. But in other respect, the series 

 is somewhat connected with the Principes'- 1 , as can be seen in the analogy 

 between the Pandanaceae and the Paluiae (Phytelephas and N-ipa). It bears 

 also some resemblance to the Araceee of the Spathiflorae. Moreover, it is more 

 or less allied to the Synanthse, when the Cyclanthacese' in their floral structure 

 approach Freycinetia of the Paudanaceae (II.-3, p. 98). The real relations of 

 the Pandanales should, therefore, be observed according to the dynamic view. 

 In the above quotations, he refers to the difficulty of determining which of 

 the Glumiflorse and Helobiae should take precedence. But, in my opinion, 

 such a question is without significance. One series will precede another in one 

 respect, but will follow it in another respect. Thus only can we understand 

 their natural relations as manifested in all views. 

 As to the Helobise" , he says as follows : 



1) ENGLER, A. Erlliiterungen, 1. c. p. 360. 



2) Nat. Pfl.-fani. II 1, p. 190, and II. 3, p. 23. 



3) Nat. Pfl.-fam. II. 3, p. 98. 4) Nat. Pfl.-fam. II. 3, p. 98. 

 5) ENOLEK, A. Erliiuterungen, 1. c. p. 360. 



