2-30 Class XII 1. Order VI. 



of concentric sheaths, each of which contains a single miniature 

 leaf between it and the next interior sheath, which is folded up 

 and bent down upon one side of it. In the spring the sheaths 

 swell to a large size before bursting, and then liberate the leaves 

 one at a time, the remains of each sheath becoming converted 

 into a stipule. The leaves are divided into four pointed lobes, 

 and terminated by a shallow notch, the extremity being nearly 

 square, and the middle rib ending abruptly as if cut off. In the 

 large leaves the two lower lobes are furnished with a tooth or 

 additional lobe on their outside. They are attached by long 

 peduncles, and have a beautifully smooth and bright green sur- 

 face. There is one variety of this tree which has the lobes of 

 its leaves not pointed, but very obtuse. The flowers are large, 

 solitary, and terminal. The outer calyx has two triangular 

 leaves which fall off as the flower expands. The inner calyx 

 consists of three large, oval, concave, veined leaves, of a pale 

 green colour, spreading at first, but afterwards reflexed. Petals 

 six, sometimes more, obtuse, veined, concave, of a pale yellow- 

 ish green, marked with an irregular, indented crescent of bright 

 orange, on both sides towards the base. Stamens numerous, 

 with long linear anthers opening outwardly, and short filaments. 

 Pistil a large conical, acute body, its upper half covered with 

 minute, blackish, recurved stigmas ; its lower furrowed, being a 

 mass of coalescing styles and germs. The fruit is a cone of im- 

 bricated seed vessels, which are woody and solid, their upper 

 portion formed by a long lanceolate scale. Seeds two, blackish, 

 ovate, one or both often abortive. Cultivated about Boston for 

 ornament, and found native in the southern parts of Massachu- 

 setts and in Connecticut. June. The bark is aromatic. 



