242 M. Duchartre on the Organogeny of the Malvaceae. 



stamens, consequently represented in the first case by a single 

 one ; and alternating with these systems of stamens in a circle a 

 little more internally situated,, an equal number of lobes or teeth, 

 which according to the laws of position should represent the row 

 of normal stamens, — ^that which should alternate with these same 

 petals. In the true Malvacece we find a large number of sta- 

 mens cohering inferiorly into a single hollow column, which en- 

 velopes the pistil ; but notwithstanding the apparent confusion 

 resulting from their multiplicity, it is not difficult to perceive, in 

 many cases, that this collection of stamens is divided into five 

 groups, which are opposite to the petals ; and even where it is 

 difficult to prove this distinction, it is indicated by the existence 

 of double vascular bundles, which, arising from the base of the 

 petal, follow the column to its summit, where it divides into a 

 large number of antheriferous filaments. Frequently the column 

 within and above these threads is divided at the summit into five 

 more internal teeth alternating with these vascular bundles, and 

 these more or less distinct groups of stamens ; these teeth are 

 incontestably analogous to those described in many of the Bytt- 

 neriacece. Finally, in the centre of the flower we find a pistil 

 composed of five more or less intimately combined carpels ; but 

 at other times the carpels are more than five, and even become very 

 numerous, and either still arranged in a circle or situated at un- 

 equal heights, so as to form together a kind of capitulum. Does 

 each of these carpels then represent a carpellary leaf ? or is each 

 of these five carpellary leaves doubled so as to simulate several ? 

 Their arrangement in five distinct systems can hardly leave a 

 doubt on this point in Kitaibelia; but in Malope, and others 

 of the same group, an apparent confusion results from the un- 

 equal or completely arrested developments of a certain number 

 of carpels. 



In tracing these parts from their first appearance, we should 

 expect a decided answer to these questions ; this is what M. Du- 

 chartre has proposed in the memoir before us, and which it re- 

 mains for us to analyse. 



The calyx, which at a later period becomes monophyllous with 

 five divisions, appears at first in the form of a continuous rim, 

 surrounding the" central mass of the flower, bounded by a large 

 convex tubercle having no distinction of parts. This border soon 

 sends off five small festoons, which correspond to the five sepals 

 thus united at the base from the commencement. The author 

 insists upon this mode of formation, which he has found in the 

 envelopes of all those flowers having a monophyllous calyx or 

 corolla, the development of which he has had an opportunity of 

 studying. The petals and stamens may be subsequently distin- 

 guished and are simultaneously developed, so that it is well to 



