646 



A STATISTICAL NOTE ON VARIATIONS IN THE 

 FLOWERS OF ANGUILLARIA DWICA, R. Br. 



By C. T. Musson, F.L.S. 



(Abstract.) 



As is well known, Anguillaria dioica, R. Br. (N.O. Liliacece), 

 is widely distributed in extra-tropical Australia and Tasmania, 

 and occurs under three forms: with male flowers only, with female 

 flowers only, and in a polygamous condition (with male and 

 hermaphrodite flowers). But whether or no all three forms occur 

 too-ether throughout the area of distribution, and if so in approxi- 

 mately what relative numerical proportions are matters not 

 ascertainable from present records. In the hope of stimulating 

 enquiry, the following results of an examination of 1000 plants 

 o-athered as they came to hand in a paddock at Richmond during 

 each of the last two flowering seasons were noted, as follows : — 



1897. ^ 510; 2 464; polygamous (^ and hermaphrodite) 26. 

 *1898. (J 597; $ 383; polygamous {^ and hermaphrodite) 20. 

 Some important meteorological difierences in the two seasons were 

 noted, as well as instances of variation in the numbers of flowers, 

 stamens, perianth segments, and carpels, met with. From the 

 above data it would appear that in the locality mentioned the 

 tendency towards the condition of dicecism has reached an 

 advanced stage ; and it would be of interest to know more of the 

 condition of things obtaining in West Australia and Tasmania, 

 as well as in less remote locaHties. Before publishing further 

 details, however, the wi'iter wishes to incorporate the results of 

 a third season's experience. 



*A supplementary lot of 1428 plants examined a week later comprised:— 

 c? 875; $ 516; polygamous (J" and hermaphrodite) 37; or reduced to pro- 

 portions of 1000, about : 3" 613; ? 361 ; polygamous (^ and hermaphro- 

 dite) 26. 



