Amphicarpcea monoica. 



question may well be asked, from the evolutionary stand- 

 point, Would these peculiarities be modified or ultimately 

 disappear if continued cultivation under these artificial 

 conditions were persistently carried out? 



With the readiness to change the habits transmitted by 

 inheritance to the various plant parts and to acquire new- 

 ones from the pressure of external conditions, with great 

 possibilities in subterranean seed-production, and the un- 

 failing germination of these seeds, it is not strange that a 

 luxuriant growth of Amphkarpaa greets the visitor to the 

 woods. 



A Review of the Species of Amphicarp.ea. 



Recalling the dimorphism in plants resulting from the 

 germination of the terrestrial and aerial seeds in the green- 

 house, the variation in size, strength, and habit of the indi- 

 viduals growing in the open, and also the variation in the 

 flower production, a consideration of the probable number of 

 species or varieties with which we are dealing, is worthy of 

 our attention. A brief discussion of some of the causes 

 operating to produce such results will now be undertaken. 



One reason why purple flowers do not appear upon plants 

 growing in shaded localities may be due to the non-develop- 

 ment of the upper stem-region and its axillary shoots where 

 these flowers are normally borne. Repeated injuries to the 

 orowine main stem, and even to its successors may be an 

 explanation. Insects, birds and small rodents are fond of 

 the foliage, and the struggles for existence in a wooded spot 

 have doubtless something to do with the low-growing con- 

 dition described. 



Those found upon the outskirts of the woods are taller 

 possibly because receiving more sunlight, but there may be 

 fewer enemies of the classes mentioned. 



Amphicarptea is rarely found as an isolated specimen ; it 

 seems incapable of developing except among other plants. 

 If no suitable support be available, several adjacent indi- 

 viduals will form a coil by the union of their steins. 



