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XXXV. On some new Brazilian Plants alligd to the Natural Order 
Burmanniaceæ. By JohN Miers, Esq., F. L. S. 
Read March 3rd and 17th, 1840. 
* 
I VENTURE to present to the notice of the Linnean Society the following 
observations on some new and interesting plants found by me in Brazil, and 
bearing a close affinity to Burmannia. They appear to constitute the types 
of new genera; and though at first sight they would seem to belong to 
Burmanniaceæ, Y think it will be admitted that the differences they present 
entitle them to be considered as forming, if not a new natural order, at least a 
very distinct subfamily. We are already indebted to the learned Dr. Von Mar- 
tius for a knowledge of several Burmannias indigenous to Brazil. In his Nova 
Genera et Species Plantarum Brasiliensium not only are the characters of the 
genus Burmannia ably detailed, but five Brazilian species, which he met with 
in the interior provinces, are there fully described. The same genus has also 
been met with in North America, two species having been found to which the 
name of Tripterella was given by Michaux. Seven other species have likewise 
been found in Africa, India, and New Holland. "These are all the plants, as 
far as I can learn, that correspond with the character hitherto given of Bur- 
manniacee, The North American plant described by Mr. Nuttall under the 
name of Apteria setacea, as well as two new species discovered by Dr. Blume 
in Java and called by him Gonyanthes candida and Gymnosiphon aphyllum, 
will be hereafter mentioned. 
I have had no opportunity of examining any species of Burmannia, except 
B. bicolor, Mart., which was first discovered in 1818 by Dr. Von Martius in the 
province of Minas Geraés. Mr. Gardner also found the same species in 1837 in 
his ascent to the higher portions of the Organ Mountain-range in the province 
of Rio de Janeiro; and to him I am indebted for a specimen which has 
enabled me to comprehend more correctly the relation which my plants bear 
