134 3I0NADELPHIA PENTANDRTA. ModeCCtt. 



2. M. tiiherosa. R. 



Leaves three, rarely five-lobed ; lobes siib-lanceolar, apex 

 of the petioles with two glands and one (or an eye) under 

 each sinus. Capsules olobular. 



Modecca. Rkeed. Mai. viii. t. 20. 



A most extensive, perennial, climbing- plant, with large, fu- 

 siform root, a considera])le portion of which is above ground, 

 tapering' from the surface of the earth, into the stem, which in 

 a few years becomes ligneous; yovnrjer shoots cylindric and 

 smooth. From Cochin it was introduced by Mr. M. Brown 

 into the Botanic garden at Calcutta, where it blossoms dur- 

 ing* the rainy season. 



Leaves alternate, petioled, when the plants are very young 

 simply cordate, often from three to five-lobed (palmate,) but 

 three is by far the most common ; lobes entire, sub-lanceolate, 

 smooth, rather acuminate ; general size from six to eight 

 inches each way. Glands, a large yellow one under each sinus 

 and two on the base where it joins the petiole. Petioles consi- 

 derably shorter than the leaves ; base enlarged into a horn- 

 shaped process on each side, this portion is permanent. Sti- 

 pules none. Tendrils springing from the inside of the large 

 permanent base of the petioles, m hen not floriferous, simple. 

 Flotcers pretty large, short-pedicelled, and generally from 

 a small dichotomous corymb on the middle of the tendril. 

 Calyx one-leaved, coloured, greenish yellow, of a short, sub- 

 campanulate form, with a short five-parted border. Petals 

 five, linear; the upper /*«//' ciliate, inserted on the tube of the 

 calyx, near its bottom, the whole hid within it. Nectarial 

 scales five, alternate with the petals, vaulted, and serving- to 

 confine the five anthers. Filaments five, their base united 

 into a ring round the base of the pedicel of the germ, and 

 about as long as its pedicels, recurved. Anthers small, 

 roundish. I suspect there are male flowers which I have 

 not yet seen, with more perfect anthers. Germ superior, 

 short-pedicelled, oval, one-celled; oi;?//a numerous, attach- 

 ed to three vertical, parietal receptacles. Styles three, re- 



