296 Dr. Fauconer on Gamoplexis. 
on parasitical plants, affirms that no true instance of parasitical growth occurs 
among the Monocotyledones. 
I have described the ovarium as consisting of six pieces, such being the 
apparent condition of the organ, without reference to any theoretical views 
regarding its numerical composition. Ordinarily, in the Orchidee the pla- 
centiferous portions of the valves are brought more or less into apposition by 
their margins, which are overlapped by the coste. In Gamoplexis the costal 
segments do not overlap, but are interposed between the placentiferous pieces, 
and in form they differ from the latter only in being narrower, and this in a 
less degree tban is usual in the order. 
B Lindley, the latest systematic writer on the Orchidew, comprises the 
genera allied to Gastrodia in a section of the tribe Arethusew ; but the cha- 
racters of the pollen-masses composed of largish angular lobules, and the 
basal stigma, together with the habit, seem sufficient to entitle them to the 
rank of a distinct tribe, as first suggested by Mr. R. Brown in his * Prodro- 
mus. The Zrethusec, as now constituted by Dr. Lindley, appear to include 
a very heterogeneous assemblage of genera. 
EXPLANATION OF TAB. XIII. 
Fig. 1. A plant of Gamoplezis orobanchoides, reduced to half its natal size. 
Fig. 2. A flower of the same. 
Fig. 3. The tube of the perianthium slit open, and showing, a. the labellum ; 4.4. the lateral 
segments of the inner series; and c. c.c. the three segments of the outer series ; 
all cohering. 
Fig. 4. The column seen on its labellar face, showing the stigma and fallen pollen-grains. 
Fig. 5. The column, seen laterally. 
