250 DR E. r. PHILLIPS 



Several such interesting examples will no doubt be 

 met with in our flora when the subject of seed-dispersal 

 receives more attention. 



In studying the various adaptations met with in 

 j)lants for the dispersal of seeds we cannot help noticing 

 other facts which are of considerable interest. For in- 

 stance in seeds and fruits which develop structures as a 

 means to wind distribution, bright colours are rarely 

 met with but they are usualh^ dull green or brown. Also 

 we often find that the same organ may serve two or more 

 very different purposes. In species of Poly gala the side 

 sepals are brightly coloured and serve to attract pol- 

 linating insects, but in the fruit they lose the bright 

 colour and then serve as wings for wind dispersal. The 

 same dual purpose is seen in species of Domheya, but 

 here the petals after serving one function fade and are 

 eventually utilised by the plant as a means of distribut- 

 ing its seeds by wind agency. Other cases w^hich may 

 be cited are Leucadendron argenteiim (Silver tree) where 

 the perianth, style, and stigma co-operate to form a 

 mechanism for wind distribution; Clenmtis hrachiata 

 in which the feathery styles take part. 



This short sketch is a very brief and general outline 

 of some of the methods found in the South African flora 

 for seed distribution. A detailed account of the 

 mechanism found in any one plant or allied group of 

 plants would possibly supply sufficient material for a 

 separate i)aper, and it is hoped that such accounts will 

 be forthcoming from Members in the future, and that 

 the present article will be a stimulus to the further study 

 of the subject. 



My thanks are due to Miss S. I. Gower, of the Division 

 of Botany, who prepared the accompanying plates. 



EXPLAXATIOX OF FIGURES. 



Plate II. 



1. Cardiospernnon halicacahinn (seed attached to 

 ^icptum). 



