234 GNETACE^. [Gymnogens. 



The opening through its apex is distinct, and its direction vertical. _ The second 

 envelope continues unchanged. The tubular prolongation of the additional or third 

 envelope now projects tlii-ough the openings in the original coats to a considerable 

 distance. The mouth of the tube is also rather dilated, and the fringes of its margin 

 spread out ii-regularly and to various extents. The whole of the tubular prolongation 

 has become tinged with brown, in some cases approaching to black. It is to this stage 

 or period that tlie descriptions of those authors who attribute a style and stigma to this 

 genus apparently refer. Both Dr. Brown and Professor Luidley must hkewise advert 

 to this period when they state the nucleus to be surrounded with three envelopes." 



There can be no doubt, then, that in reahty Gnetum is as truly naked-seeded as Coni- 

 fei's themselves. 



Independently of the singular organisation of its oxTile, the genus Gnetum is 

 remarkable for some other peculiarities. Its seed, which resembles a drupe, has within 

 the outer fleshy integument, a layer of needle-like woody tissue of a very remarkable 

 natux'e, freely separating when distiu'bed, and looking much like the hairs of Cowhage. 

 The embryo, according to Mr. Griffith, is attached to an " enormously long tortuous 

 and spu'ally but u-regularly twisted cellular ftmiculus, the cells of which are much 

 elongated and twisted. Its length varies, when moderately pulled out, from 3^ to 5 

 inches, the whole length of the seed being about an inch. Tliis funicle, as well as the 

 extremely similar one of Cycas, has the property of contractmg when immersed m 

 water." — ^il/*S'*S^. p. 15. Although belonging to the same category as Conifers and Taxads, 

 the Joint Fii*s are very distinctly separated fi'om them ; for they have a calyx for the 

 male flowers, and then* anthers burst by pores, not longitudinally, to say nothing of the 

 peculiarities of the ovule. 



Natives of the temperate parts of Europe, Asia, and South America, and m the case 

 of Gnetum, of the hottest parts of India and Guiana. 



The interior of the pericarp of Gnetum m'ens is lined ^\'ith stinging hairs ; the seeds 

 are eaten ; the stem exudes a transparent gum, and when cut across yields an abmidance 

 of clear transparent tasteless water, which may be drank. — A ubl. In Amboyna the 

 seeds of Gnetum Gnemon are eaten roasted, boiled, or fried, and the green leaves fonn 

 a favourite vegetable m lieu of Spinach ; they are, howevei', very tasteless. — Rumjih. 

 The branches and flowers (Amenta Uvse maritimse. Off.) of the Asiatic Ephedras were 

 formerly kept in the shops as styptics. The fruit is said to be mucilaginous, eatable, 

 sub-acid, and sUghtly pungent. 



GENERA, 

 Ephedra, Linn. 

 Gnetum, Linri. 



Thoa, Aubl. 



Gnemon, Rumph. 



Ula, Rheede. 



Numbers. Gen. 2. Sp. 15. 



Chloranthacea. 

 Position. — Puiaceae. — Gnetace^. — Taxacese. 

 Casuarinacece. 



