III.] 



MALPIGHIA CEAL. 



179 



filaments, and the minute teeth projecting in the intervals 

 between the filaments indicating a second series of unde- 

 veloped stamens. In Erythroxylo7i^ an allied genus, there 

 are ten perfect stamens without any rudimentary ones. 

 Observe, also, the spuriously six-celled ovary of the type, 

 resulting from each of the three cells becoming divided into 

 two by the infolding of the dorsal suture of each carpel. 

 Compare, under the microscope, the fibre of Flax with 

 Cotton. Flax consists of long, thick-walled liber-cells, 

 resembling jointed cylindrical rods. Fibres of linen from 

 mummy-cloth of Egypt may also be compared with cloth 

 from the Peruvian tombs, which is made of cotton. 



In the genus Flax, as in several others belonging to widely 

 different Families, a dimorphous condition of the essential 

 organs has been observed, consisting in differing relative 

 lengths and position of the anthers and stigmas in different 

 flowers. The object of this dimorphism Mr. Darwin has 

 shown to be to secure fertilisation by the pollen of distinct 

 flowers of the same species (see Journal of the Linnean 

 Society of London, Botany, vol. vii. p. 69). 



22. Natural Order, Malpighiacece, — The Malpighia Family. 

 Climbing shrubs with opposite, entire leaves. Stamens 

 ten. Ovary three-lobed. Carpels winged when ripe. 

 Type — Hiptage Madablota. 



N 2 



