CRUCIFER^. 15 



towards the end, and in shape from polygonal close to 

 the base (like a pair of large stipules) to ovate at the 

 outer end, lobed and spiny. Flowers in dense, erect, 

 racemes or spikes, 5 to 7 inches long. Bracts triangular- 

 acute, conspicuous. Sepals six or seven, the three inner 

 larger and spreading. Petals six, erect, roundish, 

 notched. Stamens six ; anthers broad. Stigma large, 

 round. Fruit globular, the size of a pea ; containing 

 four or five seeds attached rather to one side of the 

 base; stalk slender, t. 12. Wight Sp. Nilg. t. 8, Ic. 

 t. 940. 



Distinguished from the Himalayan M. nepalensis, Spr. by the more 

 globular fruit and slenderer pedicels. 



On the outskirts of sholas, at high elevations very common. 

 Nilgiris : Ootacamund, Pykara. Pulneys : Kodaikanal downs. 

 Fyson 2602. Bourne 309. 



The arrangements for cross-fertilization appear to be the 

 same in both species and exactly as in the common Barberry of 

 England. Honey is secreted by nectaries at the base of the 

 stamens, and is partially protected from rain by the concave 

 petals in the ordinarily half-drooping position of the flower. 

 The stamens are very sensitive, and when an insect probing 

 the base of the flower for honey touches them the filaments 

 move inwards so that the insect's head or proboscis is touched 

 by the anthers and carries away pollen to another flower. 

 The stigma being large and round cannot fail to receive 

 pollen if the insect visits a flower with the side that is dusted 

 with pollen inwards. Self-fertilization will occur, if pollination 

 be not previously effected, by the stamens moving in when the 

 flower fades. The flowers are thus adapted to the visits of 

 short-tongued insects (beetles and bees). 



The distribution of the seeds is by animals attracted by the 

 sweet flesh of the berries, which as in so many other cases suff'er 

 a distinct change in colour as they ripen. Birds are probably 

 the chief agents. 



CRUCIFER/E. F.B.1. 10. 



One of the largest and most useful families in regions 

 of temperate climate, the CRUCIFER/E have but few 



