203 
n connection with the study of the species Mr. L. A. Boodle 
very kindly undertook a careful examination of the anatomy of this 
somewhat singular plant and has supplied the following note :— 
“The anatomical structure of the stem and leaf of Androstachys 
Johnsonii was examined in order to see what indications it would 
ive with regard to systematic position. Among the anatomical 
characters of this species are the following :—sclerenchymatous 
fibres are present in the mesophyll of the leaf; in the stem there 
is a special hypoderm of about three layers of cells having thick 
walls which finally become lignified ; the periderm arises just below 
the hypoderm, 7.c., in about the fourth layer below the epidermis ; 
there is a continuous ring composed of fibres and sclerotic cells in 
the pericycle.” 
All these are characters that do not favour affinity with the 
Buzaceae, while all of them are characters that are quite satisfactory 
for an Euphorbiaceous species. A microscopic examination of the 
stamen and seed respectively showed that there is no articulation 
of the filament and that the raphe is certainly ventral. 
Mr. W. H. Johnson has further very kindly supplied the following 
note with regard to the “ Zimbiti Timber Tree.” : 
“ Although abundant in the low country of the Manica and 
Sofala Territories the Zimbiti tree only appears to flourish on the 
banks of streams or adjacent thereto, and in such situations 90 per 
cent. of the arborescent vegetation is composed of it. any 0 
trees is frequently 6 feet in circumference and. unbranched up to a 
height of 40 feet. The bark is flaky and silvery grey In colour i 
this, together with the white downy coating on the under surface 0 
the leaves and young leaf-buds and the characteristically poplar- 
like habit of the tree, render it a most conspicuous object, even at 
comparatively long distances. 
13192 A 2 
