56 WRIGHT : THE GENUS DIOSPYROS 



structure of the cotyledon, hypocotyl, and primary root. At 

 a later date* a further contribution was made on the same 

 subject, and in it a very great significance was alleged for 

 seedling characters. Though the examination was mainly 

 with seedlings of the Liliaceae and Ranunculaceae, the evidence 

 seemed sufficient to justify the publication of a theory of the 

 origin of monocotyledons founded primarily on the structure 

 of their seedlings. This theory was again discussed at the 

 British Association meeting, September, 1903. Fritsch,f in 

 a general discussion on the value of anatomical characters, 

 states that though seedlings may present a very uniform type 

 of structure throughout large groups, the anatomy of the 

 seedling may be expected to indicate affinities more clearly 

 than that of any other part of the plant. 



The length of the hypocotyl and primary epicotyledonary 

 axis, the phyllotaxy, and general morphology of the first 

 formed leaves, together with the persistence or dropping of 

 the cotyledons, provide ample material for the recognition of 

 most Ceylon species of Diospyros. In addition to these 

 characters we have to consider the number of traces per 

 cotyledon, and the behaviour of the epicotyledonary and 

 cotyledonary traces in the hypocotyl and primary root ; these 

 in themselves afford facts sufficient to allow one to construct 

 a useful artificial key for the identification of Ceylon 

 species. 



Germination. The time taken for germination varies 

 according to the condition of the seeds when gathered and 

 sown. If sown after partial drying in air, germination 

 usually occurs within two to four weeks. If, however, the 

 fresh seeds are sown direct, without drying, it may take 

 several months before the primary root projects from the 

 micropyle. The seeds of D. ovalifolia have a particularly 



* Ethel Sargant. A Theory of the Origin of Monocotyledons founded 

 on the Structure of their Seedlings ; Ann. Bot.. Vol. XVII.. No. LXV.. 

 January, 1 903. 



t F. E. Fritsch, The use of Anatomical Characters for Systematic 

 Purposes : NBW Phytologist, Vol. II., No. 8. October. 1903. 



