RESEDACE^E 



185 



together are much thicker and wider than the terete or cylindri- 

 cal radicle, which is about equal to the cotyledons- in length. 

 Cotyledons. The cotyledons of Eeseda are broad and ovate 

 in K. luteola, oblong or oval in E. odorata, and spathulate 

 in E. alba (fig. 185). Those of the first named are somewhat 

 succulent, taper into the petiole, have a few ascending veins on 

 each side of the midrib, and are sometimes unequal in shape 

 and size. The cotyledons in the other cases are also some- 

 what succulent with a faint midrib, but no other discernible 

 venation in the fresh state. The embryo of Caylusea while in 

 the seed is similar to that of Eeseda in general outline. 



Caylusea abyssinica, Fisch. et Mey. (fig. 184). 



Seed almost orbicular, with a prominent basal notch, 1-1-25 mm. 

 in diameter ; testa crustaceous, brown at first, then bright shining 

 black, smooth. 



FIG. 184. Caylusea abyssinica. A, longitudinal section of seed. B, transverse 

 section, both x 30 : P, endosperm ; C, cotyledon ; T, testa ; B, radicle ; H, hilum. 



Endosperm comparatively copious, surrounding the embryo, 

 greyish-white. 



Embryo curved or rounded on itself, surrounded by endosperm, 

 colourless ; cotyledons oval, entire, fleshy, plano-convex, sessile, with 

 their edges towards the basal notch ; radicle terete, obtuse, superior, 

 about the same length as the cotyledons. 



Reseda alba, L. (fig. 185). 

 Primary root slender, tapering, fibrous. 



Hypocotyl terete, elongated, pale green or colourless, glabrous, 

 about 12-15 mm. long. 



