206 ON SEEDLINGS 



terete and slightly longer, but narrower than the cotyledons. 

 In Symplocos paniculata (fig. 509) the seed is reniform and 

 the embryo curved in conformity with it. The cotyledons are 

 linear and not broader than the radicle. Only ten out of one 

 hundred and sixty species have the seed and embryo so de- 

 cidedly curved as in this instance. The fruit of Styrax is almost 

 or wholly superior, and three-celled with a few seeds in each cell, 

 attached near the base of the axile placentas. It is sub- 

 drupaceous and globose, but when mature may readily be 

 split into three valves. It becomes one-celled and one-seeded, 

 however, at an early stage by abortion. The seed is large, 

 and globose with a thick crustaceous or woody testa. The 

 embryo is straight and nearly equals the length and width of 

 the endosperm. The cotyledons are broadly ovate, five-nerved 

 and reticulate, somewhat longer than the terete radicle and 

 several times wider. 



Seedlings. Few of these have been observed, but the 

 character of the seedling may generally be surmised from 

 that of the seeds. Two very distinct types at least may be 

 noticed. The embryo is terete and straight or curved in Sym- 

 plocos and the endocarp is frequently lignified. This is the 

 case in S. paniculata (fig. 509), and the germinating embryo 

 has to make its exit through a small round hole at one end of 

 the endocarp. The cotyledons are slightly unequal in length, 

 owing to their being strongly curved in conformity with the 

 seed, and they are also narrowly linear, owing to its narrow- 

 ness. This shape is also necessary in order to permit of 

 their escape from the endocarp and seed. The leaves are 

 alternate and the first two are elliptic and distantly serrate. 



The cotyledons of Styrax japonica are foliaceous, broadly 

 oblong-oval or elliptic, and trinerved, with all the nerves 

 branching upwards similar to those of the leaves. The first 

 three leaves are ovate-lanceolate, and distantly serrated on 

 the margins. 



Symplocos paniculata, Watt. (fig. 509). 



Primary root of great length, with a few rootlets only in the 

 young stage near the base. 



Hypocotyl erect, terete, glabrous, pale green, arched at the top 

 in germination, ultimately 2-2 - 7 cm. long. 



