BORAGINEAE 255 



tains a perfect embryo. This number of cells is however 

 probably quite abnormal. An imperfect fruit of C. grandi- 

 folia (fig. 533) shows three small cells towards one side of 

 the endocarp, while there is a larger but empty one in the 

 centre. 



The most familiar examples of the Boragineae have fruit 

 which breaks up into four one-seeded nutlets to the interior of 

 which the seeds and embryo conform. Endosperm is usually 

 wanting and the cotyledons are plano-convex and rather fleshy. 

 Borago oflficinalis is an example of this type. The embryo is 

 straight and ovoid, with oval plano-convex cotyledons. The 

 nutlets of Cynoglossum vulgare are larger, covered with coarse, 

 hooked bristles, obovoid and somewhat compressed. The 

 cotyledons are broadly obovate. The epicarp of Symphytum 

 asperrimum is unequally thickened, one side having a thick 

 wall, but it is quite smooth. The cotyledons are oval or 

 oblong, rounded at the end and plano-convex. The nutlets 

 of Myosotis arvensis are ovoid, smooth, and very small. The 

 cotyledons are broadly obovate or oval and otherwise quite 

 typical. The nutlets of Lithospermum omcinale are also 

 ovoid and polished as in Myosotis, but they are much 

 larger. The walls are very thick and bony, and the seed with 

 the embryo conforms closely to the interior. The cotyledons 

 are broadly oval or obovate and entire. The nutlets of 

 Echium vulgare are ovoid, subconical, slightly incurved up- 

 wards, keeled on the dorsal aspect and covered all over with 

 little warts or protuberances. The hilum of the seed is above 

 the middle of the ventral aspect. The seed and embryo 

 are slightly incurved in conformity with the nutlet. The 

 cotyledons are broadly oblong or oval. In all of the above cases 

 belonging to this type the radicle is superior and very short. 



A third type is met with in Amsinckia, the cotyledons of 

 which are bipartite. The nutlets of A. longifolia are ovoid, 

 elongated, somewhat trigonous and rugose or warted on the 

 surface. The cotyledons have oblong lobes so arranged as 

 to occupy the angles of the seed and fruit. The angular 

 character of the nutlet may explain the necessity for fission 

 of the cotyledons which would otherwise fit awkwardly into 

 the angles. 



