BILLENIACEJE. 



107 



broad hermaphrodite llowers possess a convex receptacle on which 

 are successively inserted a calyx of five sepals quincmicially 

 imbricated in the bud, a corolla of five alternate petals of imbricate 

 a3stivation, an indefinite number of hypogynous stamens, and a 

 gynieceum composed of numerous carpels. Eacli stamen consists 

 of a free filament, and a bilocular anther, the linear cells of which, 



Dillenia speciosa. 



Fig. 154. 



Longitudinal section of flower. 



adnate for their whole length to the borders of the elongated con- 

 nective, open near the summit by a cleft which extends downwards 

 to a variable extent.' The gynseceum consists of an ovary witb a 

 thick central column, surrounded by from twenty to thirty cells 

 which are free only for a very short distance from the summit at 

 the inner angle, each tapering above into a narrowly lanceolate, 

 flattened style reflexed on the summit of the ovary, aud stigma- 

 tiferous on its inner surface. In the internal angle of eacli cell is 

 seen a longitudinal placenta supporting an indefinite number of 

 auatropous ovules. The fruit is a large indehiscent berry, with a 



B. H., Oen., 13, n. 10. — H. Bn., in Adansonia, 

 vi. iiSl ; vii. 93, t. iii. — Songium KuMPU., Herb. 

 Amh., ii. t. 45, 46. — Syalita H. M., ex Adans , 

 Fam., ii. 364. 



' We have seen in Dillenia the anthers open- 

 ing by two clelts near the summit which after- 

 wards spread downwards. In Wormia, on the 

 contrary, it is generally stated that the dehiscence 

 of the anther is biporricidal. This is too absolute 



an assertion for several reasons : first, because 

 there are species of Wormia in which the de- 

 hiscence is by an opening at the summit common 

 to botli cells (tig. 157) ; and secondly, because 

 the openings calk'd pores are short clefts in the 

 species fi-om Jladagascar, and may be pro- 

 longed for a variable distance downwards to- 

 wards the base of the anther, as in DilleuM 

 proper. 



