MONDHAGEJE. 



315 



V. GOMOETEGA SERIES. 



The flowers of Gomortega} are regular and polygamous. In the 

 hermaphrodite (fig. 371), we find a concave sac-like receptacle, and 

 on its edges a perianth and androceum, each made up of eight 

 pieces, or perhaps a few more, the number being very variable. The 

 perianth-leaves are in two sets ; the outermost are thicker and more 

 hairy, while the inner are broader, more membranous, and more like 

 petals. All are imbricated in the bud. The stamens are also in two 

 whorls. There are usually about four larger external ones, always 



Qomortega Keale. 



Fio. 371. 

 Longitudinal section of flower (f ). 



Fig. 372. 

 Lonjjitudinal section of fruit. 



fertile, and each consisting of a filament bearing a basifixed introrse 

 anther, dehiscing by two valves, as in Atlierosperma. The smaller 

 ones, of which there are as many or a few more, are simihirly 

 organized ; but the anther may be sterile, and its two valves are im- 

 perfectly shown on the inner surface, and do not separate from it. 

 All the stamens possess two unequal, irregular, shortly-stalked glands, 



the former is made into a distinct section 

 being, that its recfptiicle is cleft longitudinally 

 into unequal segments (figs. 369, 370) nearly as 

 in Doryfliora. But, in the order MonimiacecE, 

 this character can have no generic value. The 

 time will no doubt come when all the A/hero- 

 sj'ermecB as yet known will be collected into a 

 single genus, whose only essential ditfereiices from 

 Cali/canihun wiW be the lateral appendages to tlic 

 stamens, the copious albumen, and the noncon- 

 vohite cotyledons of the embryo. 



> R. & Pav., Frodr. Fl. Per. et CM. (179 1), 

 108. — H. Bn., Adansonia, ix. 118. — Adenoste- 

 mnm Pees., Si/iwj}s., i. (1805), 467, n. 1058. — 

 Nees, Si/st. Lavr., 651. — Meissn., ap. DC. 

 Frodr., xv. s. i. 67, 507. — Adenosieir.on Spreng., 

 Si/.ri., 370, n. 1870.— C. Gat, Fl. C/iil., v. 303, 

 t. 60 (nee Bekteu.). — Keitlla Mol., ex Nee3 

 loc.cit. — Imcu nice spec. MoL., Hisf. Chil. (1782) 

 202. — CniptocarijK spec. Endl., Oen., n. 2036, c. 

 (ncc K. Bi!.). 



