392 



NATURAL HISTORY OF PLANTS. 



Parrotia persica. 



there are from four to eight lobes to the calyx ; and the androceum 

 (whose anthers dehisce longitudinally) is rarely diplostemonous, 



more frequently isostemonous. The two 

 species of Parrotia are trees from Persia 

 and Cashmere. 1 



Disiyliimi presents the same variability 

 in its polygamous flowers, from three to 

 six unequal divisions in the calyx, and 

 from two to eight or nine stamens, 3 

 analogous to those of Sycopsis. The 

 gynseceum alone retains the funda- 

 mental organization of the preceding 

 groups. But the receptacle is of no depth, so that the ovary 4 

 and capsular fruit remain free and superior. The two or three 

 known species of Distyliam are trees from South-east Asia, 5 with the 

 simple leaves of Eustiyma and Sycopsis, and axillary floral spikes. 



Fothergilla alnifolia. 



Fig. 467. 

 Fruit. 



Fig. 468. 

 Flower. 



Fig. 470. 

 Gynseceum (^). 



Fig. 469. 

 Long. sect, of gynseceum. 



Finally, in Fotheryilla alnifolia* (figs. 468-470), a North American 

 shrub cultivated in our gardens, the polygamous flowers, though 

 formed as in the preceding genera, have indefinite stamens, and only 

 a rudimentary calyx. Hence we might describe the species as a 



1 DC, Prodr., iv. 268, n. 2 (Scmamelis). — 



CambeSS., in Jacquem. Voy., Bot., 73, t. 83. 



2 Sieb. & Zucc, Fl. Jap., i. 178, t. 94.— 

 H. Bn., in Payer Fam. Nat,, 344. 



3 The anther is basifixed, and the lines of 

 dehiscence are nearly lateral, but a trifle introrse. 

 In the bottom of each cell projects a rudiment of 

 a secondary septum. 



4 Each cell contains two ovules, of which one 

 alone attains its full development. 



5 Benth., Fl. Hongkong., 133.— Walp., Rep., 

 v. 928. 



6 L. fil., Suppl., 42. — Lamk., Diet., ii. 523 ; 

 Suppl., ii. 665; III., t. 480. — Duham., Arbr., 

 ed. nov., iv. t. 26. — Tfkp., in Diet. d'Hist. 

 Nat., Atl., v. t. 199.— DC, Prodr., iv. 269.— 

 Toer. & Gray,JY. N.-Amer., i. 597. — Endl., 

 Gen., n. 4533. — H. Bn., in Payer Fam. Nat., 

 345 ; in Adansonia, x. fasc. 4. — A. Gray, Man., 

 ed. 5, 148.— Chapm., Fl. S. Unit. States, 157.— 

 B. H., Gen., 666, n. 2.— Ag., Theor. Syst. PI., 

 t. 13, fig. 5, 6.— Bot. Mag., t. 1341, 1342.— 

 Walp., Ann., vii. 935. 



