118 



NATURAL J II STORY OF PLANTS. 



analogy with the preceding types, the sepals are imbricated. The 

 only species known is a tree from Ceylon, with simple, opposite or 

 verticillate leaves of which a sub-tribe [Mischodontece) has been made. 

 The genus Codicvuiii is more nearly connected with Aleuritcs than 

 the genera last mentioned by the indefinite number of its stamens 

 united upon a central receptacle, but the double perianth of the 

 flowers is imbricated, as in Jatroplia^ Trigonostemon, and Sagotia. It 

 consists of trees and shrubs, with simple leaves alternate or opposite, 



Jiiciuocarpttji jnnifu/iit. 



Fig. 173. Male flower (f). 



Fig. 175. Male flower, 

 without periiiuth. 



Fig. 171. Long. sect. 

 of male flower. 



inhabiting the Avarm regions of Asia and Oceania. The Ricinocar- 

 jnis (fig. 173-175), which is Australian, has the same flower as cer- 

 tain species of Codianim, but the leaves are often narrow and cricoid, 

 and the seeds have an embryo with semi-cylindrical narrow coty- 

 h^dous. In this way Ricinocarpus is to Codicvmn what ]\Ioiiotaxis is 

 to Jatroplia and Tournesolia. Bertjin^ Australian like Ricinocarpus^ 

 has the same organs of vegetation, embryo and central stamens 

 indefinite in number, but the flowers are apetalous, aud have as an 

 envelope only a calyx often petaloid, surrounded by a calciform in- 

 volucre. Bcycriu., also Australian, with the same foliage and em- 

 bryo, apetalous like Bertgu^ destitute of epicalyx like liicinocaipus, 

 has a peculiar style whose summit dilates into a kind of conical sur- 

 based cap crowning the ovary. In Alpliandia, inhabiting New Cale- 

 donia, the leaves are wide and membranous and the cotyledons 

 foliaccous. The flowers have, as in the preceding genera, a great 

 analogy with those of Codiceum, but the calyx is gamosepalous, quin- 

 quedentate, valvate in prajfloration, and may be uuequally cut as in 

 certain species of il/^M/vte (Fv., Banconliir). Cocconcrion, consisting 



