596 ' DR. M. T. MASTERS ON THE PASSIFLORACEZÆ. 
nature; the multicostate stipules represent probably the sheath of the leaf, the unfeostate : 
stipules correspond to the laminar portions. 
Shoots.—In those instances where a leaf-bud and an inflorescence or tendril emerge 
from the same axil, will be found that the leaf-shoot arises from the axis in a line 
with, but above the tendril and flower-stalk. 
Inflorescence. Tendrils.—Speaking in general terms, the inflorescence may be called 
mixed. It pertains to the indefinite type as far as the axillary position of the main 
flower-stalk is concerned; but as regards the disposition and arrangement of the secon- 
dary flower-stalks the inflorescence is cymose or definite, as is obvious in the species 
with many-flowered inflorescence. The peculiarities of form, relative size, &c. of the 
flower-stalk afford occasionally useful points of distinction between one species and 
another*. ; 
The inflorescence of a new species of Barteria (B. fistulosa, Mast.) is so peculiar that 
it is necessary to allude to it in this place. In this plant the flowers are sessile, or on 
very short, scaly stalks, and densely packed in a single somewhat semilunar series in the 
axil of the leaf. 
The tendrils are classed with the inflorescence because it is obvious from their axillary 
position, structure, and specially their mode of development, that they are to be regarded 
as flowerless subdivisions of the peduncle. They are simple or branched; and in some 
cases, as in Modecca, they bear flowers. In Passiflora holosericea the main peduncle . 
sometimes terminates in a flowerless tendril, while the lower branches of the cyme 
bear flowers. 
Bracts.—The existence of three bracts on the flower-stalk below the flower, is almost 
constant throughout the order. They may be very small, or so large as entirely to con- 
ceal the flower. They may be entire or excessively divided, as in Passiflora, $ Dysosmia. 
Usually sessile, in P. picturata they are stalked. In most points they correspond to the 
stipules; but there are certain points with reference to them which call for notice, such 
as, for instance, their number (almost invariably three), their position (usually approxi- 
mate to each other, and not far removed from the base of the flower, so close, indeed, 
as to constitute an involucrum or epicalyx); but in some species, especially when the 
bracts are minute, they are comparatively widely separate from each other and from the 
base of the flower. Ä 
In Passiflora silvestris, and also in P. tetraden, the bracts are remarkable for their 
irregularity of size and their remoteness one from the other. In some cases the bracts 
remain ‘coherent.’ to a greater or less extent, the apparent cohesion being the result of 
imperfect separation. Of the three bracts the lowest is placed somewhat laterally as 
regards the main axis, but anteriorly as regards the tendril, and the remaining two 
 antero-laterally.. The inferences to be derived from this arrangement will be stated 
hereafter. 
= Flower-tube.—This term is here used as one to the employment of which no morpho- 
logical. objection can be raised. By most writers it is described as the calyx-tube; but 
this term, I believe, conveys a wrong impression as to the real nature of the organ in 
aan ; he dune ‚Berner naturwiss. Mittheil June 1852. 
