SYMMETRY OF THE CENTROSPERM X. 297 
PHYTOLACCA DECANDRA. (Curves 23 m, 23 I-III.) 
Measurements were made along an erect shoot, which was severed close to the ground, 
and along three branches of this. 
The irregular internode-curve of the relatively main axis produces on analysis two 
subcurves that are less irregular, but do not give strong indication in favour of the view 
3 
: 
i 
j 
[ 
298m. .- 23 1. 231. 23m. 
that the phyllotaxis is derived from the opposite type. But the internode-curves of the 
branches, on analysis, lose their marked zigzag character, and yield regular and consistent 
internode-subeurves and displacement-subeurves. The likeness of the — of 
Branch I (Curve 23 1) of this specimen to those of the branch of P. esculenta (Curve 221) 
is too close and characteristic to be merely accidental; in each case a double maximum 
of the displacement-subcurve most probably represents transition from the normal to 
the descending form of curve. 
Measurements along the erect shoot :— 
10°5, Bud ES 34, 385, 52, 39, 49:5, 61:5, 78, 425, 6075, 555, 33, 66, 45:5, 72, 
X, 46:5, 25-5, 43. 
The last eee was from the topmost foliage-leaf to the lowest flower of the 
inflorescence, whose axis was “fused” with the highest branch for a distance of 31 mm. 
The x denotes the position of insertion of the lowest measured branch (Branch I). 
Branch II was inserted in the axil of the next higher leaf, and Branch III in the axil of 
the one above this (that is, the highest leaf). 
