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of the now following description we cite from Miquel’s Flora 
of the East Indies about the leaves of Gnetum: ,folia nunc lata 
ovata pinninervia nunc ad vaginas aphylla aut folia minuta 
setacea reducta”. Moreover we mention that the vagina is always 
present but grows slowly to finally constitute a ring in co-operation 
with the three other sheaths. As for the ,folia minuta setacea” 
it should be stated that they may be either real, thorns or 
minute rests of fallen leaves. From our descriptions will be 
gathered that the leaves of Gnetum are borne in whorls of four, 
of which as a rule only two bear a limb whereas the two 
remaining alternating with them appear as ,folia minuta”. 
Besides it may deserve the full attention of the student that 
the internodes show striking differences in their length and that 
there exists a strong tendency towards symphylly. The material 
collected by Mr. J. C. van per Meer Mone and relative to two 
species leads to the following result: 
ee A. 
- Two cicatrices of fallen leaves and alternating with these, 
two other of wich one somewhat dubious. ° 
2°, 2 cm. higher up: two rudimentary leaves and, igen! 
with them, two small rudiments. 
3°. 1 m.m. higher up: two rudimentary leaves. 
4°, 1 m.m. higher up: one small leaf and a rudiment opposite. 
5°. 3.2 cm. higher: one leaf and a rudiment opposite. 
6°. 3.3 cm. higher: two leaves. 
- 2.8 c.m. higher: two leaves grown together to a pitcher. 
Also in the following descriptions we have to register remar- 
kable instances of coalescence of leaves, transformation of leaves 
into thorns, reduction of internodes. 
A. 1st nodus bears two opposite leaves. 
eae » one leaf and three thorns '). 
we » two opposite leaves alternating | with one 
small leaf and 1 thorn. 
aes » » four leaves of which two. laterally grown 
together halfway. 
1) Also a fallen leaf may every now an then leave behind a small rest in the 
shape of a thorn 
