33 
On closer examination we find that every normal floret is very 
short stalked and covered outside with a 5-partite perianth 
with three small and two large scaly bracts ') springing from 
the base of the said little petiole. 
In the abnormal specimen the number of bracts is much 
greater. In dissecting one of the little packs visible in our 
figure the peduncles are found to be much longer than normally 
and are richer in bracts. These peduncles ramify and the branches 
produce in their turn bracts. Each of these peduncles and pedi- 
celli bear a floret at top. Even tertiary peduncles and flowers 
may in this way be produced. Another peculiarity is that these 
ramifying peduncles and also the bracts are densely covered 
with wool, whereas in the normal heads both are only pubescent. 
Whether this case is to be classed with prolification or 1s 
caused by some parasitical organism must be left undecided. 
CARYOPHYLLACEAE. 
Dianthus sinensis L. 
Legit C. van Zisp in horto bog. Juny 1919. eles 
The peduncle splits up into 2 pedicelli, each of these with an 
acuminate linear-lanceolate bract. 
Both flowers are enveloped by two linear, 4—5 triangular and 
3—5 very wide ovate sepals, of which the latter scarcely em- 
brace the interior parts of the flower. Whether these sepals are 
entire or split up portions (as often occurs in double flowers 
of Dianthus) must left undetermined. 
The green cover having been removed there follows a very 
great number of more or less stalked petals which accompany 
the petaloid stamens. Amongst these petals and staminodes 
firm nuclei appear which on examination prove to be secon- 
dary flowers, consisting, however, only of staminodes. These 
secondary flowers call to mind the rudimentary flowers in the 
axils of stamens as described by Pevzie (axillary prolification). < 
The top of the torus bears, instead of a pistil, a second flower 
1) In T. philoxeroides Mig. only 3 bracts are to be found. This publication 2e 
Série, Vol. VIII, p. 12. : , 
Ann. Jard. Bot, Buitenz. Vol, XXXII. od 
