1901] ERIOCAULON DECANGULARE 37 
similar leaf structure is provided with a uniform large celled 
epidermis (Kyllingia, Cyperus, Fimbristylis, etc. }. Also, the 
structure of the rhizome and roots is not to be separated from 
that of a number of Gramineze, Cyperacee, etc. The most 
peculiar structure is exhibited by the scape, not only in the pres- 
ence of collenchymatic ridges, but also in the mestome bundles 
surrounded by a common endodermis. 
But neither the order nor even the genus can be character- 
ized especially by absence of anastomoses in the leaves, since 
both occur in Eriocaulon and Lachnocaulon; and the continuity 
of interruption of the pericambium by the proto-hadrome ves- 
sels in the root is not of any importance as a family character, 
as it is not constant, at least in Z. decangulare. 
It appears, therefore, as if Eriocaulon and its allies possess 
some characters in common with other monocotyledonous orders, 
and a few which seem peculiar to themselves. The singular 
inflorescence which is unique among the monocotyledons, and 
the floral structure, together with the peculiar habit of these 
plants, make them very distinct among the other orders, to none 
of which they make any special approach, not even in respect to 
their morphological characters. 
BROOKLAND, D. C. 
