118 NATURAL HISTORY OF PLAXTS. 



analogy with the prcecdiug types, the sepals are imbricated. The 

 only species known is a tree from Ceylon, with simple, opposite or 

 verticillate leaves of which a snL-tribe (Mischodonfeœ) has been made. 

 The genus Coc/kriiiii is more nearly connected with Aleitrifes than 

 the genera last mentioned by the indefinite number of its stamens 

 united upon a central receptacle, but the double perianth of the 

 flowers is imbricated, as in Jatropha^ Tric/onostemon^ and Hcujutia. It 

 consists of trees and shrubs, with simple leaves alternate or opi^osite, 



liicinoi-aypns j'iliifuUa 



Fig. 173. Male flower (f ). 



;. 175. Male flower, 

 vithout periunth. 



Fii^-. 174. Liing. seet. 

 of male flower. 



inhabiting the warm regions of Asia and Oceania. The Ricinocar- 

 j)iis (fig. 173-175), which is Australian, has the same flower as cer- 

 tain species of Codiœum, but the leaves are often narrow and cricoid, 

 and the seeds have an embryo with semi-cylindrical narrow coty- 

 ledons. In this way E/'cinncarjuis is to Coditrtim what 3loiiofa.vis is 

 to JatropJia and Tourncsolia. Bcrtija^ Australian like Illcinocarpiis^ 

 has the same organs of vegetation, embryo and central stamens 

 indefinite in number, but the flowers are apetalous, and have as an 

 envelope only a calyx often petaloid, surrounded by a calciform in- 

 volucre. Bcycria^ also Australian, with the same foliage and em- 

 bryo, apetalous like Bertija, destitute of epicalyx like Ricinocarpus, 

 has a peculiar style whose summit dilates into a kind of conical sur- 

 based cap crowning the ovary. In Alphandia, inhabiting New Cale- 

 donia, the leaves are wide and membranous and the cotyledons 

 foliaceous. The flowers have, as in the preceding genera, a great 

 analogy with those of Codicciim, but the calyx is gamosepalous, quin- 

 quedentate, valvate in pracfloration, and may bo unequally cut as in 

 certain species oî Aleuritcs (Fr., Baiicoulier). Corcoi/en'on, consisting 



