1906] CURRENT LITERATURE 237 
Anatomy of the Araliaceae.—VANn TreGHEM* has published the results of a 
very extended anatomical study of the Araliaceae as a basis for their classifica- 
tion. He is convinced that he has discovered anatomical characters that are of 
great service in this way, and he applies them in establishing groups of genera, 
in making diagnoses of genera more precise, and in clearing up the positions of a 
number of critical species. The following six new genera are characterized: 
Bonmierella, Mesopanax, Plerandropsis, Octotheca, Strobilopanax, Schizomeryta. 
pa C. 
Germination among palms.—Gatin‘*+ has published an extended study 
of germination among palms, having included in his researches 58 species, repre- 
senting 33 genera. The first and far the larger part of the paper deals with 
what are called “anatomical’’ studies, and one conclusion that is reached, among 
several others, is that the “cotyledon,” so far as palms are concerned, is a single 
leaf and not a phylogenetic coalescence of two leaves. The second part deals 
with the chemistry of germination.—J. M. C. 
Water relations of the coconut.—The anatomy of the root and leaf of this 
palm, as well as the conditions affecting the entrance and passage of water through 
the plant, have been investigated by CopELAND.45 Maximum transpiration is 
found to favor maximum yield of fruit. Wind and intense sunlight accelerate 
transpiration. The roots should be abundantly supplied with water, pte 
an excess is injurious. Irrigation is altogether practical—Raymonp H. 
Fossil roots of Sequoia.—LicnieR*® has identified the roots called aa 
culites reticulatus as those of Sequoia, or of some allied form as Taxodium. 
The material studied is from the Stephanian of Grand’ Croix, and its distinguish- 
ing feature is the reticulated cortical parenchyma. Comparing it with roots of 
similar structure in living plants, the conclusion is reached that it most nearly 
resembles the structure observed in the root of Sequoia gigantea. —J. M. C. 
N. Am. Vernonieae.—G1Eason‘? has published a revision of the North 
American species of Vernonieae. Seventeen genera are characterized, two of 
which (Eremosis and Orthopappus) are new. The species number 143, of which 
28 are new. The large genus is Vernonia, with 99 species, 25 of which are new; 
and the new genus Eremosis includes 1 5 Fee 13 of which have heretofore 
a usually to Vernonia.—J. M. C 
43 VAN TIEGHEM, PH., Recherches anatomiques sur la classification des Araliacées. 
Ann. Sci. Nat. Bot. IX. 4:1-208. figs. 54. 1906. 
44 Gatin, C., Recherches sur la ae des palmiers. Ann. Sci. Nat. Bot. 
IX. 3:191~-315. pls. rr. figs. 58. 1906 
45 COPELAND, E. B., On the water relations of the coconut palm. Philippine 
Jour. Sci. 1: 6-57. pls. 3. 1906. 
4° Licnter, O. » Radiculites ape radicelle fossile de Séquoinée. Bull. Soc. 
France IV. 6:193-201. figs. 5. 19 
*7 GLEason, H. A., A revision oF oe North American Vernonieae. Bull. N. Y. 
Bot. Gard. 4:144-243. 1906, 
Bot. 
