MISCELLANEOUS NOTES, 56] 
As in both these specimens the position of the pedicels (ped, ped,) was sub- 
central and as the epicarpic layer (Epic, Epic,) was continuous, it could not, 
relying simply on superficial examination, be decided whether the phenomena 
were originally due to adhesion between the pistils of separate flowers or multi- 
plication of the carples or some other cause. So recourse had to be taken to 
dissection with a view to arrive at a definite conclusion. 
On dissecting I found in both these specimens not only the fleshy mesocarpic 
layer (Meso, Meso,) was continuous, but it will be evident from Figs. C, D and E 
that there was a definite organic connection, of a tough fibrous nature, between 
the contiguous endocarps (Endo, Endo,) too. The Embryos in most of these 
lobes (b, c, d, a, and b,) were found to be either diseased or abortive. 
The incomplete union of the fruits by their basal region only and the presence 
of the divergent apical lobes, lead us to conclude that the pistils and the corres- 
ponding pedicels were originally distinct but quite contiguous and the incomplete 
union between them took place at quite an early stage, thus giving rise to diver- 
gence of the apical lobes as growth went on. 
Although Syncarpy is of fairly common occurrence, because “* Carpels like — 
other parts of the flower, are subject to be united together*” still it must he 
admitted that the adhesion of such originally distinct pistils indicate, in some 
degree, a graver deviation than cohesion and is generally a consequence of, or at 
least is co-existent with, more serious changes}”. But in such _teratological 
literature as I have been able to consult, I have not found Mangifera indica cited 
or described in connection with Syncarpy and its allied deviations. This is 
probably due to the fact that Mangifera indica, being confined chiefly to the 
tropics, does not frequently come under the observation of teratologists most of 
whom are residents of temperate countries. So the present cases seem to be 
worth placing on record as instances of Syncarpy. 
Besides Mangifera indica, complete or partial Syncarpy (z.e., union of fruits 
or carpels) has been noticed in several other tropical plants. Mention is made 
below of those only in which I have personally observed such union :— 
Rugacee .. .. (1) Citrus aurantium Z. (Cohesion of carpels). 
Burseracee .. .. (2) Garuga pinnata Roxd. 
Meliacee .. .. (3) Amoora rohituka W. & A. 
Sapindacez .. (4) Nephelium litchi Camb. 
(5) Acer spp. 
Leguminose .. (6) Vigna catiang Endl. 
Combretacez .. (7) Terminalia chebula Rez. 
Myrtacee .. .. (8) Eugenia jambolana Lamb. 
Cucurbitaceze .. (9) Cucumis melo LZ. 
.. (10) sv sativus L. 
Composit .. (11) Anapalis sp. 
Apocynaceze (12) Wrightia tomentosa Rem & Schult. 
(13) Lycopersicum esculentum Mill. 
Solanaceze ..~ (14) Solanum melongena L. 
(15) Capsicum frutescens L. 
Euphorbiacez .. (16) Phyllanthus emblica ZL. 
Urticacee .. .. (17) Artocarpus integrifolia L. f. 
Scitaminee .. .. (18) Musa sapientum L. 
Palme ‘u6 .. (19) Cocos nucifera LZ. (Due to polyphylly.) 
Graminee .. .. (20) Zea mays L. 
No further explanation of the figure seems to be necessary. All figures re- 
duced to } size, 
P. M. DEBBARMAN, B.S¢., F.L.S., M.R.A.S. 
* Master’s Vegetable ‘l'eratology, P. 45, 
P. 82. 
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