I2 
genus Asparagus it is quite undifferentiated. It would be 
incorrect to apply the term ‘“‘ bud”’ to the simple dome-shaped 
meristematic patch which here constitutes this region. It is 
laterally placed near the lower end of the embryo, and slants 
downwards and outwards so that it may almost be said to face 
the slit in the base of the cotyledon through which the structures 
derived fromit are later on to find an exit (Plate LITT, Figs. 8and 9). 
On the commencement of germination there is developed from a 
portion of its outer and lower margin, constituting less than a 
quarter of the entire meristem, a small swelling, which grows 
slowly larger and finally forms the first leaf of the primary axis 
(Plate LIII, Figs.q-11). As previously mentioned, this is a kata- 
phyll, and remains permanently in the position in which it comes 
into existence, directly opposite the cotyledon ; while very soon a 
FG. 4.—Transverse sections through the base of the primary axis in Asfarag7, havin 
respectively one and two basal kataphylls. A, 4. rugulosus. B, A. plumosus, 
er, t., cotyledon ; Cot.-sh., thing b of cotyledon; f. (1, 2 
kataphyll (1st, 2nd); k. (1, 2), rhizome-bud (of Ist, 2nd kataphyll) ; 1. (1, 2). 
leaf of 1st, 2nd rhizome bud; St., primary axis. 
remarkably large rhizome bud is produced in its axil (Plate LIII, 
Fig. 12). This bud takes part in the construction of the main under- 
ground sympodial rhizome. In those species which have two 
kataphylls at the base of the primary stem, the second of these 
arises in precisely the same way as the first, and almost simultane- 
ously. It is, however, always smaller than the latter in the two 
species in which I have observed it; especially so in A. medeoloides, 
where it might easily be mistaken for a leaf belonging to the large 
rhizome bud which it also subtends, were it not for the evidence 
afforded by its position and earlier origin than the bud which 
appears to bear it (Plate LIII, Fig. 14). This second kataphyll 
is placed at right angles to the plane in which both the cotyledon 
and the first kataphyll lie, as shown in the accompanying outline 
drawing (Fig. 4). 
