List of the Plants of Chile. 257 



Diplandra rotamogeton, Bertero. This plant, the most inter- 

 esting which I have naet with, grows in the clear waters of tlie drains 

 of Quinta, Corcolen and Taguatagua, and resembles a Potcmogeton 

 so closely that it can be distinguished only by its flower. It is dioe- 

 cious ; the calyx tubular, very large, and the tube of the corolla more 

 elongated, the anthers are twelve, and are inserted into the throat of 

 the corolla, at the top of the tube. After fecundation, they are di- 

 lated and take the form of a petaloid membrane. It is doubdess a 

 new genus, and should be added to the family of the Naiades. 



Dipsacus Fullonum, L. Carda, common on the banks of drains 

 and in humid spots on the plain. This plant has but little use at 

 present, nor will it be an object of speculation until manufactories of 

 cloth are established, which will not be until after the propagation of 

 the Merino sheep, which ought to do well in many parts of the terri- 

 tory of Chile. 



Dolichos hiforus, and D. sesquipedalis, Xi. are plants very little cul- 

 tivated. The first should draw the particular attention of cultivators 

 who would have another vegetable at their disposal in a country 

 where this species of pulse is in general use. Its legumes, when they 

 are tender, form a delicate dish, and may be preserved throughout 

 the year by salt, in well stopped jars, thus securing an excellent re- 

 source in winter. The plant which is cultivated in gardens under 

 the name of ramilette — nosegay — is without doubt the D. lignosus, 

 L. It is probable that Molina has described the same species, to 

 which he has given the name of D.funarius. The JD. ruber, Jacq, 

 [Dioclea Jacquiniana. D. C. Hymenospron ruhrum. Spr.) is also 

 cultivated in some gardens, and is called enredadera, a very vague 

 appellation and applicable to an infinity of plants whose stalks inter- 

 lace with the neighboring plants. The same use may be made of 

 these two last species as was spoken of under the head of Convolvulus. 



Donatia. Forst. Common on arid heights and on the sides of 

 torrents. This very singular and pretty plant has no vulgar name, 

 De Candolle places the Donatia in the family of the Paronychia?, 

 {Prodr. Vol. Ill, p. 351,) though he does not mention it among 

 those he describes in that place. Was it overlooked ? 



Dothidea Sphccrioides. Fries. A very small moss common on 

 the bark of the Poj)ulus dilatata, Ait. alamo, poplar, principally on 

 the dead and half rotten branches. 



Drymis Chilcnsis. D. C. This tree known by the name of Ca- 

 nelo — cinnamon tree— is nearly related to the D. Winicri, Forst. 

 and it appears to me difficult to separate it since the characters as- 



