220 



But the most interesting point in regard to this species appears to be in 

 connection with the operculum. 



The buds have a nearly hemispherical operculum. The operculum has an outer 

 membrane (double operculum) which is circumsciss at the line of demarcation of 

 operculum and calyx tube. This membrane breaks up into pieces which sometimes 

 are remarkably symmetrical in size and shape. Occasionally they show a slight 

 thickening which gives them almost a keeled appearance. See Fig. 6e of Plate 127. 



I will later on draw attention to this double operculum, which occurs much more 

 commonly in the genus than has been hitherto recorded. 



In the present species, the membranous scales or pieces of the outer operculum 

 appear to be placed at fairly equal distances around the calyx rim, and when seen 

 through a lens the very smallest buds show them still distinct from each other although 

 sometimes touching; in no instance have they been noticed united so as to form a 

 whole operculum. Where the calyx is slightly ribbed the scales are found on the top 

 of the rib. 



Mr. W. F. Blakely informs me that he has seen the outer operculum of each 

 individual bud entire in the very young state, and this is not improbable, but I could 

 not be certain with these minute objects, and desire to obtain more material; the 

 matter may well be reconsidered when this is available, and comparative observations 

 are made with other species. 



The matter, of course, raises the question as to the morphological equivalents 

 of these scales or pieces of the outer operculum — whether they represent sepals. 



RANGE. 



Until a few years ago this species had not, so far as I am aware, been found since 

 Mueller, on Gregory's Expedition of 1856, found it on " rocky declivities of the Upper 

 Victoria River " (Northern Territory). 



Mr. W. V. Fitzgerald collected it in North-West Australia in 1905 in the following 

 localities. Artesian and Edkins Ranges; Hills along Denham and King Rivers; 

 Dillon's Springs (Sunday Island). Always amongst sandstone and quartzite. These 

 discoveries extend its ranee considerably, and add a species to the flora, of Western 

 Australia. Dr. Herbert Basedow lias (May, 1916) collected it in ripe fruit also from 

 Sunday Island (his 115). 



