102 



were seen in the course of a day's walk. The plant probably at- 

 tains its greatest density of distribution in this locality. 



The plant derives all its food material from humus by the aid 

 of a fungus living in the roots, which form a small compact mass 

 no larger than a golf ball. Any disturbance or departure from 

 the conditions offered by a primitive forest would be detrimental 

 to the growth and development of both the Pterospora and the 

 fungus with which it is allied. It will, therefore, probably become 

 extinct in eastern United States, but will retain its foothold 

 among the western mountains until its habitats are ravaged by 

 fire, or by clearing of the forest. 



In its habitat in the Mission Mountains, Pterospora occurs 

 more abundantly in a given locality than any other known 

 chlorophylless seed plant. 



TWO NEW BUSH CLOVERS {LESPEDEZA) 



By Eugene P. Bicknell 



It may well be doubted whether the notable activity of the 

 last few years in the critical exploration and study of our com- 

 mon flora has yet achieved anything more than a very good be- 

 ginning. 



A few years ago the discovery of a new eastern species was 

 hailed as a botanical event. Now, no season passes but a nu- 

 merous progeny of new species is transplanted from nature into 

 the pages of our botanical serials, and still in the background 

 many others await their turn. The doors to new discovery, 

 thought by the last generation of botanists to be barred and 

 locked by our earlier manuals, have been easily pushed wide 

 open, and, lo, we find a beginning where our predecessors seemed 

 to find the end. 



Among the species of Lespedeza that have all this time been 

 awaiting recognition, two well-marked eastern plants may here be 

 distinguished. 



Lespedeza velutina 



Erect, , stout, bushy -branched above or sometimes simple, 

 0.5-1.25 meters high, the appressed-ascending branches mostly 



