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viding the water in which the floral buds are bathed, and which 

 conserve that water after it is once secreted. (Fig. D. E. F.) 

 We have in this species an exemplification of adaptations of 



Mendoncia coccinea Veil. A. Whole plant; a, a velvety leaf to show 

 character of covering; h, adherent velvety bracts enclosing flower bud: B. 

 Vertical section of bracts enclosing flower bud surrounded by water: C. 

 Widely spread bracts and flower bud: D. Apices of two adherent bracts with 

 hairs: E. Hair from outer surface of bract: F. Glandular hair which secretes 

 water from inner surface of bract. 



means to an end . One surface of the floral bracts is secretory, the 

 other surface is protective. The foliar bracts by sticking 

 closely together form a reservoir of free water in which the 



