4G3 



In E. cornuta LabilL, there is always a tendency to the formation of a 

 receptacle ; in those forms which approach E. Lehnanni the receptacle can be 

 distinctly seen. Indeed, in a number of species (Cornutse and others), we have 

 incipient receptacles. 



In E. pachyphylla var. sessilis (Glen of Palms) there is a small circular disc 

 between the sessile head and the stem in this species. See figs. 4c, 4&, Plate 171, 

 Part XLI. This is a receptacle. 



There is sometimes an expansion of the top of the peduncle in E. pyriformis 

 var. Kingsmilli, e.g., figs. 4c, 46, Plate 171. In this case we have pedicellate flowers, 

 with the peduncle and pedicels of about the same length. The apex of the peduncle 

 is slightly expanded, to allow for the thickness of the three pedicels at the point of 

 attachment to the peduncle. 



In the previous two species the flowers are sessile on a remarkably thick 

 peduncle, and therefore the expanded top or receptacle is more prominent than in 

 var. Kingsmilli. As the latter has elongated terete slender peduncles and pedicels, 

 it can hardly be referred to as a receptacle, i.e., in which the calyx-tubes are more or 

 less immersed, but analogous thereto. 



B. BRACTS AND BRACTEQLES, 

 (a) Bracts. 



Historical. 

 1814— Robert Brown. 1883— Naudin. 



1 866— Bentham. 1 879-84— Mueller. 



Bracts which enclose the young umbel have been found in a number of species. 

 They have been termed by Naudin " sort of involucre : ' (which is correct), by others 

 " operculum of the umbel," and " double operculum," which embody false analogies, 

 and which are therefore not strictly correct. 



Generally (following Jussieu) these bracts are spoken of as two confluent bracts. 

 Naudin says the same, and is followed by Mueller. But are the bracts confined to 

 two in all species? I will refer to the matter under " Bracteoles," and will 

 subsequently offer a figure showing apparently six bracts in E. ficifolia. 



1814. Robert Brown. — In the following passage Brown refers both to the opercula 

 of the single flower, and also to the enveloping bracts of the umbel. 



Eudesmia (tetragona) . . . . " differs from Eucalyptus solely in having a striated operculum 

 placed within a distinctly toothed calyx, and in its filaments being collected into bundles.* The operculum 

 in Eudesmia, from the nature of its stria;, and their relation to the teeth of the calyx, appears to be formed 

 of the confluent petals only ; whereas that of Eucalyptus, which is neither striated nor placed within a 

 distinct calyx, is more probably composed, in several cases at least, of both floral envelopes united.* Bu 



* These two sentences (see also p. 4SS below), which include consideration of the Operculum in the Eudesmieae, can 

 be better understood when (a) an additional figure or figures of the operculum is offered, and (b) when the affinities of the 

 Eudesmieae are considered in detail. 



