185 
BRITISH FORMS or HELOSCIADIUM NODIFLORUM Kocn. 
By Rey. H. J. Rippenspety, M.A., & Epmunp G. Baxer, F.L.S. 
—¥ 479.) 
Pitoetiadiim nodiflorum Keel occurring in this poe We have 
characters. In doing 2 80, Wi me convinced that there is 
an almo en-series of forms, ranging from the ordinary dite 
plant (var. vulgare Schultz) on the one hand, e much rarer 
tr he other. A good illustration of this occurs 
As to the effect of the immediate environment in producing 
these forms, we have not at present sufficient data to form a con- 
clusive opinion ; but the evidence that we have leaves litile doubt 
that there is an eee connection an the two. The forms 
here described must be regarded rather pear in a chain than as 
covering rae whole vailen s of obtainable pew 
untry much confusion was origi Ssinhlly caused by ee 
publication of. t. 1481 (and accompanying description) of the firs 
neg of English Botany as Sium rep ens. The plant there 1d adered 
as named pseudo-repens by H. C. n in nton Catalogue, 
ea; vi. (1867),* who recognized that it differed from the Sium repens 
of Jacquin. 
Again, Babington, up to the eighth edition of his Manual, used 
the name repens for what is apparently partly pesudo-repens of 
Watson, and partly H. repens Koch; but in the eighth edition he 
diagnosed the true repens coateity: and used the name ocreatum for 
the plant figured in t. 14381 of E. B. His herbarium shows that he 
supposed the latter to be the same as var. ochreatum of DC. Prod. 
iv. p. bis (1880), but subsequent investigation proves it to be quite 
distin 
The chief points to note for the discrimination of the various 
forms an 
(a.) Whether the main stem roots at the base only, or also at 
the upper nodes 
(b.) The character of the outline, serration, and number of the 
leaflets. 
i ) The length of the peduncle 
d.) The nature of the involsines when present, and whether the 
bracts are 1-2 and unilateral, or more numerous and encircling the 
apex of the peduncle. : 
( * "As yar. of Helosciadium nodiflorum; cf. Watson, Comp. Cyb. Brit.. 519 
1869). . 
Journat or Borany.—Vou. 44. (June, 1906.) P 
