132 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [FEBRUARY 
large enough amounts to detect by microchemical means. As 
indicated above, large amounts of calcium oxalate are present in 
the form of raphides throughout the parenchyma tissues of the plant 
body. This is probably to be related to the presence of the fungi. 
The green oil-like bodies in the perianth parts gave in spectro- 
scopic tests an absorption in the blue band. The coloring matter 
is not easily soluble in alcohol. 
Further features in the morphology and cytology of this plant 
will be presented in a later paper. 
Summary 
1. The characters of Thismia americana are deemed sufficiently 
different from those of other members of the genus to warrant the 
description of a new species. 
2. The main subterranean structure cannot be distinguished 
from a root, having a similar anatomical structure, including a 
root cap. ; 
3. The root shows great reduction. The xylem is represented 
by 3-5 central spiral elements, the phloem by 4-6 small groups of 
cells. A radial arrangement is suggested in the grouping. 
4. The vascular cylinder of the floral axis consists of 3-6 
bundles, with xylem and phloem collaterally arranged. The xylem 
is composed of spiral lignified vessels. No sieve plates are dis- 
tinguishable in the phloem. 
5. The floral axis and first root arise from the main root endoge- 
nously. Other secondary roots arise from the base of the floral axis 
bud. : 
6. The ovary is slower in development than the other floral 
parts. Microsporangia are well developed when ovules first appear. 
7. The ovules are anatropous, and have two integuments. 
8. The embryo, consisting of a few cells, is imbedded in a mass 
of large-celled endosperm. 
The author wishes to express her thanks to Professor JOHN M. 
Coutter, Dr. CHARLES J. CHAMBERLAIN, and Dr. W. J. G. LAND, 
under whose direction this investigation was carried on. 
UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO 
