A REVISION OF THE GENUS BERTIERA 



115 



exception, belong to the section LaxcB, the exception being the 

 Nicaraguan B. oligosperma, one of the SpicatcB. The relation 

 apparent between the distributional areas and the proposed 

 sections lends some support to the view that the latter may 

 represent more or less truly natural groups. 



Fig. 4. — B. guianensis 



Fig. S.—B. Batesii. 



Key to the Species. 



Inflorescence composed of several divaricate dichotomous 

 branches, no one predominating in length over the others. 

 (Divaricate.) 

 Calyx-limb truncate, entire, stipules 2-5 cm. long ... 1. B. Deivevrei. 

 Calyx-limb deeply lobed, stipules seldom so much as 



2 cm. long 2. B. hreviflora. 



Inflorescence v^^ith an indefinite main rachis, the lateral cymose 

 branches relatively long, flowers not crowded. (LAXiE.) 

 Inflorescence usually very long, often exceeding the leaves, 

 and lax; main rachis often sinuous. (Tropical African 

 continent.) 



