1890.] Notes on Cyphia Volubilis, Willd. 51 



5. Fertilisation is only effected through the open entrance of the 

 Astigmatic cavity." Pollen grains are caught at the mouth of this 

 entrance by a slimy substance formed by the cells lining the " stig- 

 matic cavity," and by the hairs surrounding its mouth. 



6. Cross-fertilisation probably often takes place through the agency 

 of insects. 



Description of Plate. 



Fig. i. — Cyphia volubilis, Willd. Whole plant J natural size, I = line 

 separating root and stem, t = tuber. 



Fig. ii. — Diagram of flower of C. volubilis and of Lobelia cor&nopi- 

 folia, L., before resupination has taken place in the latter 

 a = axis ; b = bract ; a, |3 = prophylls ; s = sepal ; p = petal ; 

 a = stamen ; o = ovary. 



Fig. iii. — Diagram of flower of Lobelia coronopifolia, L., after re- 

 supination. 



Fig. iv. — Upper portion of the stamens of C. volubilis, slightly 

 magnified. They surround the style completely. 



Fig. v. — Upper portion of the style of C. volubilis, slightly magnified, 

 e = entrance to the stigmatic ca r ity closed up by a drop of a 

 slimy substance. 



Fig. vi. — Stamens of Lobelia cor onopi folia, L., slightly magnified, 

 from the flower in male condition. The growing style has 

 pushed a number of pollengrains out of the tube formed - by the 

 anthers. They are collected at the top. 



Fig. vii. — Style of the same flower. 



Fig. viii. — Stamens of L. cor onopi folia, L., slightly magnified, from a 

 flower in female condition. The style has grown through the 

 staminal tube and has unfolded its two stigmatic lobes. 



Fig. ix. — Style of the same flower. 



Fig. x. — Median section through the upper portion of the style of 

 Cyphia volubilis, c = canal leading into the stigmatic cavity, 

 which is filled with a slimy substance. A quantity of this 

 substance is collected round the entrance. Four pollengrains (p). 

 which have sent out their pollentubes are represented. 



MURRAY & St. Leger, Printers, St. Georges'-street, Cape Town. 



