XX±V] TAXOSPERMUM 347 



from Taxospermum in the structure of the testa, but resembles 

 it in external features. Bertrand^ in his revision and extension 

 of Brongniart's account says that the sections throw no hght on 

 the nature of the vascular supply, and it is therefore impossible to 

 form a satisfactory opinion as to the relationships of the genus. 

 Eenault^ referred this genus to the Cordaitales, but we have no 

 evidence as to the parent-plant. 



Taxospermum. Brongniart. 



Brongniart^ gave this name to a small elhptical seed, 15 x 9 mm., 

 recalhng in external features the seed of Taxus, a genus to 

 which he beheved the Grand'Croix species to be related. The 

 type-species Taxospermum Grilneri (fig. 495, G) has a compara- 

 tively thin testa characterised by the absence of a sub-chalazal 

 pad formed by the swelUng of the sclerotesta. The nucellus is 

 attached by a broad base to the testa and the two regions appear 

 to be connected for a short distance on the flanks*; in this 

 feature the seed is comparable with that of the Conifer Torreya 

 and differs from the other platysperms, Diplotesta, Rhabdospermum, 

 etc. Bertrand^ states that the main vascular strand extends 

 from the hilum to the chalaza before giving off the two opposite 

 bundles which ' follow the floor of the shell-cavity, and on reaching 

 the flanks traverse the shell obliquely from below upwards*.' 

 In the course and position of the integumental bundles Taxo- 

 spermum differs from Cardiocarpus, Cycadinocarpus, and Rhabdo- 

 spermum. In this genus Bertrand includes Sarcotaxus angulosus 

 Brongn. and S. olivaeformis Brongn.'' 



Compsotesta. Bertrand ex Brongniart MS. 



Compsotesta Brongniarti Bertrand. The generic name Com- 

 psotesta^, though adopted by Brongniart for some incomplete 

 specimens from Grand' Croix, was not published either by him 

 or Kenault: it has recently been revived by Bertrand® in his 



1 Bertrand, C. E. (07') compares Leptocaryon with Diploteata as regards various 

 structural features. " Renault (80^) p. 108. 



3 Brongniart (74) p. 249, PI. xxi. figs. 18—20; (81) p. 23, PI. A. figs. 18—20; 

 PL XV. * Oliver (03) p. 457. 



« Bertrand, C. B. (07*). ' Bertrand, C, E. (07^). 



' Brongniart (74) p. 247. 

 • 8 K0|J.^p6s, elegant. ' Bertrand, C. E. (09). 



