MIMICRY. 



3®--*; 



although the former is allied to the ivy, and the latter 

 to the far-distant Euphorbiacetz. Another striking 

 likeness in cultivated plants may be found in two 

 variegated leaved species, with bright crimson veins. 

 These are an Acanthaceous plant {Gymnostachyum 

 Verschaffeltii)} and one of the Apocynaces (Ecliites 

 rubrovenosd).- The size, form, colour, and mode of 

 venation is almost identical. Numerous examples of 

 pairs of plants resembling each other, chiefly in 

 foliage, have been exhibited at 

 the meetings of the Linnsean 

 and other scientific societies. 3 



The inflorescence sometimes 

 has a puzzling resemblance in 

 one plant, or series of plants, 

 to others with which they have 

 no natural affinity. Some of 

 the large African species of 

 Polygala might easily be mis- 

 taken for Papilionacea. So 

 again the Fig - marigolds 

 {Mcsembryanthemuni) have a 

 the flowers of composite plants. A more extra- 

 ordinary instance is in a genus of umbelliferous 

 plants, of which two Australian species {Actinohis) 



Fig. 71. — Actinotus. 

 general likeness to 



1 Figured in " Flora de Serres," pi. 1,581. 2 Ibid., pi. 1,728. 

 3 For lists see " Nature," May 26, 1870, and May 4, 1871. 



