NAMED RAFl'LESXA. 385 



analogous to the concentric series of processes in the apex 

 of the column of Bqfflesia. 



In all these genera of Asarince and in Bra(ja7iiia of 

 LoiU'eiro, which is also referable to the same order, the 

 flowers are hermaphrodite ; but in Ci/tinus, which, if not 

 absolutely belonging to this order, is at least very nearly 

 related to it, they are diclinous. 



The affinity is also in some degree confirmed by the 

 appearance of the inner surface of the tube of the perianthium 

 of some AsarincB^ especially Aristolochia grandiflora, and by 

 the thickening or annular projection of the faux in the pw 

 same plant, as Avell as in a new species of Bragantia dis- 

 covered in Java by Dr. Horsfield. 



It may also be noticed in support of it, that some of the 

 largest flowers which were known before the discovery of 

 Bafflesia belong to Asarince, as those of Aristolocliia grandi- 

 flora, and particularly Aristolocliia cordiflora of Mutis, 

 which, according to M. Bonpland. are sixteen inches in 

 diameter, or nearly half that of our plant.^ 



The first objection that occurs to this approximation is 

 the teniaiy division of the perianthium in the regular 

 flowered genera of Asarince, opposed to its quinary division 

 in Bqfflesia ; but in Cytinus it is divided into four segments, 

 a number more generally connected in natural families with 

 five than with three.' 



A second objection would exist, if it be considered more 

 probable that the ovarium of Bafflesia is superior, or free, 

 than inferior, or cohering with the tube of the perian- 

 thium. 



There is indeed nothing in the structure of the column 

 itself indicating the particular position of the ovarium. 

 But if it be admitted, that a base of a form equally calcu- 

 lated for support should exist in the female flower, as is 

 found in the male, it might perhaps be considered some- 

 what more probable that such a base should be connected 

 with a superior than with an inferior ovarium. 



Even admitting this objection, however, it would be con- 

 siderably weakened, on the one hand, by allowing that 



' Humboldt BonpL et Ewiih Nov. Gen, et Sp. ii, p, 118. 



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