284 THE VEGETABLE WORLD. 
lower surface of the fronds of ferns are not fruit, as has been 
assumed until lately ; nor are the spores enclosed in the capsules 
seeds. The male and female reproductive organs are developed on 
a small and transitory cellular apparatus resulting from the ger- 
mination of the spores. 
Cxass IT].—Ru1z0cGens. 
The Rihzogs are a most anomalous collection of spores, at once 
leafless and parasitical. They have the loose cellular organisation 
of Fungi, traces of a spiral structure among their tissues, with 
stem and root analogous to the thallus of Fungi, and probably 
partaking of their singular mode of growth; their flowers ate 
like more perfect plants, and their sexual organs complete ; their 
embryo, without visible radicle or cotyledons, presenting the appear- 
ance of a spherical or oblong homogeneous mass, adding toa fun 
mode of growth a perfect sexual apparatus. ' 
( Ovaies solitary, pendulous, one-seeded . XXVI. Balanophorace®. 
vules parietal, many-seeded, calyx 3, 4, rytinaceee. 
RHIZOGENS, | [Brats anthers opening by slits oe EVE. © 
les parie many-seeded, calyx ya esiacez. 
parted, anthers opening by pores XXVIII. Ball 
They are a singular class of parasitical plants, which have cellular 
scales instead of leaves, but with true flowers. They agree W’ 
Exogens in having sexual organs, and with the Fung: ™ the 
presence of a mycelium, and in their parasitical habits, and m their 
fungus-like consistence. The Balanophoracee are leafless root pat 
sites, with flowers, brown, red, white, or yellow, but never greet 
having underground stems, rhizomes, or tubers, from which ee 8 ee 
erect simple peduncles. They are found on the roots of the Ni - 
maple, and oak ; abounding in the mountains of tropical countries a 
America, The Cytinacee are parasitical on the roots of the Cistus 
of the south of Europe, and on the succulent Euphorbias of the ae 
Cape of Good Hope. Rafflesiacee are stemless plants of the ap 
Indies, the flowers of which spring immediately from the surfaces — 
of the branches, and are immersed among the scales which represe™ ‘ | 
leaves. 
