MELANOSPERME. AD 
is able to announce the fact, we must be content to pronounce the fruit of 
this genus “ unknown.” 
Desmarestia ligulata (Fig. 51), or the strap-like Desmarestia, is the 
largest of its tribe. On rocks, where it is exposed at low water, beautiful 
specimens from 6in. to 12in: long, may be obtained, but plants which are 
cast up from deep water are often from 4ft. to 6ft. in length. This species 
may readily be known by its broad flat stem and branches. Though very 
variable in breadth, the branches have all a linear lanceolate outline, and 
produce here and there, at their margins, numerous small ramuli or 
Fie. 51. Desmarestva ligulata. 
branchlets, bearing at their tips little tufts of delicate fibres. All the 
branches taper towards the base, and are placed exactly opposite to each 
other. The most beautiful growth of this fine species that I have ever 
met with may be found at extreme low-water mark on the lower rocks in 
Whitsand Bay, near Plymouth. Our illustration was taken from a superb 
specimen which grew in the above charming locality. D. aculeata (Fig. 52), 
is found on most of the British shores, though rarely in a growing state, 
being usually a deep water species. The spring or summer and winter 
