164 R. T. BAKER AND H. G. SMITH. 



D, taxi/olid^ A. Cunn., (B. Fl. in., 12) is a shrub of about the 

 same dimensions as D, fascicularis, Rudge, but is easily dis- 

 tinguished in the field from that species by the shape of the 

 leaves, their glaucous appearance, and its reddish branchlets. 

 The flowers are not so attractive as those of D. fascicularis. Its 

 habitat is almost identical with that of the previous species, 

 although it has, however, been found as far south as Ghunnyenara 

 Mountain (W.B.) It differs botanically from D. fascicularis in 

 its laterally flattened, triquetrous leaves. 



D. taxifolia, A. Cunn., var. grandiflora, Benth. As this variety 

 is very constant throughout its range and it possesses distinctive 

 characters from D. taxifolia, it is intended to raise it to specific 

 rank when its chemical constituents have been investigated. It 

 occurs in a very luxuriant form at Berowra. The leaves are much 

 longer and broader than those of the other species, and the flowers 

 are also more showy and larger than those of the other species. 



Histological Notes. 



A transverse section shows an absence of a midrib, but stomata 

 are very numerous on the whole surface. The contour of a section 

 much resembles a horse-shoe in shape, the flat edge corresponding 

 to the upper surface of the leaf. Some difficulty was experienced 

 in working upon a leaf-section measuring less than half a line in 

 diameter. The very highest power objective was required to 

 determine the form and structure of the various cells, etc. The 

 palisade layers were found to be arranged with their long axes at 

 right angles to the cuticle or surface, and of course containing 

 chloroplastids. The layers were connected to a central body by 

 spongy tissue, without chloroplastids. Vascular bundles were 

 present, being distributed throughout the leaf structure. The oil 

 glands appear to be numerously distributed throughout the leaf, 

 being partly immersed in the cuticle and palisade layers. The 

 oil globule is very minute and not easily detected in the cells. 

 The cell is circular in shape with elongated cells forming the usual 

 guard cells. 



