390 



ON THE VALUE OF CHARACTERS. 



Thus the new leaves altornato with the last farmed, or are oppo- 

 site the stipulae, and when branches are developed, they issue from 

 the axills of the leaves, and not of the stipulje. 



From the examination of one species of Psychotria, it is I think 

 evident, that the stipulae do not belong to the leaves, by this I am far 

 from meaning that they are not modifications of leaves, which is too 

 evident to admit of any doubt. Their line of origin is evidently 

 above that of the leaves, although this is only very evident in the 

 young state of the terminal ones only. It is very evident like- 

 wise, that from the absence of a central vein they are composite, 

 there again I may remark that the direction of their developement 

 is contrary to that which I should imagine would take place were 

 these organs portions of the leaves, see Fig 43. But I must exa- 

 mine, other instances before I can prove this. The great argu- 

 ment I look upon to be, the different plan of origin of the two. 



In another Rubiacea, the proofs, or rather the assumptions are as 

 strong, in this which has terminal verticellate leaves, and which is 

 excessively Paederioid in smell, the stipulae are evidently a series of 

 modified leaves forming a verticel somewhat above that of the 

 leaves, with which they, as in duty bound, appear to alternate Fig. 

 44, a. b. The midrib of each is represented by a keel, necessarily 

 alternating with the leaves, while the point of this is prolonged beyond 

 the subulately bifid apex of the limb, and thence we have 3, trifid 

 stipulae. 



The supposition that they form a distinct verticillus appears so 

 natural that it is most probably true. Were they double organs 

 forming part of 3 leaves, we should either have 6 points, or else 

 18, whereas we have 9, the line of union of the stipulre being still 

 opposite to the petiole. Fig. 45 



The stipulae of Wendlandia are to be considered in opposition, 

 and although mutually adherent, they have an evident com- 

 munication with the petioles, towards the base of which their princi- 

 pal vein is directed. This is particularly evident on tracing them up 

 among the inflorescence, where likewise they do not adhere. Here 

 they would be described as 3-partite bracteae. Fig. 46 a stipules 

 of the leaves, b. stipule of the bracteae. 



From this instance we are authorized in coming to the conclusion, 

 that there is scarcely any difference between stipulae and bracteae. 



