THE MORPHOLOGY AND AFFINITIES OF GNETUM 
In G. sp. J J at least fertilization is delayed until after a considerable 
amount of endosperm is formed. 
The fertilized egg divides to form two cells in G. gnemon and several 
cells in other species. Each of these elongates to form a suspensor 
from the end of which an embryo is formed. 
2. Inferences. — The strobili of Gnetum are closely related to the 
catkins of Amentales. 
The flowers of Gnetum are reduced from a bisporangiate con- 
dition with parts arranged as in typical Angiosperm flowers. 
The inner envelope of the ovulate flower is an ovary homologous 
with that of Angiosperms and bearing a true style. 
The outer envelopes are in the nature of a perianth. 
The abortive ovulate flowers are homologous in every respect 
with the fertile flowers. 
The male gametophyte is typically Angiospermic except that it 
has an evanescent stalk cell. 
The female gametophyte is typically Gymnospermic in the early 
stages but distinctly Angiospermic in the later ones. 
The fusion of nuclei preceding endosperm formation is a forerunner 
of that in Angiosperms. 
It is not possible to relate the structures of an Angiosperm em- 
byro-sac to archegonia. 
The endosperm of Angiosperms is best interpreted as gameto- 
phytic tissue. 
The proembryo is Angiospermic. 
The different genera of the Gnetales are widely different in mor- 
phology and yet are phyogenetically connected. 
The Angiosperms have been derived from ancestors very much 
like modern Gnetales. In fact the genus Gnetum should probably 
be classified with Angiosperms. 
14. Acknowledgments 
The collection of the material on which this investigation is based 
was made possible by the grant of a Sheldon Travelling Fellowship 
of Harvard University. To Dr. J. C. Koningsberger, Dr. F. C. von 
Faber and Mr. d'Aubanton I am greatly indebted for the use of the 
excellent facilities of the Botanic Garden at Buitenzorg and for con- 
stant assistance in securing material both in the Garden and in distant 
parts of Java. To Dr. Fetch of the Botanic Garden at Peradeniya, 
Ceylon, I am also indebted for material of G. Gnemon. 
University of Saskatchewan 
