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RAPHISTEMMA PULCHELLUM. 
large cordate tender leaves. The flowers soon change from white to the colour given 
in their representations. Dr. Wallich, whose figure represents the flowers to be white, 
writes of the plant as follows : — " This fine shrub is the largest-flowered Asclepiadeae 
with which I am acquainted, and I have found it peculiarly adapted to afford a clear and 
complete insight into the organisation and economy of that difficult family so beauti- 
fully developed by Mr. Brown. If the analysis instituted by that illustrious botanist 
be repeated in a flower of our plant, even long before the corolla has become visible 
beyond the calyx, the pollen masses will be found quite consolidated into a distinct 
form, within the respective cells of their anthers. Soon afterwards the processes of 
the retinae] es extend to the masses through the upper part of the anthers, which have 
now burst open. The stamens are epipetalous, and quite distinct and free ; their 
inner concave side is divided into two lateral cells, containing a sweet mucous fluid, 
by means of a vertical broadish ridge which rests on the pistils." 
The generic name comes from v aphis, a needle, and stemma, a crown, in allusion 
to the shape of the leaflets of the corona. 
