On FROPIERA, a New Mauritiau Genus of Falyciiloral Exogens, 
or doubtful Affinity. 
BY J. D. IIOOKEB, ESQ., M. D., F.R. S„ F.L.S. 
[From the Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society, v. V p. I.] 
In a letter lately received by Sir William Hooker from M. 
Bouton in the Mauritius, that gentleman announces the de- 
spatch of specimens of a remarkable plant, which he is unable 
to refer to any genus, and which, if new, he desires should be 
published, and bear the name of the Hon. Mr. Fropier, mem- 
ber of the Legislative Council of the Mauritius, and a liberal 
and zealous promoter of science. On the arrival of the spe- 
cimens, they proved to be specifically identical with a plant 
of which there are two specimens in the Hookerian Herba- 
rium, — one in an indeterminable state, and referred to J\Ie~ 
•mecylon by its sender. Prof. Bojer ; the other, also in bad 
condition, collected by Sieber (FI. Maurit. ii No. 123). This 
latter I had already examined, and, being unable to determine 
its affinities, had placed it amongst the Plantae Dubise of the 
Herbarium. An analysis of the specimens sent by M. Bou- 
ton have enabled me to draw up a complete character of it, 
but not to indicate its nearest affinity with any certainty. 
The habit of Fropiera is very much that of some Ilicinece ; 
and the pure-white bark (of the branches) and foliage resem- 
ble, very closely indeed, those of Leucodermis , in the same 
family with which genus, however, Fropiera has no other 
character in common. The dotted leaves and sepals, close- 
set parallel veins, intramarginal vein, and entire coriaceous 
leaves very greatly resemble those of a Eugenia and other 
Myrtacece ; but its superior fruit entirely removes it from that 
Order. Upon the whole, I am disposed to regard it as ano- 
malous ally of Myrtacece , but do not place any confidence in 
this conclusion. The strucrure of the flower and fruit is re- 
markably simple, and presents no salient characters of any 
kind. 
