OF INDIA AND CKYLON. 
228 
Herbarium are mere fragments. The spirit material collect- 
ed by Hooker may be a different species or form ; I am not 
able to decide this question on account of insufficient supply 
of material. The main, or almost only, distinguishing mark 
of the species is the short pedicel of the fruit, but this may 
be due to its having been gathered unripe {cf. p. 194) or other 
cause. Fresh investigation is required on the spot where 
Griffith found it ; I much regret that I was unable to visit 
the place. The capsule is 8-ribbed,but Weddell describes it 
as having 10 ribs, probably having examined one in the early 
stages of opening. The idea of a sheath {cf. Weddell) at 
base of the flower stalk arises from the examination of bad 
herbarium specimens. The pedicel is so short that the bracts 
separate mainly on the top side to allow the escape of the 
flower. 
DICRÆA WALLICHIf Tul. in Ann. Sc. Nat., 1. c., p, 
101, and Podo. Monogr., p. 118; Wight, Wedd., 11. cc.; 
Podostemon Wallichii, R. Br, ex Wall., Cat. No. 5,225 (1828), 
Griff, in As. Res., XIX., 103 (descr. et ic.), Gardn., Benth., 
B.ooker,\\.ca. ; Podostema Wallichii, Royle, 111. Bot. Himal., 
I., 331 ; Dicræa pterophylla, Wedd. in DC. Prodr., XVII., 
71; Podostemon pterophyllus, Bentli., Hooker in FL Br. 
Ind.; Lacis Wallichii, Polypleurum orientale, Tayl. 
MS. ex Tul.; P. Wallichii, Warming, 1. c. VI. ; Blandowia 
striata, Lehm. MS. ex Tul. (non Willd.). 
Thallus algiform, ribbon-like, to 10 mm. wide and 10 cm. 
long, branched, more or less creeping, and attached at base 
and other points. Secondary shoots marginal or rarely 
central, some or all ultimately floriferous. Vascular bundles 
leading to flowers, and immediately surrounding tissue 
woody, the rest with the non-floriferous part of thallus 
deciduous. Floral buds sessile by a broad base, bracts 
helmet-shaped. Pedicel of fruit 8-25 mm. N.E. India and 
Burma. 
Thallus Fucus-like when alive and submerged, attached at base by 
a foot and on outer parts by haptera, prostrate, branched, and lobed. 
