G OMPHOL OBIUM 
407 
(cudweed). G. supinum L., found in alpine regions in Scotland, is a 
tufted hairy xerophyte (p. 181). [For G. dioicum L. see Antennaria, 
for G. Leontopodium L. see Leontopodium.] 
Gnetaceae. The only order in the third and highest class of the Gym- 
nosperms, comprising 3 very distinct genera with about 40 sp. trop. 
and sub-trop. These agree in very few points, and ought perhaps to 
form separate natural orders. They are distinguished from the Coni- 
ferae by the absence of resin, by the presence of vessels in the second- 
ary wood, and by the occurrence of a perianth. For details of 
structure reference must be made to the genera; see also Gymno- 
spermae. 
Genera: Ephedra, Gnetum, Welwitschia. 
Gnetum Linn. Gnetaceae. 15 sp. trop. Most are climbing shrubs, a 
few erect shrubs or small trees. Leaves decussate, exstip., simple, 
evergreen, leathery. Firs, dioecious, in spikes which are frequently 
grouped into more complex infls. The spike bears decussate bracts, 
in whose axils are condensed partial infls. of a large number of 
firs. (cf. Labiatae), about 3 — 8 in the ? , but more (up to 40) 
in the <? . These firs, form whorls round the stem, and are inter- 
mingled with numerous hair-structures. At the top of the c? infl. are 
sterile ? firs. The cT has a tubular (2-leafed) perianth, from the top 
of which the axis projects; at the tip of the axis, right and left, are 
two sessile i-loc. anthers. The ? has a tubular perianth like that of 
Ephedra, surrounding a single orthotropous erect ovule with two inte- 
guments; the inner of these projects at the apex of the fir. After 
fertilisation the perianth becomes fleshy, the outer integument woody, 
forming a drupe-like fruit. G. Gnemoti L. (Malay) and other sp. are 
cultivated for the edible fruit. [See Gymnospermae, and Karsten in 
Cohn’s Beitrdge VI., Bot. Zeit. 1892, Ann. Buitenz . xi. &c.] 
Gnidia Linn. Thymelaeaceae. 90 sp. Afr., Madag., E. Ind. 
Godetia Spach = Oenothera Linn. 
Goethea Nees. Malvaceae (m). 2 sp. Brazil. Closely allied to 
Pavonia, some sp. of which are often placed in G. There are several 
buds in each leaf-axil, some of which give rise years later to firs., 
borne on the old wood (p. 156). The epicalyx is brightly coloured. 
The corolla does not spread out, but the styles first emerge and after- 
wards the sta. (the reverse of the usual behaviour in Malvaceae). 
Honey is secreted at the base of the calyx. The styles are twice as 
numerous as the cpls. (see Pavonia). 
Goldfussia Nees = Strobilanthes Blume. 
Gomphia Schreb. ( Ouratea Aubl.). Ochnaceae. 120 sp. trop. Am., 
As., Afr. Like Ochna, but sta. 10 only. 
Gomphocarpus R. Br. Asclepiadaceae (11. 2). 100 sp. trop. and South 
Afr., and S. Am. G. fruticosus R. Br. is wild on the shores of nearly 
all trop. lands, having spread from Afr. 
Gompholobium Sm. Leguminosae (in. 2). 24 sp. Austr. 
