Studies in the Development and Morphology 
of Cycadean Sporangia: 
I. The Microsporangia of Stangeria paradoxa. 
BY 
WILLIAM H. LANG, M.B., B.Sc., 
Lecturer in Botany , Queen Margaret College, Glasgow University . 
With Plate XXII. 
HE especial interest which attaches itself to the 
JL Cycadaceae as forms occupying an intermediate position 
between Phanerogams and Cryptogams has been dwelt on 
by several investigators who have studied these plants, and 
has recently been increased by the discovery of zoidiogamic 
fertilization in one genus (Cycas) 1 , and of striking anatomical 
resemblances in the vegetative organs between another genus 
(Stangeria ) 2 and the long extinct group of Lyginodendreae. 
These considerations justify a fuller examination and 
account of the existing genera of Cycads than would be 
necessary in the case of plants of less importance from the 
point of view of descent : this may provide a basis for com- 
parison of the living representatives of the group among 
themselves, and with such fossil remains of related plants 
as may be discovered. The need of this from the palaeo- 
botanical side has been emphasized by Seward 3 . 
1 Ikeno, Bot. Centralb., 1897, p. 1. 
2 Williamson and Scott, on Lyginodendron and Heterangium , Phil. Trans. Roy. 
Soc., 1895, p. 768. See also Scott on Peduncle of Cycadaceae, in the present 
number of the Annals of Botany. 
3 Science Progress, N. S., Vol. i, p. 118. 
[Annals of Botany, Vol. XI. No. XLIII. September, 1897.] 
