On Sarcodes sanguinea, Torn 
BY 
F. W. OLIVER, B.A., D.Sc., 
Quain Professor of Botany in University College , London. 
With Plates XVII, XVIII, XIX, XX, XXI. 
T HE family of the Monotropeae presents many problems 
to the botanist, not only on account of the remarkable 
habit of growth and mode of nutrition of its members, but 
also in view of its curious distribution and affinities. Any 
addition to our knowledge of such a group will be, then, not 
without value, even if it serve only as a contribution to a 
biological and systematic monograph of the whole order 
by some future worker. Of the eight genera 1 of the order 
all, with the exception of Monotropa and Cheilotheca , are 
limited in their distribution to North America ; Monotropa 
being spread - widely throughout the whole north temperate 
zone, and Cheilotheca being found only in the Himalaya. 
With the exception of Monotropa , little is known of these 
forms beyond the bare descriptions, which are often imperfect. 
Nor, on account of their peculiar mode of growth, has it been 
possible, so far, to cultivate these plants successfully in our 
botanic gardens. In view of this general obscurity in which 
so many of the genera remain, it has long been desirable that 
an investigation should be made into the general morphology 
and mode of life of such of them as should be available. 
1 Allotropa, Monotropa , Pterospora , Sarcodes , Schweinitzia , Newberrya> 
Pleuricospora , and Cheilotheca . 
[Annals of Botany, Yol. IV. No. XV, August 1890.] 
X 
