IN CEYLON. 
67 
since the function of the phloem strands is to conduct the 
materials prepared in the epicotyl leaves, together with the 
endosperm material absorbed through the epidermis of 
the young stem, to other parts of the seedling, viz., the 
hypocotyl and root. 
The xylem of the epicotyledonary traces is, however, 
judging by the direction of lignification, differentiated in the 
opposite direction. This is obviously the best direction 
possible, as these tissues have to conduct the water from the 
root area to the epicotyl leaves, and since the cotyledons have 
become detached the sooner the xylem can be differentiated 
in the water-absorbing tissues the better. 
The lignification of the epicotyledonary xylem usually 
reaches the cotyledonary node while the seedling is young 
and prior to the detachment of the cotyledons. 
There is also another point in connection with the possible 
utility of the cotyledonary strands, which being disconnected 
from the cotyledons and endosperm seem likely to be in 
the way of any extra development of the epicotyledonary 
strands. The epicotyledonary traces remain separated from 
those of the cotyledons for a long time, but in D. Thwaitesii 
and probably in many others they become connected by the 
cambial products formed between the separate bundles. By 
this means the conducting power of the cotyledonary traces 
is tacked on to those of the epicotyledonary leaves and used 
in supplying the latter with the requisite food materials. 
This is therefore a good example of utilization of otherwise 
useless or abortive tissues during a phase of great urgency. 
VL—REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 
The production of flowers in Ceylon species of Diospyros 
is usually associated with that of leaves, and is therefore 
subject to many variations. In many trees of D. Gardneri, 
D. Embryopteris, and D. sylvatica the flowers immediately 
follow the new leaves, and since the latter appear more 
or less regularly every year, an annual production of flowers 
