Page:Miscellaneousbot01brow.djvu/126

 108 In Sapindaceæ there is not the same constancy in the insertion of the ovulum and consequent direction of embryo, as in the two preceding orders. For although, in the far greater part of this family, the ovulum is erect and the radicle of the embryo inferior, yet it includes more than one genus in which both the seeds and the embryo are inverted. With this fact it would seem M. de Jussieu is unacquainted; and he is surely not aware that in his late Memoir on Melicocca he has referred plants to that genus differing from each other in this important point of structure.

TILIACEÆ. It is remarkable that of only nine 428] species belonging to this family in Professor Smith's herbarium, three should form genera hitherto unnoticed.

The first of these new genera is a shrub, in several of its characters related to Sparmannia, like which, it has the greater part of its outer stamina destitute of antheræ; in the structure of its fruit, however, it approaches more nearly to Corchorus.

The second genus also agrees with Corchorus in its fruit; but differs from it sufficiently in the form and dehiscence of the antheræ; as well as in the short pedicellus, like that of Grewia, elevating its stamina and pistillum.

The third, of which the specimens are in fruit only, fortunately, however, accompanied by the persistent flower, is remarkable in having a calyx of three lobes, while its corolla consists of five petals; the stamina are in indefinite number; and the fruit is composed of five single-seeded capsules, connected only at the base. In the want of symmetry or proportion between the divisions of its calyx and corolla it resembles the Chlenaceæ of M. Du Petit Thouars, as well as Oncoba of Forskael and Ventenatia of M. de Beauvois. The existence of this new genus decidedly belonging to Tiliaceæ, and having a considerable resemblance to