Illustrations of Indian Botany, Vol. 1/Ternstraemiaceae
XXIX.-TERNSTRAEMIACEAE.
This is a small order, and, but for containing the tea plant, one of very inferior importance. The possession of that one species however, raises it to the first rank in the estimation of mankind. Most of the species, are fine flowering trees or shrubs, with alternate, coriaceous, entire, or serrated, exstipulate leaves, occasionally furnished with pellucid dots : axillary, solitary, or fascicled, bisexual flowers, sometimes collected into terminal racemes.
Calyx persistent, often surrounded with bracteae, 3—5 sepaled; sepals unequal, coriaceous, obtuse, imbricated in aestivation, the innermost often the largest. Petals varying in number—5-6 9,—and not equal in number to the sepals, often combined at the base. Stamens hypogynous, numerous, often adhering at the base to the petals, or monadelphous, or polyadelphous. Ovary superior with several cells, and several, usually, pendulous ovules in each; styles 2—7, distinct, or more or less combined. Fruit 2—7 celled, coriaceous and indehiscent, or capsular, and opening by valves. Seeds few, often large, sometimes furnished with a membranous wing, exalbuminous : radicle turned towards the hilum : cotyledons often large, oblong, sometimes longitudinally plaited; when winged small and compressed; often containing oil.
Affinities. These have only recently been sufficiently understood, through the labours of Cambessedes, who, in 1828, published a memoir on the order. To that work I have not the means of referring, and shall therefore avail myself of the abridgement, of the part bearing on this section, given in Dr. Lindley's excellent natural system of Botany, by quoting the whole of his paragraph on the subject of affinities.
"This order originated in 1813, with Mirbel, who separated some of its genera from Aurantiaceae, where they had been placed by Jussieu, and at the same time founded another closely allied order, under the name of Theaceae. These opinions were substantially adopted by Kunth and DeCandolle, the latter of whom, moreover, formed several sections among his Ternstromiaceae. It is, however, certain, that no solid difference exists between this last order and Theaceae or Camellieae, as they were called by DeCandolle; and Cambessedes, after a careful revision of the whole, has come to the conclusion, that even the sections proposed by DeCandolle among Ternstromiaceae are untenable. I shall profit by Cambessedes' observations in all I have to say upon the order. Ternstromiaceae may be compared, in the first place, with Guttiferae, with which they accord more closely than with any thing else, and in the affinities of which they entirely participate. They differ thus : in Ternstromiaceae the leaves are alternate, to which there are scarcely any exceptions; they are always opposite in Guttiferae. In the former the normal number of the parts of the flower appears to be 5 and its multiples; in Guttiferae it is evidently two. In the former the calyx is always perfectly distinct from the corolla; these two organs are usually confounded in the latler. Ternstromiaceae have the petals generally united at the base, and a twisted aestivation; in Guttiferae they are distinct, with a convolute aestivation. The seeds of the former are almost always either destitute of albumen, or furnished with a membranous wing ; the latter have neither the one nor the other. The first have the radicle always near the hilum ; the second have it either near the hilum or turned in an opposite direction. Finally, in Guttiferae, the cotyledons are very thick, and firmly glued together; and this character, which is not observed in Ternstromiaceae, is the more important, as it is not liable to any exception. Temstrdmiaceae are allied to Hypericaceae through the medium
of Carpodontos, a genus which, with the foliage of the latter order, has the fruit of the former; and also of certain plants of Hypericaceae, which, according to Cambessedes, have a definite number of seeds. With Marcgraaviaceae they agree through Norantea, which has the stamens slightly adherent to the base of the petals, and fixed anthers; but that order is entirely different in habit, and is well marked by its singular cucullate bracts, its fruit, and its wingless exalbuminous seeds. Many genera of Ternstromiaceae, such as Kielmeyera and others, have the habit of Tiliaceae, while the fruit of Laplaceae is strikingly like that of Luhea; but the aestivation of the calyx and many other characters distinguish them."
Geographical Distribution. The species of this order are for the most part tropical plants, some however, nearly confining themselves to the more elevated and cooler regions. The Gordonias and Cleyeras of the Peninsula and Ceylon are with one exception, so far we yet know, from the highest hills, that one is from Courtallum. The Neilgherries, the Pulney mountains, the elevated regions of Nuera Ellia in Ceylon, all produce species of one or both of these genera, while the on the lower hills I have only once seen or heard of either. Eurya and Cochlospermum on the other hand, both descend to the plains. Ternstramia is found at Courtallum in the shady jungles covering its hills, Camellia has not yet, so far as I have heard, been found either in the Peninsula or in Ceylon.
Of the whole order 40 species are enumerated as Indian in Dr. Wallich's list of Indian plants, whether all these will stand the test of further and more minute examination than, in the circumstances under which that list was prepared it was possible to give, appears doubtful, but whether or not, it seems certain that the amount of Indian species brought to light of late years is very considerable, since, at the date of the publication of the first volume of DeCandolle's Prodromus (1824) of sixty-two species known, for the whole world, only 19 were of Asiatic origin, nearly all the rest were from the West Indies and continent of America. Dr. Lindley states :i that between (50 and 70, all beautiful trees or shrubs are found in South America, while a few only are known from the northern division of that continent."
The geographical distribution of the order in India, both generally and individually, as regards particular genera and species, has recently attracted much attention with reference to the extension of the cultivation of the tea plant, it having hitherto been supposed, that it would not thrive, at least to such a degree as to render its culture an object of commercial importance, beyond the limits of those districts in China whence the produce has been so long and so largely exported.
Properties and Uses. These are but little known, and probably with the exception of Tea, are of but secondary importance. As ornamental objects, several species are largely cultivated, but above all the Camellia japonica, the pride of gardeners. The seeds of C. oleifera afford an excellent table oil and I dare say a similar is extracted from the seeds of the tea plant in those districts were it abounds, as they are known to contain so much oil, that it is difficult to keep them in a state fit for vegitation for even a few weeks. I do not however find it any where mentioned that the seeds are so applied. Some species are employed in America for medicinal purposes, and in some parts of this country the gum of Cocldospermum Gossypium (the yellow flowered cotton tree; is used as a substitute for gum Tragacanth. None of the species of the order are mentioned by Ainslie, in his Materia Medica, whence it would appear, they are but little it at all known to the native practitioners of India. On the properties of tea it would be out of place to dilate, since almost every one can give some account of them from personal experience, but on the capabilities of this country for its production a few remarks might be offered as the subject is one, at the present time, engrossing much attention.
The very elaborate dissertations of Messrs. Royle, McClelland, and Griffith, have put us in possession of much, and most valuable information, bearing on nearly every branch of the inquiry. Messrs. Royle and Griffith discuss in great detail the various points relating to the vegetable statistics of the plant, more especially those appertaining to its climatic habits, and the vegitation with which it is associated in its native country, in the hope of discovering from these data whether the climate it prefers, partakes more of the tropical or temperate character; that is, whether the tea plant, indigenous as it is to the tropics and their immediate confines, yet seeks the cool climate of high hills, or is contented to submit to the warmth of the plains: and lastly to ascertain whether, in attempting to extend its cultivation to our Indian possessions, we should locate it on a dry rather poor soil, with an open exposure on the hills, or in low, moist, shady places, on the plains.
Mr. McClelland examines with equal care and success, the peculiarities of the soil in regard to its geological relations, and chemical qualities : the character of the climate with reference to its humidity and heat : the quantity of rain that falls, the degree to which the country is overcast with -clouds and mist, and the effect of these last on the distribution of the plant over the valley of Assam.
To attempt a detailed recapitulation of the facts and arguments adduced on all sides, bearing on the questions discussed in these papers, would take much more time and space than I can now devote to the subject, but as I think 1 have succeeded in making myself master of the leading features of the inquiry I shall endeavour to place before the reader a summary of the results.
Mr, Royle, in a very elaborate article on the subject, in his Illustrations of the Botany of the Himalayan mountains, comes to the conclusion, that, the Tea plant is virtually a native of a temperate climate, and that the slopes of these mountains afford the most proper climate and soil for the growth and culture of this plant, the former, as partaking of the character of the tropics during one half of the year, and of the temperate zone the remainder ; the latter as being formed from the detritus of primitive rocks. In arriving at this conclusion, which is nearly in accordance with the opinion advanced by Dr. Abel, whom he seems to consider beyond all comparison the best authority, Mr. Royle has evidently been misled, by reposing too great confidence in his guide, since, strange to say, the inference is at variance with nearly the whole oft he evidence adduced by himself in support of it. Were the case really such as he puts it, the south of Europe would afford nearly every requisite for the successful cultivation of tea, but I greatly fear, if ever put to the test of experiment, that some of the principal requisites will be found wanting. His views are however so well supported, and the contradictory evidence on which they are made to rest, so ingeniously explained away, that much difficulty must have been experienced in detecting his errors, had not actual and careful examination of the circumstances under which the plant is produced in its native country, enabled the deputation of the Tea committee who went to examine them, to point out the very erroneous nature of the opinions advocated by Dr. Abel, which Mr. Royle had adopted, and supported with such a fruitless expenditure of ingenious reasoning.
From the investigations of the deputation it appears, that so far from being a plant seeking the cool climate, clear sky, and dry soil afforded by the combined operation of elevation, free exposure to light, and the rapid drainage of alpine slopes, that the very opposite of all these, are the circumstances in which, in its native country, it seems to delight. There it was found on mounds but little elevated above inundation, but in a porous absorbent soil, under the shade of trees so dense that the rays of the sun could scarcely penetrate, and what is still more remarkable, was confined to one side of the valley of Assam, so subject to be covered with thick mists and fogs during the cool season, that it was estimated to enjoy less sunshine by 2 hours daily than the other, where the plant was never seen, though in the enjoyment of a clear sky, bright sun-shine, and a temperature greatly reduced by the vicinity of snow-capped hills. The climate of Assam all accounts agree in representing as very humid with a moderate range of temperature, rainy wet weather prevailing through the greater part of the year, and often dark and foggy in the intervals. Thus Mr. Griffith observes Hort. Trans, vol. 5 page 145.
"With regard to humidity Assam may be considered as enjoying the maximum. The rains are of long continuance; they commence in March and last till about the middle of October. During May. June, July, August and September, the fall is steady but not very severe. During March and April the fall is irregular, often accompanied by violent squalls from the S. W. November and January are the only months throughout the year on which tolerable reliance can be placed -for a continuance of fine weather, as rain always falls about the middle of December."
The following seem to be the points meriting most attention in respect to the peculiarities of soil, climate, and exposure favourable to the growth of the tea plant, as observed in its native jungles in Assam, and which of course ought to be, as much as possible, sought after in attempting its cultivation elsewhere. They are extracted from the reports of Messrs. Griffith and McClelland published in -the 4th and 5th volumes of the transactions of the Horticultural Society of India. Soil. The following extract from Mr. McClelland's report descriptive of the first tea colony the deputation visited near Cuju will explain both the appearance of the spot and the character of the soil. On entering the forest in which the plants were growing he observes p. 19.
"The first remarkable thing that presented itself here, was the peculiar irregularity of the surface; which in places was excavated into natural trenches, and in other situations raised into rounded accumulations at the roots, and trunks of trees, and clumps of bamboos, as in the annexed figure. The excavations seemed as if they had been formed artificially, and were from two, to three, and even four feet deep, of very irregular shapes, and seldom communicating with each other. After many conjectures, I found the size of the excavations bear exact proportion to the size and height of the nearest adjoining trees, and that they never appeared immediately under the shade of large branches. The cause then appeared to be the collection of rain on the foliage of lofty trees ; from which the water so collected is precipitated in heavy volumes on the loose - and light soil, excavating it in the manner described.
The trenches are from one yard to ten in length, and generally a yard; or two yards wide; and their general figures correspond to the form of the interstices bet ween the branches above. The tea plants are most numerous along the margins of these natural excavations, as well on the accumulations of dry soil raised around the roots of bamboos. The soil is perfectly loose, and sinks under the feet with a certain degree of elasticity, derived from dense meshes of succulent fibres, prolonged in every direction from various roots. Its colour is light grey, perfectly dry and dusty, although the surrounding country was still wet, from the effects of rain that had fallen for several days immediately prior to our visit.
Even the trenches were dry, and from their not communicating with each other, it seemed quite evident, that the soil and substratum must be highly porous, and different in this respect from the structure of the surrounding surface of the country,
Extending examinations farther, I found the peculiar character of the soil in regard to colour, consistency, and inequality of surface disappear, with the tea plant itself, beyond the extent of a circular space of about 300 yards in diameter."
Again he says (p. 22.) of another colony at Nigroo, "surrounded by tea plants we ascended the mound, the soil of which is light, fine, and of a yellow colour, having no sandy character" " We then traced the plants along the summit of the mound for about 50 yards when they disappeared where the soil became dark. Now descending to the foot of the mound I found the tea plant disappear where the soil instead of being' sandy or clayey became rich, and stiff." Again (p. 23.) at Noadwar. " Having entered the skirts of a forest which though not under water, was wet and slippery, and in some cases deeply covered with mud; we suddenly ascended from the dry bed of an occasional water course, and at first sight discovered a total change of soil and vegetation. From floundering in mud we now stood on a light, red, dry, and dusty soil, notwithstanding the rain to which it was exposed in common with- every part of the country at the time." Still speaking of the soil at Noadwar, he continues " the colour of the surface is dark yellowish brown, but on being opened it appears much brighter, and on sinking to the depth of three- feet, it changes progressively to a deep, pure, orange coloured sand, quite distinct from any of the other soils, or subsoils in this part of the district; and in this remarkable situation the tea plants are so numerous that they constitute a third part, probably, of the entire vegetation of the spot. The red soil disappears gradually within the limit occupied by the tea plants. I observed the level of the waters in the wells in this neighbourhood, to be about ten feet below the surface of the ground:
From these examples it will be observed that a light, porous, yellow or redish soil, is the kind which this plant naturally prefers, but situated in the midst of water and inundation on slightly elevated mounds, supposed by Mr. McClelland to be themselves sometimes inundated. It will further be observed that the sites, always of small extent, occupied by the tea plant were invariably in forests under the shade of trees, both of which circumstances ought to be well attended to in any attempts made to extend its cultivation.
Climate and Exposure. Under this head I find it most difficult to elicit precise information from the authorities before me, owing to the contradictory nature of the details, originating, not in the want of care on the part of the writers for they have examined the subject with much attention, but owing to the vast extent of surface over which the tea plant is produced, and the remote situations of the countries in which it is cultivated. It is now grown with success in Java under the equator, and is said to be cultivated as far north as the 40° of northern latitude, it is also cultivated on the banks of the Rio Janeiro in 22| S. latitude, fe Stem and Cochin-China between the 10th and 16th parallels of N. latitude, it is produced in considerable quantity ; while in China, judging from the enormous quantities exported, and the still greater consumed among themselves, it is clear it must occupy very extensive tracts of country, and be subject to very great varieties of climate, both as relates to temperature and humidity, and in my opinion, goes far to prove that it may be cultivated with success in almost any tropical climate, combining humidi-ty with a mode- rate range of temperature. It. is true we are told that unless the climate partakes more of the tem- perate than tropical character, that the tea produced will be deficient in some of its most esteem- ed qualities, the fine Aroma &c, but these I suspect it owes more to soil and skilful preparation of the leaves when gathered, than to the character of the climate under which they have been produced. Peculiarities of soil, on which plants are grown, exert much influence or* the qualities of the products of vegetation, some plants growing in a very humid or marshy soil, are intensely acrid, the common garden celery for example, but which when raised on a rich dry soil become mild and esculent. Other plants present the opposite phenomenon, that of losing their acrid or aromatic properties, when removed from a dry to a wet soil. To quote examples of the effect of soil in modifying the qualities of vegetable products would be to waste time, as every one's experience and reading must have furnished him cases in point, and that too, under circum- stances in all other respects the same. In like manner there is every reason to believe that, the different qualities of tea are owing, not so much to differences of climate, as of soil, the sickly or vigorous condition of the plant when gathered, and the more or less perfect course of preparation to which it has been subjected.
In throwing out these remarks I do not mean to infer that the plant might, under proper cultivation, be made to produce tea of good quality under any climate in which it can be made to grow, but with the view of encouraging trials in such climates as the Indian Peninsula supplies, and discouraging the idea that, because we have not a climate within these limits, with a range of temperature extending from 30° to 80° of Fahrenheit's scale, that therefore it would be in vain to attempt its culture. This I do, because the regulation of the climate not being within our power, to suppose it opposed to our efforts, is at once to declare all attempts at introduction futile,, but the selection and modification, by artificial means, of the qualities of the soil, being an every day occurrence in agriculture, holds out good reason to hope for success if opposed by that only.
To show however that in so far as temperature is concerned, we are not unprovided wilh localities enjoying a climate if not the best, yet far from unsuitable for the culture of this shrub, ! extract from Mr. Griffiths' report some tables showing the mean temperature of Canton and Sadiya, from which it will be perceived that both Malabar and Mysore are not very different, while the former, as well as the south-west coast of Ceylon, enjoys a climate but little, if at all less humid, than is experienced in the vicinity of Canton.
" I extract from Mr. Royle's work the following table of the means of the several Month's at Canton, which was furnished by Mr. Reeves to Dr. Lindley.
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And as a companion to this, I extract from Mr. Davis's work on- the Chinese corre spond ing portions of a table, the " Result of Observations made at Canton, during a series of years."*
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- Davis vol, ii. p. 381..
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Taking the means of the tables of Mr. Reeves and of Mr. Davis, the mean annual tem- perature of Canton will be very nearly 70 : the mean of the four hottest months in the year 82-2, and of the four coldest months 54.
The mean annual heat of Sadiya, in upper Assam, will be 67-2.
The mean temperature of the four hottest months will be 80, and of the four coldest months 57-8.
Canton. Sadiya. Mean annual temperature, 70 67-2
Mean temperature of 4 hottest months, 82-2 80
coldest months, 54 57-8
The greatest degree of cold which, so far as I know, has occurred at Sadiya, was in January, 1837, when Major White observed it on one occasion at 6 A, M. to be so low as 32 0 . On another occasion it fell to 37 ; 42° is not uncommon. The highest range during the hot months was in 1836, 92°. It is singular that Captain Jenkins had never observed it so high as this at •Gowahatti, (90 being its highest range at that place) although considering its latitude and situation, the contrary would be supposed to take place. In upper Assam, January is the coldest month of the year ; August and September the hottest and most oppressive."
Were we to assume the climate of Assam as the most suitable for rearing this shrub, we might find it difficult indeed to find a parallel one in southern India, but this cannot be necessary as it is next to impossible that similar climates can be common to the various and widely separated countries where it is cultivated to so vast an extent.
Mr. CcClelland describes Assam as an extensive deluvial valley surrounded on all sides by vast mountains ; those on the north extending backwards to the Himalayas which in this portion of the range are covered with almost perpetual snow ; and travesed its whole length by a vast river, fed by 5 or 6 others, the least of which nearly equals the largest river in England. A valley so situated has its climate modified in a very remarkable degree by local causes — Thus owing to the proximity of the snowy mountains a cool current of air blows from the north-east at all seasons. That meeting the south-west winds from the plains of Bengal in the months of March, April and May, is productive of frequent showers by which the air is kept cool and moist during the season of heat and draught, again
" Throughout the cold season, dense vapours arise from the Bramaputra about day-light, and continue to increase until 8 A. M. when they begin slowly to ascend. They are then drifted before the N. E. wind, which from the diminished heat of the valley now amounts only to a gentle movement, the direction of which is modified by the action of the sun's rays on the upper stratum of mist, causing a more or less powerful dissipation, and exciting a movement in the general mass towards the side on which this action is taking place. The whole of the vapours are thus attracted towards the south, where unless entirely dispersed by noon, their broken masses lingev- on the northern face of the Naga mountains, receiving daily fresh accumulations, until they are precipitated in heavy rain, seldom however before they have served as an impenetrable canopy to this side of the valley for several weeks.
This tendency of the mists to occupy the south side of the valley, is an interesting point if considered with reference to what I have already stated regarding the absence of the tea plant on the northern side."
These mists are attributed to the inequality of temperature existing between the river and surrounding air; that of the former amounting to about 15° higher than the latter, hence the vapour rising from it, becomes partially condensed and has the effect of raising and equalizing the temperature, while it preserves a constantly moist atmosphere. The striking effect of these causes on vegetation is proved, by the fact, of the tea plant being confined to the south side of the valley, or that protected by the mists from the cold wind blowing from the snowy mountains.
The fact here stated is strongly corroborative of the view above taken, that this is truly a tropical plant, delighting in a mild humid climate with a moderate range of temperature, and not one suited for bearing exposure to frost and snow during one part of the year, and a high tropical heat at another, and in so far, that the elevated of slopes the Himalayas, recommended on that very account by Mr. Royleas a suitable locality for its cultivation, are in truth most un- suitable. The deep and sheltered valleys however of these mountains may, and probably will be found, to present a combination of circumstances most suitable for its introduction.
The only parts of the Indian Peninsula, so far as I am aware, which seem in any degree fitted for the profitable culture of this shrub are some portions of Mysore and Malabar, espe- cially the mountain valleys of the latter, which partake of the proverbial humidity of its climate, combined with such an abundance of forests, as would at once suffice by their density to afford shade against too much light, shelter against cold blighting winds, and finally preserve an equal and humid atmosphere over the plants at all seasons of the year. Whether such a union of favourable circumstances can be found in combination with the peculiar light porous soil which this shrub affects in its native country, is not easy to say, but in a country enjoying a range of tem- perature rarely, if ever exceeding S5 Q or falling below 60°, with extreme humidity,* and abundance
- After this pa^e was in type I was kindly favored by Mr. Caldecott, Astronomer to his Highness the Rajah of Travancore, with the fol-
lowing Meteorological Tables, extracted from the Records of the Trivandium Observatory, affording for the time they occupy, the most complete series of observation's that has perhaps ever been made in 1 ndia or elsewhere. It is however to be observed, that, as the registers are for Trivandrum in the extreme South, they require to be slightly modified for more northern stations, especially as regards the fall of rain which in that part of the coast between Cochin and .Tellicherry exceeds that for Trivandrum by from 20 to 30 inches annually. A humid' climate has been spoken of as the one best suited for the culture of the Tea plant, that, a comparison of the register of thu Wet and dry Bulb, Thermometer, will show, to exist in Malabar where, so loaded with moisture is the air, even at Trivandrum, the driest station on thai coast' that at almost every season of the year, the depression of a few degrees of temperature produces a deposition of dew, and the
mean Minimum heat for any month never exceeds that of the clew point by above 4 degrees, and the Minimum temperature of each month falls below that of the dew point. The elevation of temperature certainly exceeds what I have stated as the extreme, but that varies with local circumstances, and the situation of the Trivandrum Observatory is of a very different character from those I suggested as the most shrub.
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Remarks on the Genera and Species. On this division of the subject I must of necessity be brief from want of materials to enterfully into its consideration. Mr. Griffith in his report enumerates 9 genera natives of India, after reducing one by uniting Camellia and Tiea. Of these 9, the Peninsula presents species of 5, namely, Cochlospermum, Ternstrœmia ?, Cleyera, Eurya, and Gordonia, of the remaining four, representatives have not yet been found. To these Blume has added four from Java, one of his however, Gecria, is, if not wholly, certainly in part identical with the Indian Eurya.
Professor DeCandolle in his account of this order keeps it distinct from Camelliaceœ, and divides it into six sections or tribes. Since the publication of his Prodromus these two orders have, by the almost unanimous decision of Botanists, been united, the last being reduced to a section of the first.
Of each of these tribes or sections tha Indian flora presents representatives, I shall therefore, with the view of giving a clearer idea of the whole, transcribe the characters assigned to each tribe, as given in Don's Edition of Millar's Gardener's Dictionary.
"Tribe 1st. — Ternstrcemieae. — Calyx with 2 bracteas at the base. Petals connected together at the base, opposite the sepals. Anthers aduate. Style crowned by a simple stigma. Albumen fleshy."
Of this tribe only one genus is known, namely, Ternstrœmia. This is principally an American genus, but Dr. Wallich enumerates in his list of Indian plants. 7 species, though not all from the continent. Dr. Jack describes two more in the Malayan Miscellanies. Whether these are all genuine species of the genus may be doubted, with one only, T. crenulata Wall. I am acquainted, and with that imperfectly, as my specimens are all in fruit, but the seed departs from the character of the genus in having flattened foliaceous orbicular cotyledons, in place of linear terate ones; the radicle however points towards the hilum, and the whole embryo is inclosed in fleshy. Should a corresponding difference be found in the flower, this species will justly form the type of a distinct genus, to which several, if not all of the Indian species may perhaps be referable.
"Tribe 2d. — Euryeae. — Calyx furnished with 2 bracteas at the base, of 5 sepals or 5 lobes. Corolla 5-parted, opposite the sepals. Anthers adnate. Style crowned by 3-5 distinct stigmas."
To this tribe three genera are referred, all of Asiatic origin, Anneslea, Wall. Geeria, Blume, and Eurya Thunb. Of the first, only one species is known, A. fragrans from Moulrnain : of the second Geeria, Blume has defined four species, but as already remarked, part, if not the whole, are referable to the next genus. Blume himself suspects two genera may be combined under his character, though it. seems more probable, they are all species of Eurya, as he informs us that Geeria only differs from Eurya, in having diæcious in place of polygamous flowers : surely a Very inadequate generic distinction. Eurya, of this genus Wallich's list contains 7 species to which one has since been added from the Peninsula.
"Tribe 3d.— Freziereae. — Calyx furnished with 2 bracteas at the base. Petals free, alternating with the sepals. Anthers adnate. Style crowned by 2-5 distinct stigmas. Seeds wingless. Albumen fleshy. Embryo rather curved." Species of two, of the three genera referred to this section are found in India. Of Clyera one species is found on the Neilgberries, one in Ceylon, and three in Nepaul, One species is referred with doubt to the genus Freziera by Wallich, which he suspects may prove a Camellia, whether or not this conjecture is well founded, it is imposible for me to say, but as all the other members of the genus are from America, it is more than probable this is not one.
"Tribe 4th. — Sauraujeae. — Calyx deeply 5-parted, furnished with 2-3 bracteas. Petals alternating with the sepals, more or less connected together at the base. Stamens numerous, adhering to the base of the corolla. Anthers incumbent, inserted by the back, not adnate. Styles 3-5, distinct from the ovary. Seeds wingless. Albumen fleshy."
Two genera are referred to this tribe Saurauja and Apatelia the former, nearly, altogether of Asiatic, the latter of American origin. Of Sauranja Wallich enumerates 4-continental species, and one from Penang : Blume has no fewer than 9 from Java alone. None have yet been found in the Peninsula.
"Tribe 5th. — Laplaceae. — Calyx bractless of 3-5 sepals, sometimes 5-parted. Petals usually 5, distinct. Stamens numerous, free, or connected at the base. Anthers adnate or versatile. Styles equal in number to the cells of the ovary, joined in 1, crowned by many stigmas. Fruit 3-5 celled. Albumen fleshy or wanting. Seeds compressed or winged, rarely cochleate."
To this tribe, the largest of the order, only one Indian genus is referred, namely Corklospermum, which was long supposed, on account of the woolly covering of its seeds to be a Bombax, whence, the only species found in this part of India had received the name of B. Gossypium, under which name, it is well described in Roxburghs Flora Indica.
"Tribe 6th. — Gordons — Sepals 5, free, or joined together at the base. Petals usually connected at the base. Stamens numerous, monadelphous at the base. Anthers ovate, oscillatory. Styles 5, distinct or connected. Carpels 5, capsular, few or many- seeded, sometimes distinct, sometimes connected into a single fruit, with a dissepiment in the middle. Albumen wanting. Embryo straight, with an oblong radicle, and leafy cotyledons, which are wrinkled and plaited lengthwise, with an inconspicuous plumule."
DeCandolle refers this tribute with a doubt,, to the order, but Cambessedes who reexamined the whole order seems to have no doubt on the subject, as he retains in his enumeration all the genera referred here by DeCandolle. Of these Gordonia is the only one found in India, and of it Wallich has 9 species one only from the Peninsula. I have since found another at Courtallum, and have one from Ceylon.
"Tribe 7th. — Camellia. — Sepals 5-9. Petals 5-7-9, usually cohering at the base. Stamens numerous, monadelphous, or polyadelphous at the base. Anthers versatile, 2-celled. Styles 3-5, connected at the base. Fruit 3 celled, 3 valved, few seeded ; valves with a dessepiment in the middle (loculicidal dehiscence) or bent in at the margins so much as to form dessepinients (septicidal dehiscence.) Albumen wanting."
This tribe forms in DeCandolle's Prodromus, a distinct order, including two genera Camellia and Thea. These genera have hitherto been kept distinct on account of a supposed, difference in the dehiscence of their fruit : the one Camellia being said to have a loculicidal dehiscence, that is, the valves splitting along the back, midway between the septa or partitions which then form a projection in the middle of the valves ; the other Thea,& septicidal dehiscence, that is, the partitions themselves splitting These septa being composed of two inflexed cohering laminae, often separate, at the period of maturity, and form two thin marginal partitions between the cells of the capsule.
The researches of Mr. Griffith with species of both genera in all states of fructification before him, have convinced him, that there is not the least foundation for the distinction which has here been attempted to be established : the dehiscence of both being valvate and the fruit a 3-celled capsule, in short that Camellia and Then, form bat one genus. Cambessedes, who, recently wrote a monograph of the order, and, as above remarked, came to the conclusion that the preceding sections of DeCandolle were untenable, not. only -keeps these genera distinct, but places seven genera between in his arrangement. The memoir itself I have not seen and cannot state his reasons for placing them so far apart, but it appears, from a remark of Griffith, that he was not acquainted with the fruit of Camellia, which may in some degree account for this unnatural separation. No species of Camellia has yet been found in the Peninsula of India.
After this article was written, and partly printed, I received Professor Meisner's Genera Plantarum* in which he gives in a tabular form, generic characters of all the genera of each natural order. From this work I have become acquainted with Cambessedes' characters of Camellia and Thea which, with a view to the fuller elucidation of the subject, I shall transcribe. Departing from the distribution adopted by Cambessedes he (Meisner) places them nearly side by side in the same section, under the following sectional character.
Sectional Character. — " Petals 5 more or less united at the base — Styles 3-5 cleft or parted, (that is composed of 3-5 styles united at the base or beyond the middle but not their whole length up to the stigmas.)"
Camellia. — Calyx of 5-9 sepals, often in 3 series, the interior ones larger. Petals 5-9. Styles more or less deeply 3-5 cleft. Ovary 3-5 celled. Cells 5 or many ovuled ; ovules pendulous,, partitions thick, capsules woody, ovate, loculicidal, 3-4 valved.
Thea. — Calyx 5 parted, segments equal. Petals 5 9. Styles 3 cleft above the middle. Ovary 3 celled. Cells 4 ovuled, the two superior ovules erect the two inferior ones pendulous. Capsule 3 celled (often by abortion 2-1 celled) cells opening at the apex, one, rarely 2, seeded. Seeds wingless exalbuminous.
From a comparison of these characters it will be at once observed that the only point of structure not common to both is confined to the ovules, and the dehiscence of the capsules, which, in Camellia are said to be 5 or many and all pendulous, with loculicidal dehiscence, while in Thea they are described as limited to 4, namely, 2 ascending and 2 pendulous, and the cells opening at the apex. Mr. Griffith having ascertained that the dehiscence is the same in both, has removed one of the marks, and that the other can alone be admitted as a good generic distinction, I am far from thinking, though I confess, that in many instances even small genera are broken down on equally trivial grounds. But I consider the practice a tad one, and therefore fully agree with Mr. Griffith in thinking these two should be united.
EURYA.
The species of this genus are of difficult discrimination, and I begin now to doubt whether E. Wightiana and E. tristyla, are really distinct. The specimens from which the characters were taken certainly look different, but they were few in number. Considerable additions to my stock have, by supplying intermediate forms, rendered it probable that they are but varieties differing principally in luxuriance. I mention this with the view of directing attention to the subject. Assuming that they are distinct, I have now, from Ceylon, an intermediate form differing from both, in the leaves having the thick coriaceous texture of the one, and the large size of the other, while it differs from both in having hairy branches : this, on the supposition that the others are distinct, must form a species. I therefore call it
E. Ceylanica, R. W. extreme branches and costa of the leaves, hairy, leaves coriaceous, oval, acute at the base, retuse, and somewhat acuminated at the point, serrated and revolute on the margin, glabrous : flowers fasciculed, Suit small, crowned with the short persistent style and 3 stigmas.
Ceylon. — Colonel Walker.
My specimens are in fruit, and I have not seen the flowers. The leaves are from 1½ to 2 inches long, and about half the breadth in the broadest part : very hard and coriaceous in their texture, glabrous on both sides, except the prominent midrib, and finely serrated on the margin. The hairy branches seem to afford the best distinctive mark.
E. angustifolia which I have not found since my return to India, but of which I have received specimens, through the kindness of Mr. Griffith, from Mergui, appears certainly distinct.
- " Plantarum Vaseularium genera, eorumque characters et affinitates, Tabulis Diagnostics exposita, et secundum ordines naturales digesta." I may here observe with reference to the Elœucarpeœ: as arranged in this most valuable work, which I shall very often have occasion to quote, that Professor Meisner reduces the order to a section of, Tiliaceæ and adopts DeCandolle's Accra. Hum and Elaocorjjus still retaining his characters. The genus Manama is also retained, with most of the species I have indicated referred to it. For the reasons
already stated, I cannot agree with the able author in retaining all the three genera— Ganitrus is not taken up as a distinct genus in this arrangement. One error into which he has inadvertently fallen, I have met with and shall here notice. Dr. Meisner observes that we (Wight and Arnott) have in our Prodromus, referred the genus Lophira to Dipterocarpus. This is a mistake, originating in our having quoted Gartner's plate, No. 188, for Dipterocarpus without noticing Lophira which is figured in the same plate, but the genus Lophira is not once mentioned by us, whence I infer, he had not consulted the plate when writing his commentary.
TERNSTRAEMIA.
Of this genus we remark in the Prodromus page 86, "Dr. Wallich (list No. 3723) enumerates Ternstrœmia crenulata from the Madras herbarium, with which we are not acquainted."
In my herbarium there is a specimen so named, but with a doubt (?) to which the following memorandum is appended.
"Ternstrœmia? but albumen wanting—Berry dry, 2-celled, at length, 2 valved, loculicidal, ovules 2? in each cell, seeds, one ripe in each cell, pendulous, wingless, plane on the inner side convex on the outer, albumen wanting, cotyledons flat, foliaceous, radicle small, straight, superior, testa of the seeds thick like parchment."
Of this plant I have since got numerous specimens, but all in fruit, so that I am still unable to give any account of the flower, but further examination with better materials has enabled me to correct an error in the above memorandum. The plant is a considerable shrub, with the leaves nearly confined to the ends of the branches, below which, on the naked portion of the branch, the berries are congested. The leaves are oval, oblong, acute at both ends, terminating in a short abrupt acumen, quite entire, somewhat coriaceous and glabrous on both sides. The berries are sessile, globose, pointed with the short persistent base of the style, glabrous, 2-celled, with a solitary pendulous seed in each, as above described, but the seed in place of having a thick testa like parchment and being exalbuminous I now find has a very thin testa, closely adherent to a copious albumen, enclosing the embryo. Hence this plant only diifers from the genus, so far as we can learn from the fruit alone, in having a foliaceous not a terate curved embryo, a difference however, which may be found accompanied with other characters sufficient to remove it from the genus. A figure of this plant will- shortly be published in the Icones.
CLEYERA.
Of this genus I have one species from Ceylon, which appears new, so far at least as can be judged from the very imperfect characters by which the species generally of this genus are distinguished. One of its most prominent features is a thick coat of hair on the back of the petals.
C. lasiopetala R. W. arboreous, leaves from oval oblong obtuse, to obovate spathulate, tapering at the base, coriaceous, entire, glabrous; flowers axillary, solitary, pendulous; sepals 5, with 2 small bracteas at the base; petals 5, very hairy on the back: anthers sprinkled with erect (not retuse) hairs : fruit globose.
Ceylon.—Colonel Walker.
The station is not mentioned but judging from the appearance of the plant, I infer it is from the more elevated regions of the country.
GORDONIA.
I found at Courtallum what appears a new Peninsular species of this genus, but which may possibly be only a small leaved variety of G. obtusifolia, and saw another at Nuera Ella in Ceylon, of which I had previously received specimens from Colonel Walker. They may be thus distinguished
G. parvifolia R. W. leaves from elliptic to ovate lanceolate, bluntly acuminated, retuse or emarginate, acutely, crenately serrated, glabrous; flowers axillary solitary, sessile, confined to the ends of the branches.
Courtallum in dense jungles.
This is perhaps too nearly allied to G. obtusifolia, but differs in the leaves of this being lanceolate, tending to ovate; in that to obovate cuneate; in this the largest do not exceed an inch or inch and half in length, and about half the breadth, while in that, they are usually twice the size : in this they are acutely crenato-serrated, in that the serratures are scarcely perceptible, both are glabrous, and in both the flowers are subsessile.
G. Ceylanica R. W. arborious, glabrous, leaves sessile, quite entire, from elliptic to oblong lanceolate, acute, tipped with a small retuse glandular point: flowers axillary on short peduncles; petals 5, obcordate: stamens very numerous, anthers oblong; ovary hairy, stigmas 5, clavate.
This species is nearly allied in some points to obtusifolia, but I believe quite distinct.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE 33.
I. Eurya Wightiana, male plant—natural size.—2. A female flower.—3. The same dissected, showing the ovary and styles with the corolla opened, to bring into view the union of the petals at the base.—4. A diagram, exhibiting the arrangement of the floral envelopes.—5. The ovary cut transversely, showing its 3 cells and inclosed ovules.—6. The same cut vertically, to show the superposed vertical ovules.—7. Full grown fruit— natural size.—8. The same magnified.—9. The same cut transversely.—10. A seed with its podosperm.—11. Male flower dissented.—12-13. Anthers, the latter showing an occasional union of filaments.—14. The calyx and rudimentary ovary, the petals and stamens removed to bring it into view—all more or less magnified with the exceptions specified.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE 39.
1. Gordonia obtusa—natural size.—2. A dissected flower, the petals removed, and the stamens separated to show the superior ovary and their slight union at the base—only four sepals are seen in the figure while five is the regular number, but the fifth being extern! usually separates with the bractioles.—3. A diagram of the parts of the flower, but imperfect with reference to the external sepal and bractioles.—4. Stamens back and front view.—5. Ovary cut transversely.—6. The same cut vertically, showing the ascending ovules.—7. The upper half of the ovary with style and stigmas. — 8. A fruit cut transverse]y.—9. A seed — natural size.—10. The same magnified, showing the wing-like appendage.—11. The same cut tranversely — with the exceptions mentioned all more or less magnified.
TERNSTROEMIACEÆ.jpg)
EURYA WIGHTIANA (Wall.)
TERNSTOEMIACEÆ.jpg)
GORDONIA OBTUSA (Wall.)