Of RHIZOPHOREÆ,[1] as I have formerly proposed to [437 limit it, namely, to Rhizophora, Brugniera, and Carallia, the collection contains only one plant, which is a species of Rhizophora, the Mangrove of the lower part of the river, and probably of the whole line of coast, but very different both from that of America, and from those either of India or of other equinoctial countries that have been described. There is, however, a plant in the collection which, though not strictly belonging to this order, suggests a few remarks on its affinities.
I referred Carallia[2] to Rhizophoreæ, from its agreement with them in habit, and in the structure of its flower. It is still uncertain whether its reniform seed is destitute of albumen; the absence of which, however, does not seem necessary to establish its affinity with the other genera of this order; for plants having the same remarkable economy in the germination of the embryo as that of Rhizophora, may belong to families which either have or are destitute of albumen.
The plant referred to from Congo may be considered as a new species of Legnotis having its petals less divided than those of the original species of that genus, and each cell of its ovarium containing only two pendulous ovula. The genus Legnotis agrees with Carallia in habit, especially in having opposite leaves with intermediate stipules; in the valvular æstivation of its calyx, and in several other points of structure of its flower. It differs in its divided petals; in its greater number of stamina, disposed, however, in a simple series; and in its ovarium not cohering with the calyx. It is therefore still more nearly related to Richœia of M. du Petit Thouars,[3] from which perhaps it may not be generically distinct. The propriety of associating Carallia[4] with Rhizophoreæ is not perhaps likely to be disputed; and its affinity to Legnotis, especially to the species from Congo, appears very probable. It would seem, therefore, that we have already a series of structures
