OF PLANTS CALLED COMPOSITE. 311
completely differ from Compositge in the disposition of vessels of the corolla, while both orders agree in the no less remarkable structure of the jointed filament; a character which had been observed in a very few Compositse l only before the publication of M. Cassini's second Dissertation, where it is proved to be nearly universal in the order.
In the opposite parietes of the ovarium of Brunonia two nerves or vascular cords are observable, which are continued into the style, where they become approximated and parallel. This structure, so nearly resembling that of Compositse, us* seems to strengthen the analogical argument in favour of the hypothesis advanced in the present paper — of the com- pound nature of the pistillum in that order, and of its type in phaenogamous plants generally ; — Brunonia having an obvious and near affinity to Goodenovice, in the greater part of whose genera the ovarium has actually two cells with one or an indefinite number of ovula in each ; while in a few genera of the same order, as Dawpiera, Biaspasis, and certain species of Sccevola, it is equally reduced to one cell and a single ovulum.
Sir James Smith, in establishing Brunonia as a genus, is disposed to refer it to Dvpsacea. To certain species of this order it, indeed, bears a striking resemblance in habit; it also very nearly agrees with them in its remarkable inflo- rescence ; and one great objection to its union with them may be supposed to be removed in adopting M. Decandolle's account of their ovarium.
But as Brunonia differs from the whole order in the following characters, all of which are of primary import- ance ; — namely, in the origin and aestivation of corolla ; in the insertion and whole structure of stamina ; in the indu- sium of the stigma ; in the ovulum being inserted at the base of the cavity of the ovarium ; in the erect embryo and want of albumen ; — 1 continue to think that its proper place in the natural method is between Goodenov'ue and Composite.
1 Batsch Anal. Mor. p. 107 ; et Schkuhr Handb. tab. 236 et 24 \.
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