550 NAMES AND OBSERVATIONS ON INDIAN PLANTS.
other similar processes, one on the anterior side of each of the additional antherae, also exist ; a fact which throws con- siderable doubt on the correctness of the view here referred to of the nature of these processes in OrchidecB, unless the same hypothesis could likewise be extended to all cases of trifid filaments, as those of Allium and Deutzia, to which the auricula? in OrchidecB may be said to be analogous.
In ScitaminecB, the family most nearly akin to OrchidecB, the complete number of stamina may be considered very generally present. Only one, however, is antheriferous ; and this perfect stamen, instead of corresponding, as in OrchidecB, with the anterior segment of the outer series of the perianthium, is placed within the posterior segment of the inner series, the two remaining barren stamina of the same series being the epigynous glands or filaments exist- ing in all the genera of this order except Costus j 1 while the outer series of stamina, very differently modified, form the innermost or supplementary series of the perianthium.
This view of the origin of that series was many years ago communicated to me in conversation by the celebrated Correa de Serra ; but was first, I believe, published in 1826 by Professor Lestiboudois, in a memoir 2 in which the correctness of the opinion held, namely, that ScitaminecB and CannecB possess rudiments or modifications of six stamina, is remarkably contrasted with the erroneous views taken, or rather adopted, of the greater part of the structures adduced in support of it.
A more accurate account of the relative position of parts was given in 1828 by my ingenious friend Professor Von Martins. In confirmation of the opinion, I may remark that the cells of the ovarium, whose relation to the floral envelope appears to be very uniform in Monocotyledones? are in ScitaminecB opposite to the supposed petaliform stamina, and to the divisions of the outermost series of perianthium. I have formerly pointed out the difference in
1 c Prod. Fl. Nov. Holl.; i, p. 305.
2 ' Memoire sur la Canna indica el sur les families des Balisiers el des Ba- naniers*
3 Appendix to 'Den/iam and ClapperlotCs Travels,' p. 243 {vol. i, p. 300).
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