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small, involute, erect, umbilicately attached to a large
solid, carneous perisperm. Chiefly copied from Nuttall.
Obs. The seed of the Symplocarpus does not
appear to possess any thing like a proper cotyledon,
the embryo formed in the exactjposture of the growing
plant, (with the radical downwards,) differs not from
It in any particular, but that of size. In place of a
cotyledon there is a sheathing stipule similar to that
which is ever after produced ; in fact, it is viviparous.
1 he embryon is seated in a small umbilical or hemispherical
depression, in the upper end of what may be
called a vitellus rather than a perisperm, judging from
its functions; this callus, or seminal tubercle, is
roundish, and turbinate, nearly as large as a filbert
nut, very solid, and carneous, possessing in a high
degree the alliaceous fcetor of the grown p lan t; the
mutual point of attachment subsisting betwixt this
body and the embryon, is at first a minute and nearly
central funiculus, which enlarges and becomes more
distinct during the progress of germination ; but what
appears to be most singular in it, is the length of time
which it continues attached to the growing plant,
apparently inert at the base of the caudex for 12, or
even 18 months.” Nuttall loc. cit.
Several plants of this curious species have been
lately received from North America, by Mr. Colvill,
and the greater part were in full flower when they
arrived ; from one of those our drawing was taken in
March last. The mould in which they grew was a
very black soft peat, the kind of soil in which they
should be planted in this country, and in a moist
situation, as Mr. Nuttall says, they are subaquatics :
being so curious a plant, it is well worth cultivation in
any collection, as the flowers are very curious, and its
fine large light green leaves make a fine appearance
after flowering; it is quite hardy, and may be increased
by dividing at the root.
1. Spadix in full flower. 2. Perianthium spread open. 3 The Stamens tXZ
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