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that it really would iirove so, was suspected by Prof. A g a r d h ,
to whom I communicated specimens. I have since, however, bad
opportunities of seeing it growing, and produce its fructification
in greater luxuriance, and am now induced to regard it as distinct.
A striking difference between the form of the capsules
in this plant and S. confervoides, was pointed out to me by
Mrs G r i f f i t h s . In tbe former, tbe capsules are really globular,
and without a mamillate apex ; while in the latter, it is
well known they are decidedly mamillate; they are besides very
considerably larger.
Another and still more remarkable feature, is the pod-like
termination of the branches, which never occurs on the capsuliferous
plants. In these pods are imbedded numerous granules,
which certainly appear to be a second mode of fructification,
more especially as the pods are deciduous, and are mature at the
same time as the capsules. No such character has ever been
observed in S. confervoides ; and if we add tbat the fruit of
S. confervoides is ripe in August, September and October,
while that of S. erectus is only to be seen in February, we
need hardly hesitate to consider them as distinct from each
other. The present individual, however, is not the only species
of Sphcerococcus ( A g a r d h ) which exhibits an analogous
mode of double fructification, discovered by Mrs G r i f f i t h s ,
who directed my attention towards it. S. confervoides, when
it appears sterile, has often granules imbedded in the circumference
of the branches ; so also has S. purpurascens, in which
they are of considerable size. Tliese granules are ovate or oblong,
simple, and sometimes surrounded by a pellucid border.
Fig. 1. S. erectus, capsuliferous plant. Fig. 2. Plant with terminal pods;
natural size. Fig. 3. Summit o f a fro n d with capsules. Fig. 4. Capsule.
Fig. 5. Sporidia. Fig. 6. Summit o f a branch with a pod. Fig. 7. Transverse
slice from ditto. Fig. 8. Granules; magnified.
b