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TAB V.
The column and sexual apparatus of a species of D E N D R O -
BIUM from Ceylon ; from a drawing by Mr. Bauer made
in 1821. This plate illustrates the structure of the Tribe
called MALAXIDEJE, and the phenomena that are attendant
upon fecundation.
1. A young flower-bud, which under the most favourable circumstances
would probably have expanded within ten or twelve days ; natural
size.
2. A front view of the column of the same, the floral envelopes having
been removed. At this stage the anther is very succulent and
larger than at any other period; but there is no indication of its
bursting; the extended marginal stigmatic gland is also very succulent,
of a milk white colour, quite dry and waxy to the touch, as
also is the whole surface of the stigmatic cavity. Magnified 10
diameters.
3. A transverse section of the lower part of the anther; magnified 10
diameters.
4. Pollen of the same anther, each grain 3-4-celled; at this stage the
grains are almost colourless with very slight indications of any
interior granular matter; magnified 400 diameters.
5. Another flower-bud, within 7 or 8 days of its expansion; natural size.
6. A part of the column of the same, without the floral envelopes, but
with its fecundating organs in full action; magnified 10 diameters.
The two cells of the anther are bursting at their apex; the pollenmasses
are nearly twice as large as in the expanded flower; the
grains of pollen are almost floating in aqueous matter, and are
closely pressed upon the stigmatic gland; from the latter, and from
the whole surface of the stigmatic cavity, so abundant an exudation
of mucous fluid is produced, that the latter bulges out and seems
as if it would overflow the cavity, which however never happens.
The fluid is very pellucid, but glutinous.