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THE FLOWERING PLANTS OF

SOUTH AFRICA.

A MAGAZINE CONTAINING HAND-COLOURED FIGURES WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF THE

FLOWERING PLANTS INDIGENOUS TO SOUTH AFRICA.

EDITED BY

I. B. POLE EVANS, C.M.G., M.A., D.Sc., F.L.S.,

CJjtef, iBibision of J3otang anti $lant ^atfyologp, Department of Agriculture, Pretoria;

anil director of tfje 33otanical Surbep of tfje anion of Soutf) Africa.

VOL. VII.

The veld which lies so desolate and bare

Will blossom into cities white and fair,

And pinnacles will pierce the desert air,

And sparkle in the sun.

R. C. Macfie’s “ Ex Unitate Vires.”

L. REEVE & CO., Ltd.,

LLOYDS BANK BUILDINGS, BANK STREET, ASHFORD, KENT.

SOUTH AFRICA:

THE SPECIALTY PRESS OF SOUTH AFRICA, Ltd.

P.O. BOX 388, CAPETOWN ; P.O. BOX 21, WYNBERG, CAPE.

1927.

[Ali rights reserved.]

A

'£

TO

REGINALD CORY, ESQ.,

OF DUFFRYN, GLAMORGAN, S. WALES

A LOVER OP QAEDENS AND 6AEDENING, AND A

DISTINGUISHED PATBON OP HOETICULTUEE AND

BOTANY, WHO HAS DONE MUCH TO HELP

BOTANICAL EXPLOEATION IN DIPFEEENT PAETS

OF THE WORLD, AND TO WHOSE GENEROSITY

THIS WORK IS ALSO MUCH INDEBTED

Division of Botany, Pretoria.

October, 1927.

2 */.

S. Gov/er del.

Plate 241.

ARCTOTIS Gowerae.

Cape Province.

Compositae. Tribe Arctotideae.

Arctotis, Linn. ; Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant, vol. ii. p. 458.

Arctotis Gowerae, Phillips, sp. nov. affinis A.flaccidae Jacq., sed plantis

erectis et foliis subtus haud arachnoideis differ t.

In a note on the genus Arctotis appearing in the Botanical

Magazine under Plate 9069, reference is made to the unsatis-

factory condition of the taxonomy of the genus. From our

observations in the field there can be no doubt that the plants

hybridise to a considerable extent and that field work on this

genus is required more than anything else. As the plants are

easy of cultivation and readily raised from seed, the genus

Arctotis would repay study by a South African botanist who

has facilities for growing the plants.

The plant figured on the accompanying plate is closely

related to A. ftaccida, and without seeing Jacquin’s figure it

may have been assigned to this species from the description.

Until such times, however, as the genus receives serious atten-

tion it seems desirable to keep the distinct forms separate.

This has been done in this instance, and we have named the

species after Miss S. Gower (Mrs. J. H. Louw), who has drawn

and painted so many of the plants illustrated in this work.

Like so many other plants we have figured, we are indebted

to Mrs. E. Rood of Van Rhynsdorp for seeds which were grown

at the Division of Botany, Pretoria.

Description : — A subacaulescent herb. Branches strongly

ribbed, glandular-pubescent. Radical leaves obovate, narrowed

to the base, lobed. Cauline leaves 3-5 to 14 cm. long, 0-6 to

3*5 cm. broad, oblong-ovate, or oblong-linear, obtuse, narrowed

and amplexicaul at the base, sparsely glandular-pubescent.

Head 5*5 to 6-5 cm. in diameter, solitary, terminal, shortly

pedunculate. Peduncle 2 to 3 cm. long. Involucral bracts

glandular-hispid. Ray florets female. Corolla-tube short,

glabrous ; limb oblong-elliptic, obtuse, sometimes irregularly

3-toothed. Style-branches linear, obtuse. Disc florets bi-

sexual. Corolla-tube cylindric below, subcampanulate above,

glabrous ; lobes oblong, obtuse. Anthers sagittate at the base,

with a suborbicular apical appendage. Style thickened at

the apex, bifid. Achenes tuberculate at the sides of the facial

cavities. Pappus of small semi-orbicular scales. (National

Herb., Pretoria, No. 6036.)

Plate 241. — Fig. 1, plant, much reduced; Fig. 2, median longitudinal

section of head; Fig. 3, corolla of ray floret; Fig. 4, disc floret; Fig. 5,

style; Fig. 6, a single anther ; Fig. 7, section of achene.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

242.

P. Badenhorsl del

Plate 242.

HAWORTHIA VISCOSA.

Cape Province.

Liliaceae. Tribe Aloineae.

Haworthia, Duval; Bentk. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant, vol. iii. p. 777.

Haworthia viscosa, Haw. Syn. 90 ; FI. Cap. vol. vi. p. 336.

This species of Haworthia belongs to the section Trifariae

(with 3 species), which is characterised by having the leaves

in three distinct rows. Like many other species of the genus,

it was introduced into cultivation at the beginning of the

eighteenth century and was first figured over two hundred

years ago. There is some doubt as to who first collected

specimens and sent them to Europe, and the first authentic

record we have of the plant from South Africa is from Graaff

Reinet, where the late Dr. H. Bolus collected it about the year

1873. Mr. C. A. Smith, B.Sc., of the Division of Botany,

collected specimens on a hill above the Railway Bridge at

Laingsburg in March 1926, and these flowered in Pretoria in

November of the same year. Mr. Smith notes that the plants

grow in clumps with many stems and are found under rocky

ledges.

Description: — Stems up to 10 cm. long, closely packed

with leaves. Leaves in three distinct rows, 1*7 cm. long, 1 cm.

broad, ovate, subacuminate, pungent, convex and papillate

on the back, deeply concave on the lower half of the face.

Peduncle up to 22 cm. long, terete, with 1 to 3 distant mem-

branous bracts. Inflorescence a raceme 10 cm. long. Bracts

3*5 mm. long, membranous. Pedicel 5 to 6 mm. long, terete,

glabrous. Perianth 1 -5 cm. long, articulated to the apex of the

pedicel, distinctly 2-lipped ; tube cylindric, slightly ventricose

at the base ; lobes oblong-linear, with a brownish keel,

glistening ; upper lip erect ; lower lip recurved. Ovary

ellipsoid; style slightly longer than the ovary. Fruit 1-3 cm.

long; valves coriaceous. Seeds 2 mm. long, angled, shortly

winged. (Smith 2507 in National Herb., Pretoria.)

Plate 242. — Fig. 1, a single flower; Fig. 2, median longitudinal section

of flower.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

24.3.

K.A.LansdeU del.

Plate 243.

DROSERA regia.

Cape Province.

Droseraceae.

Drosera, Linn. ; Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant, vol. i. p. 662.

Drosera regia, Stephens in Trans. Roy. Soc. S. Afr. ined.

We are indebted to Miss E. Stephens, B.A., of the Uni-

versity of Cape Town for the following note. “ This interesting

species of Drosera was brought to my notice by Mr. J. Rennie,

who found several plants growing near a stream in the upper

end of Baviaan’s Kloof on the north side of the Lower Sneeuw-

kop during Easter of 1923. Subsequent visits in search of

flowering material showed that the seed had evidently been

washed down from the plateau above, between South Ridge

Peak and Observation Point, where the species grows socially

along the stream. The species was again found by a party of

mountaineers below Slanghoek Peak, near the headwaters of

the Witte River. Visiting these localities the writer noticed

that the plant does not descend into the valleys below, in the

marshy areas of which other species of Drosera flourish in

abundance. Experiments in cultivation showed that the

species needs a moist and comparatively cool atmosphere,

such as is provided by the south-east cloud at these heights

(about 3000 ft.). Possibly this may be connected with the

very copious secretion of the tentacles, a secretion so viscid

as to entrap even grasshoppers and small beetles. The plant

flowers during the months of January and February and sheds

its seed by the end of March. It dies down during the winter

months.”

The discovery of this species is very interesting, as it is the

first record of a species belonging to the section Psycophila

being found in South Africa. The fact that a plant of such

distinctive aspect should have remained undiscovered in a

locality comparatively near the long-established highway of

Bain’s Kloof, shows once more what a rich field still remains

for the investigator of the flora of the south-western Cape

Province.

Description : — Plant acaulescent, with an underground

rhizome and thick cylindric roots. Leaves with circinate

vernation, green, with a reddish midrib, turning black on

drying, up to 30 cm. long, 6 mm. broad at the base, linear,

gradually narrowing upwards, concave on the inner face, very

prominently keeled on the back, with the face and margins

covered with stalked glandular hairs, glabrous on the back.

Peduncle up to 23 cm. long, 4 mm. in diameter near the base,

terete, gradually tapering upwards, glabrous. Inflorescence a

cyme. Pedicels 1 to 2 cm. long, covered with stalked glandular

hairs. Calyx 1-3 cm. long, more or less ovate in outline,

obtuse in bud, 5-lobed; lobes more or less oblong, covered

with stalked glandular hairs. Petals spathulate, rounded at

the apex. Filaments 1-5 cm. long, terete, glabrous; anthers

5 mm. long, sagittate at the base. Ovary 6 mm. long,

ellipsoid, glabrous; styles 3, free, 1-3 cm. long, glabrous;

stigmas broadened and papillose at the top. Capsule about

4 mm. long. Seeds numerous, up to 0-75 mm. long, brown-

black, covered with fine reticulate markings.

Plate 243. — Fig. 1, portion of calyx showing two stamens; Fig. 2, a

petal; Fig. 3, gynaecium.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

J'f.yH.Lan.Pdeil d?!.

Plate 244.

AULAX PINIFOLIA.

Cape Province.

Proteaceae. Tribe Proteeae.

Atjlax, Berg. ; Benih. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant, vol. iii. p. 168.

Aulax pinifolia, Berg, Descr. PI. Cap. 33 ; FI. Cap. vol. v. sect. i. p. 507.

The genera Aulax and Leucaclendron (the latter we have

figured on Plate 7) are the only two genera of the South

African Proteaceae which have unisexual flowers and the plants

are dioecious. The former genus is represented by 3 species all

fairly common in the south-western districts of the Cape

Province. Aulax pinifolia grows to a shrub about 3 to 6 feet

high, and it is only the male plants which are at all conspicuous,

and then only when in full bloom. In some mountain

localities the plants are sometimes present in large numbers

in a small area and then form a feature of the vegetation.

The species has been known to botanical science for a very long

time, and Hermann Boerhaave, a Dutch botanist, figured it in

1720 from plants growing in the Dutch Botanic Gardens.

We are indebted to Dr. R. Marloth for the specimens from

which our illustration was made.

Description : — A shrub, up to 2 m. high. Leaves more

or less needle-shaped and semi-terete, more rarely distinctly

widened upwards and there up to 2 mm. wide, acute or sub-

acute, 3 to 15 cm. long, usually much curved. Male racemes 2

to 2-5 cm. long; bracts up to 4 mm. long, exceeding or in old

racemes equalling the ultimately lengthened pedicels. Perianth

yellow, 6 to 7 mm. long, including the 4 to 5 mm. long limb ;

anthers about 2 mm. long, usually at length recurved ; style

6 mm. long, very slender. Female heads 1 -3 to 2-5 cm. long and

2*5 to 4 cm. across when mature; involucral branches not

bearing flowers, more or less fused below into a shallow

receptacle, quite glabrous, at length hard and woody ; dorsal

leaves lanceolate-linear to subulate, acute, 2 to 4 cm. (or

more) long ; central axis ending in a compact tuft of barren (at

length hardened) subulate bracts including them 1-3 cm. long;

bracts subulate, 6 mm. long ; perianth 8 mm. long, including

the slightly more than 2 mm. long spreading or recurved

segments; style 5 mm. long, long-persistent; nut obovoid,

dorsally more convex than ventrally, 5 to 6 mm. long, ribbed,

lateral ribs fringed all round with a fulvous silky beard up

to 4 mm. long, dorsal and ventral ribs and faces shortly

tomentose or the ventral rib with longer hairs, faces trans-

versely and more or less prominently veined. (FI. Cap.)

Plate 244. — Fig. 1, portion of female plant; Fig. 2, longitudinal section

of female head ; Fig. 3, female flower ; Fig. 4, gynaecium ; Fig. 5, fruit ;

Fig. 6, portion of male plant ; Fig. 7, male flower ; Fig. 8, top of perianth

lobe showing attachment of stamen ; Fig. 9, style.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

?ts.

P BaaenhorSw del.

Plate 245.

STAPELIA variegata var. brevicqrnis.

Cape Province.

Asclepiadaceae. Tribe Stapelieae.

Stapelia, Linn.; Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant, vol. ii. p. 784.

Stapelia variegata, Linn. Sp. PI. i. 217 ; FI. Cap. vol. v. sect, i, p. 992.

Stapelia variegata was, so far as we have been able to

ascertain, one of the first South African plants to be reproduced

in colour, and although a fairly common species in some

localities, it has not been recently figured, so that no apology

is needed for reproducing it here. In its colour markings it

is very variable, and Mr. N. E. Brown, who monographed

the family Asclepiadaceae for the Flora Capensis, recognises

26 varieties based mainly on the marking and the shape of

the corona lobes. The specimen from which our plate was

prepared is growing in the rockeries at the Division of

Botany, Pretoria, but without any record of collector or

locality.

Like many other species of this genus, the plant is perhaps

more quaint than handsome, and has the peculiar carrion-like

odour which is characteristic of the Stapelias. This species

grows very readily and appears to be more easy of cultivation

than most of the others.

Description : — Plant glabrous, branching. Stems erect

from a decumbent base, obtusely 4-angled, with conical acute

spreading teeth. Flowers 1 to 5 at the base of the young stems,

6-5 cm. in diameter. Pedicels about 4 cm. long. Sepals

0-8 cm. long, ovate-lanceolate, acute. Corolla with chocolate

markings on a yellowish background; disc with a raised

circular annulus ; lobes ovate, acuminate, acute. Outer

corona-lobes about 8 mm. long, linear-oblong, 3-toothed at the

apex, with the middle tooth the smallest. Inner corona-lobes

2-horned; the inner horn almost erect, swollen and tuber-

culate at the apex ; outer horn more or less at right angles to

and shorter than the inner.

Plate 245. — Fig. 1, median longitudinal section of a flower; Fig. 2,

corona; Fig. 3, outer corona-lobe; Fig. 4, inner corona-lobe.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

24 ti.

S. Gower del.

Plate 246.

DIMORPHOTHECA calendulacea.

Cape Province.

Compositae. Tribe Calendulaceae.

Dimorphotheca, Moench. ; Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant, vol. ii. p. 453.

Dimorphotheca calendulacea, Harv. FI. Cap. vol. iii. p. 423.

We have previously figured two species of this genus,

D. cuneata and D. spectabilis, both perennials. The species

figured on the accompanying plate is an annual. It was first

collected by Mr. J. Wyley in Namaqualand and described by

Harvey from Wyley’s specimen in the Dublin Herbarium.

Our illustration was prepared from plants raised from seed

sent by Mrs. E. Rood of van Rhynsdorp to Dr. I. B. Pole

Evans, and which flowered in August 1924. Dimorphotheca

calendulacea forms a small plant of a bushy habit, and in

gardens is very suitable for borders. Though the flower-heads

are not so large and striking as in some other species of the

genus, it is a very graceful plant. The flower-heads are borne

at the ends of long slender branches so that they can be used

for vases.

Description : — A small herbaceous plant. Branches

ribbed, pubescent. Radical leaves 9 cm. long, 3-2 cm. broad

above, obovate, lobed, sparsely pubescent. Cauline leaves

1*2 to 2-5 cm. long, 2 to 6 mm. broad, linear or oblanceolate-

linear, subacute, toothed, glandular-pubescent. Heads 3-7

cm. in diameter, solitary, pedunculate, terminal. Peduncle

5-5 to 7-5 cm. long, ribbed, glandular. Receptacle conical,

nude. Ray-florets in 1 row, female. Corolla-tube short,

pilose; limb more or less oblong-elliptic, 3-toothed at the

apex. Style-branches 1*5 mm. long, linear, obtuse. Achenes

3-angled, with rows of tubercles (8 to 9 in number) on each

angle. Disc florets bisexual. Corolla-tube slightly widening

upwards, glandular-hairy ; lobes ovate, acute. Anthers

obtuse at the base, with ovate apical appendages. Style-

branches 0*5 mm. long, when viewed from the outside appearing

almost truncate, w’ith a row of hairs at the base, obovate when

viewed from the inner face. Achenes compressed, obovate,

glabrous, winged, depressed at the apex, glabrous. (National

Herb., Pretoria, No. 6035.)

Plate 246. — Fig. 1, plant reduced; Fig. 2, radical leaf; Fig. 3, a single

involucral bract ; Fig. 4, portion of ray floret ; Fig. 5, ray achene ; Fig. 6,

portion of disc floret ; Fig. 7, stamens ; Fig. 8, style ; Fig. 9, achene of disc

floret.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

• M.M.Pa£e del .

Plate 247.

CARPOBROTUS Fourcadei.

Cape Province.

Ficoidaceae. Tribe Mesembrianthemeae.

Carpobrotus, N. E. Brown in Gard. Chron. 1925, p. 433.

Carpobrotus Fourcadei, L. Bolus in Ann. Bolus Herb. vol. iv. p. 109.

The genus Carpobrotus embraces all those species of

Mesembrianthemum, in the wider sense, whose edible fruits,

the largest in the group, are indehiscent, and more or less

juicy ; and whose seeds are thus adapted for animal-dispersal.

Hence we have the vernacular names, Paarde Vy and Eland

Vy. Associated with this distinctive type of fruit are the

following characters : — long and thick trailing and creeping

branches, forming the dense mats which make such effectual

sand-binders; large, acutely triangular leaves; and solitary

flowers which are the largest, or among the larger ones, in the

group. Haworth put all these species under his section,

Acinaciformia — so called from Linnaeus’ species, M. acinaci-

forme,* which, together with M. edule, L. formed the nucleus

of the section. He added several species to the section ; but

in most cases it would appear either that plants of these did

not flower in Europe, or that flowers were not seen by Haworth.

For the very short descriptions deal chiefly with the leaves;

and any attempt, therefore, to identify our wild plants with

Haworth’s imperfectly known types is almost useless.

Speaking roughly and from a popular standpoint, our three

most familiar kinds of edible “ vy ” are — Hottentot’s Vy

(also known as Gouna in the Eastern Province), Suur Vy, and

Gaukum. Of these, the first, Carpobrotus edulis, has the

widest range, extending from the Oliphant’s River southwards

and eastwards throughout the coastal districts to Natal.

The second kind, Suur Vy, comprises 2 or more species. One

of them is C. acinaciformis, which appears to be confined to

the south-western part of the Cape Province ; and another is

C. Muirii, common in the Riversdale Division. All the fore-

going have pulpy fruits, containing sufficient substance for

drying, and a leathery covering. The third kind, Gaukum, is

much more juicy and is really the only sweet and palatable

* Now Carpobrotus acinaciformis, L. Bolus, comb. nov.

sort. The outer skin is very thin, and, if the fruits are allowed

to dry out slowly, there is scarcely any pulp left. This kind

also comprises 2 or more species, including C. deliciosus from

the Riversdale Division, and C. Fourcadei from the Humans-

dorp and Uniondale Divisions. If any reliance can be placed

upon one’s childhood memories, then it is C. Fourcadei which

most vividly recalls in shape, size, smell, and taste the

Gaukums we went out eagerly to gather during the Christmas

holidays near Port Elizabeth.

Our plate was prepared from a specimen which flowered in

the grounds of the Bolus Herbarium, being a portion of the

type collected by Mr. H. G. Fourcade in September 1924, at

the top of the Karedouw Pass.

Description : — Branches rooting at the nodes, angular,

with the cortex golden-brown, up to 1 cm. in diameter, with

erect branchlets, often 4-leaved. Leaves usually nearly

spreading, slightly bowed, the keel scarcely compressed at

some periods of growth, or strongly compressed at others,

usually 7 to 9 cm. long, 9 mm. wide, up to 1*2 cm. in diameter.

Flowers solitary, open throughout the hottest part of the day,

6 to 7 cm. in diameter. Peduncle 4 to 6 cm. long, constricted

at the apex. Bracts placed near the middle of the peduncle,

4 to 5 cm. long. Receptacle globose, keeled on each side, 2-5

to 3 cm. in diameter at the apex, produced beyond the ovary

into a tube 4 to 5 mm. long. Sepals 5, unequal in length, 1-3

to 2-5 cm. long, acute, three with a broad membranous margin.

Petals numerous and closely set, slightly narrowed towards the

base, acute, pale rose ( Fourcade , 2301) or white ( Fourcade ,

2702), up to 3 cm. long, 2 mm. wide. Stamens very numerous,

incurved, the outer finally erect ; filaments white, bearded at

the base, up to 9 mm. long; anthers small, whitish. Disc

rather conspicuous, minutely crenulate. Ovary flat, or nearly

flat, above ; stigmas usually 15 (varying up to 20), linear, acute,

conspicuously fringed on the inner surface, at first erect, then

widely spreading and pressed close to the ovary, 3 to 4 mm.

long. Fruit globose, sweet to the taste, usually 3 cm. in

diameter, the tube of the receptacle curved inwards, and the

sepals withered and hardened in the fully ripe stage. (H. G.

Fourcade, 2301, 2702.) L. Bolus.

Plate 247. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section of flower (diagrammatic);

Fig. 2, sepals ; Fig. 3, gynaecium with receptacle and disc ; Fig. 4, petals ;

Fig. 5, stamens ; Fig. 6, stigma ; Fig. 7, transverse sections of leaf at base,

centre, and apex ; Fig. 8, bud. All natural size.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

rrrrrrrrrr

248.

Plate 248.

HAWORTHIA arachnoides.

Cape Province.

Liliaceae. Tribe Aloineae.

Haworthia, Duval ; Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant, vol. iii. p. 777.

Haworthia arachnoides, Harv. Syn. 96; FI. Cap. vol. vi. p. 354.

This species of Haworthia is one of the few which are

localised in the Flora Capensis. It was found by Dr. Carl

Thunberg near Zwartkops in the Uitenhage Division, and was

introduced into cultivation in Europe at the beginning of the

eighteenth century. According to Berger ( Das Pflanzenreich)

it forms one of a group of five species, all having setiform

teeth on the leaves, which he places in the section Setatae.

The plant from which our plate was prepared was collected

by Mr. C. A. Smith, B.Sc., on the hills to the east of Aberdeen

Road Station in April 1926, and flowered in the garden of the

Division of Botany, Pretoria, in November of the same year.

In its native habitat it grows in loose sandy soil under the

shelter of shrubs.

Description : — A succulent perennial, with the lower half

of the leaves embedded in the soil ; roots stout, fleshy, terete,

up to 3 mm. in diameter. Leaves about 50, multifarious,

fleshy, forming a rosette 5 to 8 cm. in diameter, up to 5 cm.

long, up to 1*3 cm. broad, oblong-lanceolate, long-acuminate,

flat on the upper face, convex and 1 to 2-keeled on the lower

face, with the margins and keel(s) with long pellucid teeth,

glabrous. Peduncle 25 to 35 cm. long, simple, erect, terete,

covered with broadly ovate membranous bracts. Inflorescence

a raceme 17 cm. long. Bracts 5 mm. long, ovate, membranous,

with a brown keel. Pedicel 2 mm. long. Perianth 1-5 mm.

long, distinctly 2-lipped ; tube cylindric, ventricose at the base ;

lobes whitish, with green-brown keels; upper lobes erect-

ascending ; lower lobes diverging from one another, recurved.

Ovary ellipsoid ; style shorter than the ovary. (Smith

2806 A in the National Herb., Pretoria.)

Plate 248. — Fig. 1, a single flower; Fig. 2, median longitudinal section

of a flower ; Fig. 3, bract.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

219.

J. J. van Nouhuys del.

Plate 249.

COTYLEDON cacalioides.

Cape Province.

Crassulaceae.

Cotyledon, Linn. ; Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant, vol. i. p. 659.

Cotyledon cacalioides, Linn. f. Suppl. 242; FI. Cap. vol. ii. p. 374.

This handsome species of Cotyledon was collected by Mr.

C. A. Smith, B.Sc., near Oudtshoorn, and flowered at the

Division of Botany, Pretoria, in January 1927. The corolla

is amber-yellow in colour, and the plant when in full bloom

produces a very striking effect in the rockery. As the plant

remains in bloom for over a month it is an acquisition to the

succulent garden. The name “ Nenta” by which C. Wallichii

is generally known is also applied to this species by farmers.

Dr. J. Muir of Riversdale, C.P., collected a quantity of material

with which the Director of the Division of Veterinary Education

and Research carried out a feeding test. Goats fed with the

leaves died ; in the first experiment no specific symptoms such

as are observed after feeding C. orbiculata and C. Wallichii

were noticed, but in a second feeding experiment one of the

animals developed symptoms of Krimpsiekte but recovered.

Description : — Stem very short, up to 10 cm. in diameter,

branching into 2 primary branches. Primary branches up to

18 cm. long, up to 7-5 cm. in diameter, dividing into 2 to 5

flowering branches. Flowering branches 5 to 15 cm. long,

2 to 3-5 cm. in diameter at the base, tapering towards the

apex (the stem, primary branches, and flowering branches

closely covered with spirally disposed prominent leaf -scars).

Leaves crowded at the ends of the flowering branches, deciduous

before the flowers appear, pale green in colour, 7-5 to 10 cm.

long, about 7 mm. in diameter, terete, acute, glabrous.

Peduncle terminal, 20 to 60 cm. long, 5 to 6 mm. in diameter,

terete, with reduced flattened spirally-inserted leaves below,

with scattered bracts above, glabrous to almost so. Inflores-

cence a many-flowered panicle of cymes. Pedicels 0-7 to 2 cm.

long, viscous-puberulous. Flowers erect, tubular, 5-angled,

amber-yellow, turning (when shaded) a greenish -yellow in

colour. Calyx-tube almost obsolete; lobes somewhat fleshy,

about 4 mm. long, triangular, acute. Corolla-tube up to 2*5

cm. long, viscous-puberulous ; lobes about as long as the tube,

slightly imbricate, spreading, reflexed, oblong-lanceolate,

obliquely acute, viscous-puberulous without, glabrous within.

Stamens erect, the 5 opposite the corolla-lobes inserted about

4 mm. above the base of the corolla-tube; the 5 alternating

with the corolla-lobes inserted at the base of the corolla-tube

but adnate to the tube for about 1 -3 cm. ; filaments pubescent

at the base ; anthers rectangular in cross-section before

dehiscence, becoming flattened and ovate after dehiscence.

Carpels as long as the stamens; stigmas slightly capitate.

Hypogynous glands somewhat cup-shaped, forming almost a

right angle with the carpel. (National Herb., Pretoria, No.

5275.)

Plate 249. — Fig. 1, plant much reduced ; Fig. 2, part of corolla showing

insertion of stamens ; Fig. 3, anther after dehiscence ; Fig. 4, carpels.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

250.

J. J. van Nouhuys del.

Plate 250.

ASTER BARBATXJS.

Orange Free State, Cape Province.

Compositae. Tribe Asteroideae.

Aster, Linn.; Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant, vol. ii. p. 271.

Aster barbatus, Harv. FI. Cap. vol. iii. p. 81.

This charming species of Aster is growing in the garden of

the Division of Botany, Pretoria, and was raised from seed

collected by Dr. I. B. Pole Evans, C.M.G., at Springfontein

in the Orange Free State. While the heads are not as large

as those found in some other species of the genus, the corolla^

of the ray florets are a delicate blue colour. The plant forms

a small much-branched bush, less than a foot high, but

flowers very freely and is very pleasing when in full bloom.

It is propagated easily from seed, but grows very slowly and

flowers during the months of December and January.

Description : — A small bush. Branches and branchlets

pilose with long spreading hairs. Leaves opposite, 7 mm. long,

2 mm. broad, oblong or oblong-obovate, obtuse and somewhat

recurved at the apex, pilose with long spreading hairs. Heads

1-5 cm. in diameter, solitary, terminal, pedunculate. Peduncles

2*5 to 5*5 cm. long, terete, herbaceous, glandular-pubescent.

Involucral bracts sub-l-seriate, 5*5 mm. long, 1*5 mm. broad,

lanceolate, obtusely and broadly keeled, with membranous

ciliate margins, viscid. Receptacle convex, honeycombed.

Ray florets female. Corolla-tube 2*5 mm. long, cylindric ;

limb 7 mm. long, oblong, obtuse. Ovary ellipsoid, glandular.

Pappus-bristles barbellate. Disc florets bisexual. Corolla-

tube 4 mm. long, cylindric, with a few scattered hairs ; teeth

less than 0*5 mm. long, ovate, obtuse. Anthers obtuse at the

base, with an ovate apical appendage. Ovary ellipsoid,

glandular. Style-branches flat, linear, subacute. Pappus-

bristles almost as long as the corolla, barbellate.

Plate 250. — Fig. 1, young head x 5 ; Fig. 2, section through receptacle ;

Fig. 3, ray floret ; Fig. 4, disc floret ; Fig. 5, stamens ; Fig. 6, achene X 6.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

M.M.Page del.

Plate 251.

MESEMBRYANTHEMUM hamatum.

Transvaal , Orange Free State, Cape Province.

Ficqidaceae. Tribe Mesembryanthemeae.

Mesembryanthemum, Linn. ; Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant, vol. i. p. 853.

Mesembryanthemum hamatum, L. Bolus in Annals Bolus Herbarium,

vol. ii. p. 29.

The earliest collecting recorded of this species is that by

Mr. J. Cruikshank (Bolus, 2520) in 1872, the locality being

somewhat vaguely stated as between the Vaal R. and Kuru-

man. A year or two later it was found at Bloemhof by Mr. W.

Roe (Bolus Herb. No. 13,484) of Graaff Reinet, who said it

was the only Mesembryanthemum he saw growing North of

the Vaal R. The next collection was that of Dr. H. Bolus

(11,089) near Bloemfontein in February 1904. This is less

twiggy in habit than is usual in the species. Several of the

branches are elongated and more or less decumbent — a

character which led me to separate it from the type as a

decumbent variety.* Further knowledge of the species,

however, points to the conclusion that unusually severe

drought conditions, or a bush fire, followed by good rains,

may stimulate a luxuriant growth such as is exhibited in

Bolus, 11,089. For this species with age has a thick stem,

produced downwards as a thickened rootstock, 13 to 14 cm.

long (Burtt Davy, 15,129), capable of sending out numerous

branches under favourable conditions. Some little experience,

therefore, is required to enable one to identify these regenerated

products with some of the drought-stricken veterans whose

rigid, woody, and almost leafless branches seldom find their

way into herbaria.

* Annals Bolus Herbarium, vol. ii. p. 29, where, by an oversight in the

printing, other collections quoted were placed under this variety instead of

under the typical form.

The flowering-period appears to extend from October to

May, and the range of the species from Kimberley northwards.

The plate represents a portion of a plant collected by

Mr. I)ix near Bloemfontein in October 1923 (Bolus Herbarium,

No. 17,437). The name, hamatum, meaning “ hooked ” or

“ crooked,” refers to the hooked leaf-tip.

Description : — Perennial, glabrous. Stem robust, thick-

ened with age, up to 2-5 cm. diam. at the base; branches

spreading or ascending, becoming rigid ; flowering branchlets

usually 1 to 2 cm. long. Leaves ascending or almost erect,

sheathing at base, the sheath up to 2 mm. long, recurved and

hooked at the apex, mucronate, obtusely keeled, flat above,

sides slightly convex, prominently dotted, usually 4 to 8 mm.,

or ( D . F. GilfUlan, Heidelburg, May 1907) up to 1-8 cm. long,

2 mm. broad. Flowers solitary, subsessile, or peduncle up to

7 mm. long, open during the middle part of the day, 1-2 cm.

in diameter. Receptacle clavate, about 4 mm. in diameter at

the apex. Sepals 5, nearly equal to one another in length,

3 mm. long, oblong-lanceolate, mucronate, three with broadly

membranous margins. Petals rather closely set, 2-seriate,

linear, slightly narrowed downwards, obtuse, purple or rose-

purple, 5 mm. long, usually 0-75 mm. w'ide. Stamens erect,

surrounded by acuminate staminodes ; anthers whitish,

pollen yellowr; filaments bearded below, purplish, 2 to 4 mm.

long. Disk annular, crenulate. Ovary convex above, 5-lobed ;

stigmas subulate or linear-subulate, 2 to 3 mm. long, finally

overtopping the stamens. Capsule when expanded by water

1-5 to 2 cm. in diameter; valves 5, the keels diverging almost

from the base and reaching slightly beyond the middle of the

valve, wings none; cell-wings covering more than half the

cell, tubercle none (but a slight thickening often occurs at the

mouth of each cell) ; seeds attached to the outer wall, dark

brown, tuberculate. — L. Bolus.

Plate 251. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section of flower, x 4 ; Fig. 2, receptacle

and sepals, x 2 ; Fig. 3, gynaeceum with disk ; Fig. 4, petal ; Fig. 5, stamin-

ode; Fig. 6, stamens; Fig. 7, stigma all x4; Fig. 8, capsule expanded;

Fig. 9, transverse sections of leaf at base, centre, apex x 2 ; Fig. 10, tip of

a leaf, enlarged.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

2r>?

P. Badeiihorst del.

Plate 252.

HAWORTHIA tesselata.

Cape, Province.

Liliaceae. Tribe Aloineae.

Haworthia, Duval in Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant, vol. iii. p. 777.

Haworthia tesselata, Haw. in Phil. Mag. 1824, 300; FI. Cap.

vol. vi. p. 348.

It is for the first time that we figure in this work plants of

a characteristic South African genus, but a genus about which

we know very little. In glancing through the descriptions of

the 64 species described in the Flora Capensis, we find that

only 14 of these have the localities recorded, the remainder are

almost all noted as “ South Africa, without locality, described

from living specimens in cultivation.”

The plant figured on the accompanying Plate was collected

by Mr. C. A. Smith, B.Sc., on the hills to the east of De Aar

Station in April 1926, and flowered in the garden of the

Division of Botany, Pretoria, in November of the same year.

The species was introduced into cultivation in Europe about

the year 1822, and was first figured by J. de Salm-Dyck

between the years 1836 and 1849.

Description : — A succulent plant 5 cm. high. Leaves in

5 rows, 4-5 cm. long, 2-5 cm. broad at the base, ovate, brown

on the under surface, greenish on the upper surface; the

lower half concave on the inner face, the upper half broadly

channelled on the inner face, with whitish longitudinal and

transverse lines ; the complete leaf convex on the back and

pustulate on the upper half, with the margins edged with

cartilaginous teeth, glabrous. Peduncle 34 cm. long, terete,

bearing about 4 distant ovate acuminate bracts. Inflorescence

a raceme up to 14 cm. long. Bracts 5 mm. long, ovate,

acuminate. Pedicel 5 mm. long. Perianth 1-7 cm. long,

cylindric, slightly ventricose at the base; segments brown,

with membranous edges. Capsule 1-5 cm. long; valves

coriaceous. Seeds 4-5 mm. long, black, shortly winged at

each end. (Smith 2809 in National Herb., Pretoria.)

Plate 252. — Fig. 1, section of leaf in upper half ; Fig. 2, section of leaf

at middle ; Fig. 3, section of leaf in lower half ; Fig. 4, a single flower ;

Fig. 5, fruits.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

M.M.Page de]

Plate 253.

MESEMBRYANTHEMUM stipulaceum.

Cape Province/

Ficoidaceae. Tribe Mesembryanthemeae.

Mesembryanthemum, Linn. ; Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant, vol. i. p. 853.

Mesembryanthemum stipulaceum, Linn. Sp. PI. 693 ; FI. Cap.

vol. ii. 429; Berger , “ MesembF 157.

In 1918 this plant was sent to me from the Division of

Botany, under the number 2394, without precise locality, and

was identified as M. stipulaceum, L. It grew exceedingly well

at Kirstenbosch, where it has become one of the most

decorative species in the collection of succulents, not only for

the size and wealth of the flowers produced, but also for its

long flowering-period — August to March. The species was in

cultivation in England before 1732, the date of publication of

Dillenius’ Hortus Elthamensis, which contains the type-figure

made from the specimen now preserved in Oxford. This

specimen I was able to examine recently, and thus confirm the

identification of our plant.

The species appears to be common about the Sunday’s

River in the Uitenhage and Alexandria Divisions, and has been

collected by Mrs. Florence Paterson near the Zwartkops River

at Redhouse, where, no doubt, Zeyher also collected it. One

is almost tempted to assert that M. Zeyheri, Salm Dyck, is the

same species ; for our plants of M. stipulaceum, according to

the season, have leaves quite as slender as those figured in

Salm Dyck’s plate of the type of M. Zeyheri. There is,

however, much work still to be done on the Mesembryeae of that

part of the country before one can pronounce with any

certainty that M. Zeyheri is not a separate species.

Description : — Glabrous shrublets up to 25 cm. high,

loosely branched. Branches spreading or decumbent, the

flowering ones erect. Leaves ascending or spreading, terete

or flat on the upper surface, acute, more or less tapering

towards the base, very shortly connate at base, smooth,

usually 3 to 4 cm. long, 2 to 5 mm. in diameter. Flowers

solitary, or 3-nate with all the peduncles bracteate, up to

6-5 cm. in diameter, fully open during the hottest part of the

day. Receptacle turbinate. Sepals 5, acuminate, 2 a little

longer than the rest, 3 with a membranous margin, 1 to

1*4 cm. long. Petals numerous in several rows, the inner short

and staminodal, the outer becoming gradually longer and

broader, bright rose-purple or nearly red in sunlight, linear-

spathulate, acute or obtuse, 0-7 to 3 cm. long, up to 3 mm.

broad. Stamens erect, 5 mm. in diameter at the apex ;

filaments pale purple, bearded; anthers and pollen bright

yellow. Disk annular, crenulate, yiconspicuous. Ovary

inferior, convex above. Stigmas 5, stout, subulate, ending

in a bristle, 3 mm. long. Capsule expanded 1*5 cm. in

diameter, valves 5 ; keels diverging upwards, the membranous

wings broadly semi-ovate, acute or truncate ; cell-wings

connate, covering about half the cell; seed obscurely pitted,

reddish-brown; — other characters generic.

Plate 253. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

calyx; Fig. 3, gynaeceum ; Figs. 4, 5, 6, petals, stamens, stigma; Fig. 7,

cross-sections of leaf ; Fig. S, expanded capsule ; Fig. 9, seed.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

M.M.Page del

Plate 254.

EREPSIA RESTIOPHILTTM.

Cape Province.

Ficoidaceae. Tribe Mesembbyanthemeae.

Ebepsia, N. E. Brown in Gard. Chron., vol. 78, p. 433 (1925).

Erepsia restiophilum, L. Bolus, sp. nov. Fruticulus gracilis, glaber, ad

40 cm., saepius 20 to 30 cm., altus. Rami erecti vel patuli, virgati,

ancipites. Folia gracillima, saepius fere erecta, carinata, carina leviter

decurrente, supra plana, lateribus convexiusculis, acuminata, apice

stricta vel inconspicue recurvata, sat aspera, rarius fere levia, saepius

internodiis breviora, 2 to 3 cm., rarius 4 cm., longa, 2 mm. lata dia-

metroque. Flores 3-5 to 4 cm. diam., per diem noctemque aperti.

Pedunculi ad 3 cm. longi. Bracteae a receptaculo distantes. Recepta-

culum globoso-turbinatum, conspicue tuberculatum, tuberculis crebris.

Sepala 5, inter se subaequilonga, acuminata, 3 membranaceo-marginata,

5 to 6 mm. longa. Petala pluriseriata, exteriora laxissima, angustissima,

acuta, purpureo-rosea, inferne alba, ad 2 cm. longa, saepius 1 mm. lata.

Filamenta albida, glabra. Ovarium supra tantum medio leviter con-

vexum. Stigmata 5, subulata. Capsula expansa 1-2 cm. diam., carinis

in alam setaceo-acuminatum desinentibus — cetera generis.

Flowering from midsummer right through the autumn,

this species is common on the Cape Flats, where it is usually

associated with various Bestionaceae. This accounts for its

often lanky growth and the long, virgate branches. In more

open situations the plant is much shorter and more compact,

with the leaves more crowded. It grew freely in the wild part

of our garden at Kenilworth for years ; and, although no very

accurate observations were made, the strong impression we

got was that the life of a plant was probably not more than

2 to 3 years, and that it often flowered in its first year. (Bolus,

No. 7136 represents first-year’s flowering specimens.) In the

past it has been confused, amid the maze and tangle of species

and varieties, with Erepsia aspera ( Mesembryanthemum

asperum, Haw.) by Salm Dyck, who figured it under this name

in his Monographia (§ 22, Fig. 3). The plate was made

from a plant growing on the Kenilworth Racecourse (Bolus

Herbarium, No. 17,345). Other species of Erepsia known to

me from living plants are : E. pentagona, L. Bolus (= Mesem-

bryanthemum pentagonum, L. Bolus) ; E. polita, L. Bolus ( = M.

politum, L. Bolus) ; E. gracilis, L. Bolus (== M. gracile, Haw.) ;

E. aspera, L. Bolus (= M. cisperum, Haw.). The genus is well

represented in the Western Province, and requires long and

close study before a satisfactory account of it can be given.

Description : — Slender glabrous shrublets, up to 40 cm.

high, often flowering the first year. Branches erect or

spreading, 2-edged. Leaves very slender, usually nearly erect,

keeled, the keel slightly decurrent, flat above, sides rather

convex, acuminate straight or inconspicuously hooked at the

apex, rather rough, usually shorter than the internodes, 2 to

3 cm., more rarely 4 cm. long, 2 mm. broad. Flowers 3-5 to

4 cm. in diameter, open day and night. Peduncles up to

3 cm. long. Bracts placed at some distance from the receptacle.

Receptacle globose-turbinate, conspicuously tuberculate,

tubercles crowded. Sepals 5, almost of equal length,

acuminate, 3 with a membranous margin, 5 to 6 mm. long.

Petals in several series, the outer series very loosely arranged,

very narrow, acute, purplish-pink, w’hite in the lower part,

up to 2 cm. long, usually 1 mm. wide. Filaments whitish,

glabrous. Ovary slightly convex above in the very middle

only. Stigmas 5, subulate. Capsule expanded 1-2 cm. in

diameter; valves 5, spreading, the apex pointing upwards,

the keels parallel below, diverging upwards, ending in a

setaceously acuminate wing; wings of the loculi not connate

(in the one fruit examined from the dried specimen) ; seeds

muricate.

Plate 254. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

calyx; Fig. 3, gynaeceum; Fig. 4, outer petals; Figs. 5, 6, 7, inner petal,

stamens, stigma ; Fig. 8, cross-sections of leaf ; Fig. 9, capsule expanded.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

255

M. M. Page del

Plate 255.

CROCANTHUS Thunbergh.

Cape Province.

Ficoidaceae. Tribe Mesembryanthemeae.

Crocanthus, L. Bolus, genus novum (e sectione “ Crocea,” Haw. composi-

tum). Herbae perennes, glabrae, laxe ramosae. Rami erecti vel

diffuse patentes vel decumbentes vel reptantes, saepissime elongati.

Folia basi connata, vaginis plus minusve tumidis, obscure carinata,

supra plana vel, cum lateribus, convexiusculis, glauca vel laete viridia,

levissima politaque. Flores solitarii, diurni, in tribu sat magni vel

magni, pedunculati. Pedunculi ebracteati, ramulis e axillis foliorum

supremorum orientibus. Sepala 4—5, dua ceteris conspicue longiora.

Petala inter se libera, crocea vel purpureo-crocea vel flavo-crocea.

Stamina erecta, brevia. Ovarium inferum. Stigmata 8-10, brevia

lataque, ramentacea. Capsula 8-10-locularis, loculi alis inter se

parum distantibus, seminibus parieti exteriore dispositis, pallide brun-

neis tuberculatis.

Ad Mesembryanthemum proxime accedit sed stigmatibus 8 to 10,

capsula 8 to 10-loculari, alis loculi inter se parum distantibus.

This species occurs in the following divisions of the Cape

Province : Graaff Reinit, Cradock, Albany, Uitenhage, Rivers-

dale, Ceres and Van Rhynsdorp Divisions.

The genus has a special interest attaching to it, as the

following remarks may serve to show. One species, which I

have taken as the type of the genus, was founded on a

collection made by Thunberg, flowering in December, near the

Sunday’s River, and published in 1791 as Mesembryanthemum

laeve, Thunb. As this specific name had already been used

by Aiton, Haworth in 1803, substituted Thunbergii for laeve,

a substitution which must have escaped notice, for we find

“ M. laeve, Thunb.” repeated as late as the 1823 edition of

Thunberg’ s Flora Capensis. Haworth states that he does not

know the plant; and, indeed, it seems to have eluded us all.

For it was only in 1925, when it was my good fortune to visit

Upsala and actually see Thunberg’s specimen, that I began to

suspect its identity with a common species I have handled,

for the last 25 years or more, as M. luteum, Haw. That first

impression has gradually grown into such a strong conviction

that I now am unable to see any reason for doubt on the

subject — more especially if Thunberg’s excellent description is

taken into account. This description might fittingly be quoted

here : “ Stem decumbent, articulated, terete, ash-grey,

smooth, branched, half the thickness of a quill, a foot long.

Branches short, erect, leafy, similar to the stem. Leaves

decussately opposite, connate, approximate, trigonous or

subterete, rather flat above, obtuse, smooth, impunctate,

glabrous, erect, 1 inch long. Flowers terminal on branchlets,

yellow, solitary. Perianth 4-fid, the segments opposite, 2

shorter than the rest.”

It still remains to prove conclusively that M. luteum , Haw.

is distinct from Crocanthus Thunbergii, L. Bolus. The former

is described as having “ an upright rigid stem,” and “ tumid

nodes of the stem, from which on the side next the ground

sprout swollen rootlets.” The latter statement at least

implies some decumbent branches. But it seems advisable to

complete observations on some growing plants, sent by

Dr. Muir from the Riversdale Div. and on others received

from the Division of Botany, before a satisfactory conclusion

is reached. In order, therefore, to avoid a possible additional

synonym, I refrain from placing M. luteum , Haw. at the

moment in this genus.

Other species in this genus known to me from ample living

material which has flourished in the National Botanic Gardens,

Kirstenbosch, and which I trust will figure in these pages in

course of time are : —

Crocanthus croceus, L. Bolus = Mesembryanthemum

croceum, Jacq. ; Crocanthus purpureo-croceus, L. Bolus

= M. purpureo-croceum, Haw. ; Crocanthus luteolus, L.

Bolus — M. luteolum, Haw.

All these closely related species would be contained in the

section “ CVocea,” created by Haworth in 1826 and previously

included in “ Sebacea .” They are clearly anomalous in the

genus Corpuscularia, Schwantes (where this author has placed

M. Thunbergii, Haw.), which has the capsules 5 to 6-celled,

and the stigmas 5 to 6.

The synonymy of Crocanthus Thunbergii, L. Bolus is :

Mesembryanthemum laeve, Thunb. non Ait., M. Thunbergii,

Haw., Corpuscularia Thunbergii, Schwantes.

Description : — A decumbent, freely branched herb, with

age becoming somewhat erect and rather woody, and tending

to scramble if support is available, 15 to 20 cm. high. Leaves

ascending or erect, subterete or obtusely trigonous, obtuse or

acute, 2-5 to 5*5 cm. long, 3 to 6 mm. in diameter, the sheath

3 to 4 mm. long. Flowers usually 4 cm. in diameter.

Receptacle clavate, 5 to 6 mm. in diameter at the apex. Sepals

4 to 5, the 2 longer 1 to 1-7 cm. long, or after flowering often

2-2 cm. long, the shorter ones with a membranous margin.

Petals 1 to 2-seriate, rather lax, linear, tapering towards the

base, obtuse or subacute, entire, clear yellow becoming

croceous with age and finally turning black, 1*9 cm. long, up

to 2 mm. broad. Stamens erect, 5 mm. in diameter; filaments

yellow, 2 to 4 mm. long, the inner copiously bearded at base

with white pellucid hairs. Disk inconspicuous, annular.

Ovary slightly convex above, 8 to 10-celled. Stigmas 8 to 10,

subacute, 1-5 to 2 mm. long. Capsule expanded 1-2 cm. in

diameter; keels parallel below, slightly divergent upwards;

membranous wings adnate to keel, semi-lanceolate, acuminate,

equalling the valves in length ; seeds obovate.

The specimen figured is from a cultivated plant the precise

origin of which was unknown. It exactly matches a living

plant I have before me from near Grahamstown — R. A. Dyer ,

845 (Botanical Survey) — bearing the collector’s notes: “ Flower

yellow, large quantities, scrambling creeper ; leaves very soft,

succulent, terete.”

Plate 255. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

calyx ; Fig. 3, gynaeceum ; Figs. 4, 5, 6, petal, stamens, stigma ; Fig. 7,

cross-sections of leaf ; Fig. 8, capsule, expanded ; Fig. 9, seed.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

Z5ff.

M.MJPage del.

Plate 256.

LEIPOLDTIA constricta.

Cape Province.

Ficoidaceae. Tribe Mesembryanthemeae.

Leipoldtia, L. Bolus, genus novum (e Mesembryanthemo amplexicauli, L.,

Bolus et 31. constricto, L. Bolus compositum). Fruticuli epapillosi

sat rigidi, glabri, laxe ramosi. Rami erecti vel decumbentes. Folia

turgide trigona, basi dilatata, amplexicaulia. Flores diurni, saepissime

3-nati. Pedunculi omnes bracteati. Receptaculum breve crateriforme.

Sepala 5 vel rarissime 6, inter se subaequilonga. Petala rosea. Discus

annularis, crenulatus. Stamina saepius conferta erecta. Staminodia

nulla. Ovarium inferum. Stigmata 10 vel rarissime ad 12, anguste

subulata. Capsula 10-12-locularis, loculis alis membranaceis tectis et

tuberculo clausis, seminibus parieti exteriore dispositis.

Ad Mesembryanthemum proxime accedit; sed stigmatibus 10 to 12,

loculis capsulae ore tuberculo onustis differt.

The plant from which our Plate was made had been for

some years, and still is, in cultivation at Kirstenbosch. The

label has unfortunately been lost, so that the National Botanic

Gardens number, the collector, and the locality are unknown.

In all probability it is native in the Clanwilliam and Calvinia

Divisions, where Archdeacon Lavis has recently collected M.

amplexicaule, L. Bolus.

The genus is named after my friend, Christian Louis

Leipoldt, M.D., F.R.C.S., etc., whose childhood and boyhood

were spent in the Clanwilliam Division, and whose innate love

for natural history was stimulated by contact with the late

Dr. P. MacOwan, Dr. H. Bolus, Dr. R. Schlechter, Dr. F.

Purcell, Dr. L. Perinquey, and others. His botanical

collections alone, made during those early years, reached over

a thousand numbers. Nearly all of these were accompanied

by valuable collector’s notes, and many of them are repre-

sented in the great herbaria of the world, as well as in South

Africa. Dr. Leipoldt continues his researches in this direction,

and we have a considerable number of unpublished species in

hand, as well as several of the older and little-known species,

which he has discovered or rediscovered. Leipoldtia is very

closely allied to Mesembryanthemum, and is to be distinguished

from the latter by the 10 to 12 stigmas, with the corresponding

number of cells to the capsule, and by the presence of a tubercle

almost closing the opening of each cell.

The two species comprising the genus are : Leipoldtia

amplexicaulis, L. Bolus = Mesembryanthemum amplexicaule,

L. Bolus; Leipoldtia constricta, L. Bolus = M. con-

strictum, L. Bolus.

The type of the genus is Leipoldtia constricta , L. Bolus

(Bolus Herbarium, No. 17,677).

Description : — A rather robust compact shrublet, up to

25 cm. high. Branches ascending, the flowering branchlets

almost erect, 5 to 7 cm. long. Leaves ascending, connate but

easily separable, the sheath up to 3 mm. long, acute or more

rarely obtuse, flat above, glaucous green, 1 to 2-5 cm. long, up

to 5 mm. broad. Floioers tcrnate or occasionally bi-ternate,

1*5 to 2 cm. in diameter. Peduncles terete, constricted under

the calyx as if jointed, up to 2-5 cm. long, bracteate a little

below the middle, persisting after flowering, hardened or

sometimes spinescent. Sepals ovate-oblong, obtuse, all with

a membranous margin, 5 mm. long. Petals 1 to 2-seriate,

linear-spathulate, obtuse, rose-pink with a darker line down the

centre, up to 9 mm. long, scarcely up to 1*5 mm. broad.

Stamens about 6 mm. in diameter, the outermost sometimes

spreading ; filaments pink, paler towards the base, the inner

ones bearded, up to 4 mm. long, anthers and pollen pallid.

Ovary slightly convex above. Stigmas usually 10, acuminate,

3 mm. long. Capsule expanded 8 mm. in diameter; valves

usually 10 ; the keels contiguous below and diverging upwards

as the valve spreads out flat, but remaining contiguous

almost throughout if the valve is allowed to recurve to its

fullest extent ; the wings attached to the apex of the keel and

free for the rest of their length, reaching to the apex of the

valve, broadly semi-ovate; cell-wings contiguous, extending

a little beyond the middle of the cell; tubercle obovate,

pallid, about 5 mm. long.

Plate 256. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

calyx; Fig. 3, gvnaeceum; Figs. 4, 5, 6, petal, stamens, stigma; Fig. 7,

cross-sections of leaf ; Fig. 8, capsule expanded.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

257.

MM. Page del.

Plate 257.

CEPHALOPHYLLUM acutum.

Cape Province.

Ficoidaceae. Tribe Mesembryanthemeae.

Cephalophyllum, N. E. Br. in Gard. Chron. lxxviii. p. 433 (1925)

(Cephalophylla, Haw.).

Rhodanthe, L. Bolus (subgenus e Mesembryanthemo acuto, Haw.

compositum). Caulis senectus crassus, multo abbreviatus. Rami

brevissimi, conferti, dense 4- to 6-foliati, axillis gemmiferis. Folia fere

erecta vel incurvata, semiteretia, superne carinata, longa attenuata,

juniora setaceo-acuminata. Flores solitarii, diurni, ad 5-6 cm. diam.

Pedunculi basi bracteati, 2-5 to 5-5 cm. longi. Receptaculum brevissi-

mum, crateriforme, basi subintrusum. Sepala 5, inter se inaequilonga,

acuminata. Petala numerosa, dense 1- to 2-seriata, roseo-purpurea.

Stamina mox erecta, comforta. Discus annularis, crenulatus. Ovarium

supra valde convexum. Stigmata 10 to 13. Capsula 10- to 13-locu-

laris; valvae carinae superne divergente, membranceo-alatae ; loculi

alis tecti, tuberculo clausi.

This species has been in cultivation at Kirstenbosch since

1916, when it was sent to the National Botanic Gardens

(No. p) by Air. G. H. Lewis. In 1918 Miss Page collected

it at Montagu, and Professor Compton and Mr. Cook have

more recently found it at Barrydale (No. J-f -jp) while Miss B.

Hops has sent it from Oudtshoorn Division.

Our Plate was made from Mr. Lewis’ plant in the July

following its reception, the two larger leaves being added a

few months later. Haworth’s first account of the species dates

back to 1803, and he states that the plant was introduced into

England before 1793. A second species, M. diminutum, Haw.,

was published at the same time. Later, in 1812, Haworth

writes that this “ appears to differ from M. acutum, in nothing

but in being 3 or 4 times smaller, and its name is given in

allusion thereto. But placed in a hothouse along with M.

acutum, the latter remains without branches ; while the present

article acquires short prostrate ones, so extremely according

with the present section (§ Corniculata), that its admittance

into it can no longer be denied, notwithstanding its rubicund

flower, and now less applicable specific name. . . . Its calyx,

mode of flowering, and nine styles, are all in consonance also

with this section.” In 1821, however, the two species were

placed by Haworth in a separate section, Acuta. In the

Kirstenbosch plants, which have all been grown in pots in the

open, we have not observed any elongation of the branches ;

and there is no doubt that this strong tendency towards

remaining compact and the rose-purple petals render the

species anomalous in the genus. Nevertheless, with flower-

and fruit-characters so similar to those of Cephalophyllum

tricolorum, N. E. Br., there appears to be no need for creating

a new genus to contain it.

Description : — Stem thick when old, very short. Branches

very short, crowded, densely 4- to 6-leaved, the axils bearing

short shoots with well-developed leaves. Leaves nearly erect

or incurved, connate at base, semi-terete, keeled towards the

apex, gradually tapering upwards, acuminate, the younger

ending in a bristle. Floivers solitary, diurnal, 5-6 to 7 cm.

in diameter. Peduncles bracteate at the base, 2-5 to 5-5 cm.

long. Receptacle very short, almost saucer-shaped, often some-

what indented at the base, up to 1-3 cm. in diameter at the

apex. Sepals 5, unequal in length, acuminate, 1-2 to 1-9 cm.

long, 3 with membranous margins. PetalS crowded in 1 to 2

series, rose-purple with a narrow central stripe of darker colour,

linear, tapering downwards, usually obtuse and entire, more

rarely toothed, or toothed and entire in the same flower,

2-6 cm. long, and 3 mm. broad. Stamens erect soon after the

flower opens, about 1 cm. in diameter at the apex ; filaments

purplish, all 5 mm. long, the inner bearded ; anthers pinkish,

the pollen pallid. Disk annular, crenulate. Ovary strongly

convex above. Stigmas 9 to 13, subulate, ending in a bristle,

3 mm. long. Capsule expanded 3*3 cm. in diameter, keels

diverging upwards, wings somewhat oblong, free for most of

their length, reaching, or nearly reaching to the apex of the

valve ; cells covered by the cell-wings and a roundish tubercle

at the opening ; seeds parietal, somewhat oval, almost smooth.

Plate 257. — Fig. 1. longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

calyx and gynaeceum ; Fig. 3, gynaeceum ; Figs. 4, 5, 6, petal, stamens,

stigma; Fig. 7, cross-sections of leaf; Fig. 8, flower, closed; Fig. 9, capsule

expanded ; Fig. 10, seed.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

268

M M.Page del.

°DS

Plate 258.

ARIDARIA dela.

Cape Province.

Ficoidaceae. Tribe Mesembryanthemeae.

Aridaria, N. E. Brown in Gard. Chron. vol. lxxviii. p. 433 (1925).

Aridaria dela, L. Bolus comb. nov. (= M esembryanthemum delum,

L. Bolus, Annals Bolus Herb. iv. 11).

Among the numerous species of various genera, repre-

senting several families, for which we are indebted to Mr. E. B.

Watermeyer (after whom M esembryanthemum Watermeyeri,

Tritonia Watermeyeri, and Stumaria Watermeyeri have been

named), are many novelties, some of which have already been

described, while a goodly number still await publication. Our

Plate portrays one of the former, re-named in accordance with

the latest views on the classification of this group, and repre-

sents a portion of a plant collected in the Van Rhynsdorp

Division in 1923, during March to June of the following year

(National Botanic Gardens, No. —pfC')- Mr. Watermeyer also

sent it from Nieuwondtville in 1915 (National Botanic Gardens,

No. *££&).

Our species is closely allied to Aridaria trichotoma, L.

Bolus ( — M esembryanthemum trichotomum, Thunb., the type

of which I have examined, thereby satisfying myself that my

M. ebracteatum, in its resting state, is identical with Thunberg’s

type), and differs chiefly in having the sepals and stigmas 5,

as compared with 4 in Aridaria trichotoma ; and the numerous

inner petals and staminodes, nearly as long as the petals, being

visible in the bud. This characteristic accounts for the name

dela, which means “ not hidden.” Another close ally is

Aridaria tetragona, L. Bolus (— M. tetragonum, Thumb.),

which, however, differs in having longer petals of a yellowish

tinge.

Description : — Plant erect, glabrous, about 12 cm. high.

Stem somewhat tuberous at the base, 5 mm. in diameter or

more. Branches erect or ascending, 7 to 9 cm. long, often

bearing near the base the hardened, or somewhat spinescent,

remains of old leaves. Leaves ascending or spreading,

connate, the sheath 1 mm. long, terete obtuse, 1*5 to 2 cm.

long, 4 mm. in diameter.” Flowers normally 3-nate, open in the

middle of the day, 2 cm. in diameter. Peduncles up to 1 cm.

long, or a little longer with age, the intermediate one without

bracts and sometimes spinescent. Receptacle somewhat

globose, up to 1 cm. in diameter at the apex. Sepals 5,

unequal in length, 0-5 to 1 cm. long, 2 with membranous

margins. Petals 2 to 3-seriate, united at base, narrow

linear, acute, rose-purple, 5 to 9 mm. long, less than 1 mm.

broad. Stamens in several rows, at first collected into a cone,

surrounded by numerous staminodes and with them adnate to

the corolla-tube; staminodes, filaments, anthers and pollen

bright yellow. Disk composed of five depressions. Ovary

convex above. Stigmas 5, narrow linear-subulate, acuminate,

2*5 mm. long. Capsule expanded 1 cm. in diameter; wings

of the valves inflexed ; cell-wings none ; seeds axillary,

crested and tuberculate on the rounded margins, truncate at

base.

Plate 258. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

calyx ; Fig. 3, gynaeceum ; Figs. 4, 5, 6, stamens, staminodes, petals,

stigma; Fig. 7, cross-sections of leaf; Fig. 8, capsule expanded; Fig. 9,

seed.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

25 9.

M.MPage del.

Plate 259.

SCHONLANDIA Lehmannii.

Cape Province.

Ficoidaceae. Tribe Mesembryanthemeae.

Schonlandia, L. Bolus, genus novum (e Mesembryanthemo Lehmannii,

Eck. et Zeyh. composition). Perennis, herbacea, demum sublignosa,

glaberrima, bumilis, ramosa. Rami ancipites, abbreviati vel elongati

decumbentesque, ramulis erectis. Folia saepe difformia, duo paria,

tamen inter se similia, acute trigona, breviter connata, glauca, marce-

scentia pallida, levissima, in siccis pergamentacea rugosaque, saepius

1-5 to 3 cm. long, 5 to 9 mm. broad. Flores solitarii, diurni. Pedunculi

apice bracteati, ad 2-5 cm. longi. Receptaculum brevissimum, crateri-

forme. Sepala 6, inter se inaequilonga, exteriora basi auriculata.

Petala numerosa, pluri-seriata, albida vel staminea, marcescentia atrata.

Stamina mox erecta, conferta, in staminodia transeuntia. Discus

conspicuus, e glandulis 6 crenulatis compositus. Ovarium inferum.

Stigmata 6, subulata. Capsula 6-locularis; carinae contiguae vel vix

divergentes ; alae membranaceae, oblique late ovatae ; alae loculi angus-

tissimae itaque loculis fere omnino apertis ; semina parieti exteriore

disposita, minute punctata. — Corpuscularia Lehmannii, Sckwantes,

“ Zeitsc. Sukk.” Heft. ii. 186.

I have, unfortunately, not seen Ecklon and Zeyher’s type

of this species ; and the description is based on a plant collected

by Mr. E. Pillans (exact locality unknown) before November

1907, at which date I first saw it in flower in Mr. N. S. Pillans’

garden, and identified it as M. Lehmannii, from Salm Dyck’s

figure. The leaves in our plant ( Pillans , 1272) were longer,

however; but heterophylly was also exhibited, though to a

less extent than is shown in Salm Dyck’s figure. Specimens of

Mr. Pillans’ collection were cultivated at Kew, and flowered

there in September 1908. From these the type of Mesem-

hryanthemum sexpartitum, N. E. Br., was derived. In 1896

and again in 1908 Dr. Schonland sent the plant from the

neighbourhood of Grahamstown; and in January 1911 Mrs.

Florence Paterson (No. 2179) sent living material in flower

from near the Zwartkops River at Redhouse, a station very

near the “ karroid hills at the mouth of the Zwartkops River,”

where, in April, Zeyher collected the type ( E . and Z. 1996).

The petals in Mrs. Paterson’s specimens were lemon straw-

colour, or at most pale lemon-yellow, as compared with

“ aurantiaci,” in Ecklon and Zeyher’s rather meagre descrip-

tion. (Sonder and Berger appear to ignore “aurantiaci,”

and describe the petals as “ pale yellow ” : I am assuming

“aurantiaci” is a slip for “ straminei.”)

Salm Dyck observes that the species does not fit well into

his § Cymbiformia , founded on M. cymbiforme, Haw. Dr.

Schwantes, however, has recently placed this species, together

with M. Taylor ii, N. E. Br., M. molle, Ait., and others, into a

new genus, Corpuscularia, Schwantes, which he has formed to

embrace § Cymbiformia — admittedly a heterogenous section,

and rendered distinctly more so by the inclusion of M. Thun-

bergii, Haw. Our genus is similar to Crocanthus and Delo-

sprama, in the structure of the fruit, but differs in having the

sepals and stigmas 6, as well as in the nature of the leaf-

cuticle, and in exhibiting heterophylly. The structure of the

fruit as given under Corpuscularia appears to be identical with

that of Mescmbryanthemum.

Miss Page’s drawing was made from a plant that flowered

on the Rockery in the Municipal Gardens, Cape Town, and

which is very likely a cutting from Pillans 1272, with which it

agrees in every particular. The drawings of the fruit, added

by Miss Carter, were made from Pillans 1272.

We still have one, or possibly two, closely allied species

sent by Miss L. Britten and Mr. R. A. Dyer ( Botanical Survey)

under observation. One of these may be M. Taylori, N. E. Br.

The genus is named after Dr. S. Schonland, M.A., of

Grahamstown.

Description : — Perennial , glabrous, up to 10 cm. high.

Branches decumbent, flattened and 2-edged, internodes 0*5

to 2-5 cm. long. Leaves connate at base, acutely trigonous,

glaucous, the cuticle very smooth and drying to a parchment-

like texture, acute or obtuse and apiculate, the primary leaves

up to 4 cm. long, 9 mm. broad, those on the axillary shoots

often as broad, but usually remaining much shorter, and

becoming more turgid and “ cymbiform ” in shape. Floivers

solitary, diurnal, ad 5 cm. in diameter. Peduncle very short

or up to 2-5 cm. long, bracteate at the apex. Receptacle very

short, crateriform. Sepals 6, sometimes nearly equal in length,

sometimes 2 considerably longer than the rest, rather broad, the

outer auriculate at base, 1-2 to 2 cm. long. Petals numerous,

in several series, linear, tapering slightly downwards, acute or

obtuse, cream or pale lemon-yellow, up to 2-4 cm. long and

nearly 2 mm. broad. Stamens erect or nearly erect, clustered,

passing off gradually into staminodes; filaments yellowish,

the inner bearded ; anthers white, pollen bright yellow.

Disk composed of 6 separate crenate glands with depressions

at their base. Ovary inferior. Stigmas 6, subulate, termin-

ating in a bristle. Capsule expanded 1-1 to 1-6 cm. in

diameter; cells 6; keels of the valve contiguous or slightly

diverging, the membranous wings obliquely broad-ovate ;

wings of the cell very narrow, so that the cells are almost

entirely open ; seeds minutely punctate.

Plate 259. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

calyx ; Fig. 3, gynaeceum ; Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7, petal, staminodes, stamens,

stigma ; Fig. 8, cross-sections of leaf ; Fig. 9, capsule, expanded, the valves

flattened; Figs. 10, 11, one of the valves, front and side view; Fig. 12,

seed ; Fig. 13, old flower and young fruit.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

2 60

"M.M.Page del

Plate 260.

LEIPOLDTIA plana.

Cape Province.

Ficoidaceae. Tribe Mesembryanthemeae.

Leipoldtia, L. Bolus.

Leipoldtia plana, L. Bolus, comb. nov. (= M esembryanthemum planum,

L. Bolus, “ Annals Bolus Herb.” vol. iv. p. 12).

This is another of the novelties contributed by Mr. E. B.

Watermeyer to the National Botanic Gardens (No. HP) from

the Van Rhynsdorp Division. Miss Page’s drawing was made

in March of the year following its reception, and therefore

represents the plant scarcely, if at all, modified by cultivation.

The structure of the fruit is precisely that of Leipoldtia, but

with this difference — that the centre is domed in such a way

as to resemble a minute jelly-mould. The specific name,

planum, was suggested by the flat-topped calyx, and proves

now, in the light of this discovery, not to be quite a happy one.

To a slight extent heterophylly is exhibited — the shorter leaves

remaining so, but becoming more turgid and obtuse, while

some of the primary leaves lengthen and become acute. The

stamens in flowers a little more advanced than those portrayed

are as laxly arranged as in typical Leipoldtia.

Description : — A low-growing, glabrous, rather woody

herb. Branches elongate, decumbent, slender, terete, becoming

rigid with age, 10 to 12 cm. long, up to 2 mm. in diameter,

internodes usually 1 to 2 cm. long. Leaves ascending or

spreading, very shortly connate at base, or the sheath of the

longer leaves 2 mm. long, axils gemmiferous, the secondary

leaves usually shorter, more turgid, and obtuse, making a close

cluster with the longer primary leaves, trigonous, obtuse or

acute, flat above, sides convex often rather prominently dotted,

dull green, up to 1*7 cm. long, 5 to 6 mm. broad. Flowers

normally 3-nate, open in the middle of the day, 2*5 cm. in

diameter. Peduncles up to 1 cm. long, bracteate in the

middle, the central one ebracteate. Receptacle globosely

turbinate. Sepals 5, nearly equal, ovate-oblong, obtuse,

2 with broad membranous margins, 5 mm. long. Petals in

1 to 2 series, the inner much shorter, linear-spathulate,

obtuse or subacute, bright rose, sometimes paler towards the

base, and with an inconspicuous darker stripe down the centre,

1 cm. long, 1-5 mm. broad. Stamens at first collected into a

cone, soon becoming erect and lax, surrounded by a few

staminodes; filaments pale yellow below, golden upwards,

bearded, 2 to 5 mm. long; anthers and pollen golden. Disk

annular, crenulate. Ovary inferior, convex above. Stigmas 10,

subulate-acuminate, nearly 2 mm. long. Capsule flattened,

1 cm. in diameter, the cell-wings elevated into a dome — other

characters of the genus (see PI. 256).

Plate 260. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

calyx; Fig. 3, gynaeceum ; Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7, petal, staminode, stamens,

stigma ; Fig. 8, cross-sections of leaf ; Fig. 9, capsule expanded ; Fig. 10,

cell-wings, tubercles and one of the valves, side view ; Fig. 11, seed ; Fig. 12,

inflorescence ; Fig. 13, branchlet showing longer primary leaves.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

M.M.Pa|e del.

Plate 261.

DELOSPERMA tradescantioides.

Cape Province, Natal, Transvaal, Portuguese East Africa.

Ficoidaceae.

Delosperma, N. E. Br. ; Burtt Davy, Flora Transvaal, vol. i. p. 157.

Delosperma tradescantioid.es, L. Bolus, comb. nov. (Mesembrianthemum

tradescantioides, Berger, Engl. Bot. Jahrb. vol. 45, p. 224; Mesembryan-

themum Flanaganii, Kensit in Wood, Handb. Natal Flora, nomen).

Sub-genus Euryphyllum (sub-genus novum e Mesembrianthemum

tradescantioides, Berger compositum). Ab Eu-Delosperma differt par-

tibus herbaceis omnino epapulosis, foliis planis latisque, sepabs magnis.

The geographical range of this species is confined to the

eastern portion of South Africa, as far as our present records

go. The first collection we know is that of H. G. Flanagan

(No. 1310), made in the Komgha Division in November

1892, growing among shrubs near Komgha. In 1905 Miss

Alice Pegler (No. 1284 and, according to Berger, 1285) found

it trailing over rocks in Qolora Valley, Kentani Division,

flowering also in November. She remarks that it is “ locally

frequent and not seen elsewhere.” Subsequently it was sent

from Inchanga, Natal (Medley Wood, 11,805); Upper Sand

River, Lydenburg Division (J. E. D. Travers, Transvaal

Dept, of Agriculture, No. 7716) ; and from Maputaland

(Transvaal Museum Herb., No. 14,293). According to the

various collectors the flowering-period extends from Novem-

ber to June; and the colour of the petals is described as

“ white,” “ buff,” “ amber,” “ mauve,” and “ magenta.”

It seems to be a hardy species and flourishes freely on the

rockery in the Municipal Gardens, Cape Town, where its

trailing habit and broad leaves serve admirably in covering

the stone-work. Our Plate was made from a plant which

flowered there in November 1919 (Bolus Herb., No. 16,849).

During several years of intimate acquaintance with these

plants the only colour observed in the petals was a dull

magenta.

Although the structure both of the flower and the fruit is

clearly that of the genus Delosperma, the broad leaves and

sepals, entirely devoid of the glitter which we associate with

an “ ice-plant,” make this species look very different from a

typical Delosperma like D. Cooperi,* L. Bolus, where the

regularly arranged papillae glisten perceptibly. The degree

of glistening, however, varies considerably in the genus,

some species barely showing it.

The name of the subgenus, Euryphyllum , signifies “ broad

leaf ” ; and tradescantioides means “ like a Tradescantia ,” or

“ Wandering Jew,” as it is sometimes called.

Description : — A glabrous herb. Branches elongated,

procumbent, sometimes rooting at the nodes, up to 40 cm.

long or more, the internodes 2 to 6 cm. long. Leaves spread-

ing, connate at base, ovate-lanceolate, oval, ovate, and

broad-ovate, somewhat cordate at base or, more rarely,

slightly tapering, acute or obtuse, fleshy, very smooth, dull

green, 2 to 5 cm. long, 1-5 to 3 cm. broad. Flowers usually

solitary, occasionally 2 to 3-nate, open in the middle of the

day, 2-5 cm. in diameter. Peduncle usually 3 to 5 mm. long,

rarely up to 1-5 cm. long. Receptacle short, saucer-shaped,

laterally compressed. Sepals 5, unequal in length, 3 acutely

keeled, up to 1-2 cm. long, 8 mm. broad, all caudate, the

shorter ones with broad membranous margins, 5 to 7 mm.

long. Petals numerous, crowded, 3 to 4-seriate, linear, slightly

tapering downwards, obtuse, 0-7 to 1-2 cm. long, 1*5 mm.

broad. Stamens at first collected in a cone, soon almost

erect, 5 mm. in diameter, surrounded by filiform staminodes ;

filaments white, the inner bearded, 3 to 5 mm. long ; anthers

and pollen yellow. Dish composed of 5 separate glands.

Ovary inferior, conspicuously elevated above and 5-lobed ;

stigmas 5, subulate, 2 mm. long. Capsule expanded 2 cm.

in diameter, 5-celled; keels almost contiguous, and entirely

so when the valves completely recurve after prolonged soak-

ing ; wings of the loculi very narrow ; seeds roundish, minutely

tuberculate.

* Delosperma Cooperi, L. Bolus, comb. nov. (= Mesembryanthemum

Cooperi, Hook. f.).

Plate 261. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

calyx; Fig. 3, gynaecium ; Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7, petal, staminode, stamens,

stigma; Fig. 8, cross-sections of leaf; Fig. 9, section of fruit, flattened;

Fig. 10, seed ; Figs. 11, 12, section of fruit and seed of Litocarpus cordifolius

L. Bolus.

Litocarpus cordifolius, L. Bolus (genus e Mesembryanthemo cordi-

folio, L. compositum). — Berger (Mesemb. und Port. pp. 8-11), in the

course of his remarks on “ the highly interesting and complicated structure

of the capsules of Mesembrianthemums,” specially refers to the “ simple

form ” found in M . cordifolium, L., which “ opens into four parts. The

seeds then lie almost entirely bare and are easily washed out.” Portion of

a capsule of this species is added to our plate (Fig. 11), partly to illustrate

Berger’s description, and partly as an interesting contrast with the capsule

of Delosperma. In the former the capsule is also of a thin texture, but

there is no vestige of a wing on the cell-walls, nor on the very inconspicuous,

single keel. The large valves are represented as flattened, but the sides

reflex if allowed to soak. The seeds are attached to a thickened central

placenta and are crested-tuberculate. In reference to this simple structure

I propose for the name of the genus, Litocarpus (litos = of thin texture or

simple ; carpos — fruit).

F.P.S.A., 1927.

MARY GUNN LIBRARY

J SOUTH AFRICAN NATiONAL giCO^.SITY INSTITUTE; |

FRiiMe bag x •■•i

262.

M.MPage del.

Plate 262.

VANZIJLIA ANNULATA.

Cape Province.

Ficoidaceae.

Vanzijlia, L. Bolus [genus e Mesembrianthemo annulato, Berger

(= M. angustipetalo , L. Bolus) compositum] ; propter fructum ad

genus, Leipoldtia, proxime accedit, sed paribus foliorum inter se difformi-

tris, foliis saepe membranceo-marcescentibus, floribus solitariis, differt.

Vanzijlia annulata, L. Bolus (= Mesembrianthemum annulatum, Berger,

Engl. Bot. Jahrb. vol. 57, p. 627 ; M . angustipetalum, L. Bolus, Annals

Bolus Herb. vol. iii. p. 166).

It might be interesting to mention that this species was

described, with an interval of 15 months between the pub-

lications, by two workers— one in Germany and the other in

South Africa ; and that if one of them had the advantage of

fresh material just off the veld to handle — a much simpler

task than dealing with dried specimens — the other had

priority. My name has therefore to give way to the earlier

one of Dr. Berger. For, thanks to the courtesy of Dr. Diels,

I have been able to dissect a flower of the type of M. annulatum,

Berger, and to satisfy myself that M. angustipetalum, L.

Bolus, is identical with it — having found not only 5 sepals

in that flower, but all the other floral characters in agreement.

I am, therefore, presuming that the statement, “ calyx-

lobes 4,” the only point of difference in the two descriptions,

is probably a mere lapsus.

The type of Dr. Berger’s species was collected in flower,

July 1896, in the Karree Bergen by R. Schlechter (No. 8280),

and the type of mine in July 1923, during a tour in the

Clanwilliam Division, by Dorothy van Zijl, wife of the Hon.

Mr. Justice van Zijl. Her interest in collecting and growing

native plants has been the means of bringing many interesting

new species, as well as rare and little-known ones, to our

notice. It is gratifying, therefore, to be able to associate

j

her name with this genus; and the more so because her

husband’s family belongs to the Clanwilliam Division.

The structure of the fruit is almost exactly that of the

genus Leipoldtia ; and the withered and membranous remains

of leaves, closely crowded, on some of the short branches,

remind one of the section “ Moniliformia,” into which Berger

placed the species. From this group, however, the slender

habit of growth, the fruit, and long, trailing and rooting

branches would exclude it.

Specimens collected by N. S. Pillans (Bolus Herb., No.

17,765) on sandy flats near Hondeklip Bay, Namaqualand,

October 1924, in fruit only, agree otherwise in every respect

with Vanzijlia annulata.

Description : — A glabrous, rather slender herb, without

shining papillae. Branches ascending or diffuse, or elongated

and trailing, flexuose, often rooting at the nodes, about

2 mm. in diameter, internodes 2 to 5 cm. long; branchlets

often short and without visible internodes, the old ones

often ringed with the grey and membranous remains of

successive, crowded pairs of leaves ; flowering branchlets

short, usually 4 to 6-leaved. Leaves of two forms, those of

one pair shorter and thicker than those of the other type, a

short pair sometimes succeeded by a long pair, or in each

axil of the persistent membranous sheath of a long or short

pair may arise a pair of short leaves, the main axis with

elongated internodes bearing a succession (often 6 pairs) of

long leaves, almost semi-terete, or the shorter ones keeled,

acute and apiculate, connate, the sheath 4 to 9 mm. long,

the short leaves 3 to 8 mm., the long ones (in cultivation)

up to 2-5 cm., long. Flowers solitary, open throughout the

day, and scarcely closed at night, up to 4-6 cm. in diameter.

Peduncle sometimes entirely enclosed in the uppermost pair

of leaves, sometimes exserted, usually 1*5 to 2-5 cm. long.

Receptacle somewhat hemispherical. Sepals 5, the 2 outer

longer than the rest, linear-lanceolate or oblong, acuminate,

IT to 1*7 cm. long. Petals laxly arranged, in about two

series, with a few inner short ones, linear acute or sub-obtuse,

white or pale rose, and 2T cm. long, 1 to 1-5 mm. broad.

Stamens collected in a cone about 1 cm. high, surrounded by

numerous staminodes ; filaments pallid, sparingly bearded.

4 to 8 mm. long. Disk inconspicuous, annular, obscurely

crenulate. Ovary inferior, almost flat above; stigmas 10,

linear, gradually tapering, 0*7 to 1-0 cm. long. Capsule

expanded up to 1-5 cm. in diameter; valves 10, the keels

slightly distant and diverging upwards, the wings acuminate,

free from the keels above, and produced slightly beyond the

valves ; cell- wings almost covering the cells ; tubercle pallid ;

seeds on the outer wall nearly round, pallid, rather smooth.

Plate 262. — Fig. 1, bud; Fig. 2, longitudinal section through the

flower ; Fig. 3, calyx ; Fig. 4, gynaecium ; Figs. 5, 6, 7, 8, petals, staminode,

stamens, stigma ; Figs. 9, 10, cross-sections of leaf ; Fig. 11, capsule expanded ;

Fig. 12, seed.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

263.

M.M.Pa^e del.

Plate 263.

MESEMBRYANTHEMUM binum.

Cape Province.

Ficoidaceae.

Mesembryanthemum, L. ; Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant, vol. i. p. 853.

Mesembryanthemum binum, N. E. Br. in Journ. Linn. Soc. vol. xlv.

(1920) p. 119. — M. apiculatum, Kensit var. muticum, L. Bolus, in

Annals 8. A. Museum, vol. ix. (1913) p. 149. M. Maximiliani, Schltr.

et Berger in Engl. Bot. Jahrb. vol. lvii. (1922) p. 633. M. Phillipsii,

L. Bolus, Annals Bolus Herb. vol. iv. (1925) p. 5.

As far as I have been able to ascertain, the earliest collec-

tion of this species is that of R. Schlechter (No. 10,817) from

Packhuisberg in the Clanwilliam Division, flowering in

August 1897. This is the type of M. Maximiliani, Schltr.

and Berger. In September 1911 it was found by E. P.

Phillips (Percy Sladen Memorial Expedition, No. 7664) on

the Giftberg and was published by me as a variety of M.

apiculatum, Kensit — a discreditable performance demanding

the full exposure it now receives, if a comparison be made

between this plate and the following one. The moral, of

course, is to look after the living specimens and the dried

will look after themselves — especially in these days when

zealous collectors are sending in such liberal supplies of

living material from all over the country.

There appears to be some ground for suspecting that the

type of M. binum, N. E. Br., was not from Matjesfontein, and

that the original of the photograph, from which Mr. Brown

copied the flower for his drawing of the type, was in all

probability Pillans, 894, the type of my M. apiculatum. It

will be interesting to record a collection of this species from

Matjesfontein if this should occur. So far it has not been

sent in by Mr. J. Archer, who is working that region hard

for succulents.

The living specimen labelled M . binum, N. E. Br., I saw at

Kew, presumably a portion of the type, was not in flower;

but otherwise, and in spite of its prosperous appearance, it

reminded me so forcibly of certain living plants at Kirsten-

bosch, that there seemed little reason for doubting their

identity. The Kirstenbosch plants are the more recent

collections of this species, being those of E. B. Watermeyer

(National Botanic Gardens, No. and Mrs. E. Rood

(N.B.G., No. both from Van Rhynsdorp. From the

latter of these our Plate was prepared, and a description

drawn up. For, alas ! the existence of both M . binum and

M. Maximiliani was overlooked, and M. Phillipsii, L. Bolus,

was published in 1925. I can now only trust that the species

has been restored to its rightful owner, and that it will not

be a further cause of my undoing.

Description : — Low-growing herb, the green parts velvety

with very minute, spreading, whitish hairs. Branches later-

ally compressed or quadrangular, often rather elongated,

prostrate, rooting, up to 17 cm. long, with internodes 1 to 3

cm. long ; flowering branchlets erect, densely 4-leaved,

1 to 2 cm. long. Leaves connate for one-quarter to one-half

their length, acutely keeled, keel and margins somewhat

cartilaginous, slightly concave or convex above, one side

convex, the other flat or scarcely concave, the larger ones

somewhat boat-shaped, pale green, up to 1*6 cm. long, 0‘8

to 1 cm. broad, up to 1 cm. in diameter. Flowers solitary,

open during the day, 2-2 cm. in diameter. Peduncle up to

1 cm. long, with bracts in the middle and clasping the recep-

tacle, 1 cm. long. Receptacle turbinate, laterally compressed.

Sepals 5, almost of equal length, oblong or oblong-lanceolate,

obtuse or subacute, 3 with membranous margins, up to 6 mm.

long. Petals 3 to 4-seriate, the outer linear-spathulate,

obtuse or 2-dentate, bright rose, rather thick, 1 cm. long,

up to 2 mm. broad. Stamens conico-collected, surrounded by

yellow staminodes, filaments glabrous or very sparingly

bearded, yellow above, up to 5 mm. long. Disk annular,

crenulate. Ovary inferior, concave above; stigmas 5, sub-

ulate, acute, rather thick, dark red, 2 mm. long. Capsule *

* Two capsules were examined — both of them imperfect and without

seeds. The one described is from Schlechter, 10,817. It is hoped that a

perfect fruit may soon be available and that a drawing of it may appear

expanded 1 cm. in diameter; valves 5, the keels broad,

minutely lacerate on the margin, contiguous below, almost

parallel upwards with a very slight distance between them,

and extending to the apex of the valve, the wings almost

semi-ovate, attached to the keel throughout, except at the

very apex; wings of the loculi almost covering the cell, no

tubercle present ; seeds attached to the outer wall.

Plate 263. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

calyx; Fig. 3, gynaecium; Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7, petals, staminode, stamens,

stigma ; Fig. 8, cross-sections of leaf ; Fig. 9, portion of a branch at a later

stage, showing creeping habit.

with a number of other drawings of fruits which are being prepared for

publication. The long and parallel keels described above are certainly

not typical of the genus Mesembryanthemum.

FRS.A., 1927.

264.

M.M.Page del.

Plate 264.

PEERSIA MACRADENIA.

Cape Province.

Ficoxdaceae.

Peersia, L. Bolus (genus e Mesembryanthemo macradenio, L. Bolus com-

positum). Fructus generis, Delosperma, sed foliis confertis, internodiis

haud evidentibus; floribus solitariis vespertinis; ovario supra piano;

stigmatibus gracillimis, stamina superantibus; ceterisque differt.

Peersia macradenia, L. Bolus (Mesembryanthemum macradeniwm, L. Bolus

in Annals S. A. Museum, vol. ix. p. 143).

This is one of those charming species that open towards

evening and remain expanded and fragrant into the night.

The first collection recorded was that of H. H. W. Pearson

(Percy Sladen Memorial Expedition, No. 3693) in November

1908, on the Beukesfontein Road in the Ceres Karroo. Later

A. M. Krige (Mrs. Tugwell, Bolus Herb., No. 13,492) sent it

from Prince Albert, and Mr. V. S. Peers from Laingsburg

(National Botanic Gardens, No. 2f f 6). The latter flowered in

April 1918, when the drawing, here reproduced, was made.

The fruit-structure is exactly that of the genus Delosperma,

but the general habit of growth, shape of the leaves and

their crowded arrangement on the branch so that no inter-

node is visible, as well as the solitary evening flowers, on

rather stout peduncles, flat-topped ovary, and very slender

stigmas unmistakably distinguish our plant from that genus.

I have much pleasure in naming it after Mr. V. S. Peers, an

enthusiastic collector and cultivator of succulents. The

specific name, “ large-glanded,” refers to the remarkably

large nectary, the largest I can recall in this family.

Description : — A dwarf glabrous perennial herb. Stem

and main branches decumbent, woody, up to 7 mm. in

diameter, densely covered with hardened persisting sheaths

of fallen leaves. Branchlets ascending or erect, 4 to 6-leaved.

Leaves spreading or nearly erect, densely crowded, connate at

base, the sheath 3 to 4 mm. long, semi-terete, bluntly keeled

near the apex, obtuse or subacute, bright green, smooth,

2’5 to 5 cm. long, 6 to 8 mm. in diameter, axils usually with

a pair of young leaves. Flowers solitary, vespertine, 2-6 cm.

in diameter. Peduncle rather stout, somewhat compressed,

ebracteate, about as long as the leaves, or a little shorter.

Receptacle turbinate. Sepals 5, keeled, lanceolate, obtuse,

2 slightly longer than the rest, 0-8 to 1*3 cm. long. Petals

numerous, 2 to 3-seriate, narrow-linear, obtuse, yellow, up

to 11 cm. long, scarcely exceeding the longer sepals. Stamens

nearly erect or incurved near the middle, 5 mm. in diameter

at the apex ; filaments yellow, the inner bearded at the base,

up to 7 mm. long; anthers and pollen pale yellow. Disk

composed of 5 large glands, truncate at the apex. Ovary

inferior, flat above or slightly concave ; stigmas 5, very slender,

with fine tapering points spreading and recurving over the

stamens, 9 mm. long. Capsule expanded, 1-1 cm. in diameter ;

keels contiguous, wings somewhat triangular ; cell-wings very

narrow ; seeds parietal, minutely tuberculate on the margin.

Plate 264. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

gynaecium ; Fig. 3, stamens; Fig. 4, capsule, expanded ; Fig. 5, seed.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

265

B.O. Carter del.

Plate 265.

STOMATIUM pyrodorum.

Cape Province.

Ficoidaceae.

Stomatium, Schwantes, Zeitscht. SukJculent., 10, 175.

Stomatium pyrodorum, L. Bolus, comb. nov. (= Mesembrianthemum

pyrodorum, Diels, Engl. Bot. Jahrb. vol. 44, p. 119).

Our Plate represents two plants : the upper drawn about

a month after it was received from Mr. P. Ross Frames

(National Botanic Gardens, No. and the lower, sent

by Mr. J. P. de Villiers (N.B.G., No. ^°^), after being about

two years in cultivation at Kirstenbosch, and exhibiting

some interesting changes in the coloration of the leaves,

probably induced by a different climate. In the latter case

all trace of the natural brown colour of the wild plant had

completely disappeared. The leaves became rather a pale

green, turning to purple as they aged, and making very

decorative bits of colour on a rockery. Both collections

are from near Calvinia, the former being found in dry, rocky

places with scant soil, on the Hantam Mountain, in precisely

the same locality as that in which Dr. Diels got his M . pyro-

dorum in September 1900. Mr. Frames first saw it in the

stationmaster’s garden at Calvinia, and also collected it on

moist rocks near a stream not far off.

There is no doubt the species is very closely allied to

M. mustellinum, Salm Dyck — a species which, with its near

affinities, M. murinum, Haw., M. ermininum. Haw., and

M. agninum, Haw., is now promoted to the rank of a genus,

Stomatium, by Dr. Schwantes. These were formerly included

in Haworth’s section “ Ringentia ” — so named by him

because “ the young pairs of leaves represent fancifully the

gaping jaws of animals.” Dr. Schwantes has retained the

same idea in naming his genus Stomatium, derived from

stoma, a mouth. Other species included by Haworth in

“ Ringentia ” are M. tigrinum, M. felinum, etc., which now

constitute the genus Faucaria, Schwantes ( fauces — throat).

The distinction between Stomatium and Faucaria lies in the

structure of the fruit, which is illustrated in this and on

Plate 267, that of the former being devoid of roofing cell-

wings, as is the case in Delosperma — where, however, the

valves are broadly winged.

Dr. Diels does not state that his plant opened its flowers

in the evening; but he notes an “odour of pear-blossom”

{piri odor, from which the specific name has been given),

and this corresponds with the scent of our flowers, which were

fully open at 7.30 p.m. at the end of January. The closed

flower on the left of the upper plant represents the day-

position.

Description : — Plant entirely glabrous, with a very short

stem and short, crowded branches, forming tufts or cushions.

Leaves spreading, usually 4 to a branchlet, connate at base,

the sheath up to 5 mm. long, variously shaped — obovate-

oblong, or somewhat spathulate, or ovate in the upper portion

and oblong in the lower, sometimes oblique, usually acute or

subacute, concave or nearly flat above, obscurely keeled below,

the keel becoming conspicuous at the apex, entire or very

rarely 1-toothed at the apex, the thickness of the leaf increas-

ing towards the apex, up to 7 mm. in diameter, up to 3-2 cm.

long, 1 to 2-2 cm. wide, often dotted with white in the wild

state, margins 4 to 8-toothed, the teeth sometimes scarcely

visible but usually 1 to 2 mm. long, the texture of the leaf

becoming more leathery than any other species known to

me in this group. Floivers solitary, opening in the evening,

sweet-scented, 2-2 cm. in diameter. Receptacle shortly pro-

duced beyond the ovary, 9 mm. in diameter at the apex,

passing gradually into the short peduncle. Sepals 5, slightly

unequal in length, 0-8 to 1 cm. long. Petals numerous, 2 to

3-seriate, narrow-linear, acute, 1 cm. long, *75 mm. wide,

yellow, tinted with red on the lower surface. Stamens

incurved, the outer erect, 5 mm. in diameter; filaments

yellow, glabrous, up to 7 mm. long; anthers and pollen

yellow. Disk inconspicuous, of 5 nearly separate glands.

Ovary convex above in the middle ; stigmas 5, clavate, 2-5 mm.

long. Capsule expanded 1 -2 cm. in diameter ; valves 5, the

keels contiguous, diverging slightly near the apex, wings

very narrow, scarcely present ; cell- wings and tubercle

absent; seeds smooth, attached to the outer wall and base

of the cell.

Plate 265. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

sepals ; Fig. 3, gynaecium ; Fig. 4, petals ; Fig. 5, stamens ; Fig. 6, stigma ;

Fig. 7, portion of capsule ; Fig. 8, seed ; Figs. 9, 10, leaf and its cross-

sections.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

r

266.

M.MFaJe del.

S

S *

Plate 266.

ECHINUS APICULATUS.

Cape Province.

Ficoidaceae.

Echinus, L. Bolus (genus e Mesembryanthemo apiculato, Kensit, composi-

tum). Ad Mesembryanthemum accedit, sed differt stylo stigmatibus

interdum aequilongo vel interdum breviore, alis loculi inter se dis-

tantibus, seminibus processibus longis, sat crassis, onustis.

Echinus apiculatus, L. Bolus (= Mesembryanthemum apiculatum, Kensit

in Trans. Royal Society S. Africa, vol. i. p. 154).

In my original description of this plant three collections

were quoted. Two of these I knew solely from the dried

herbarium specimens, and the only living material I handled

at that time was of Pillans 894, from Matjesfontein. This

should, therefore, be regarded as the type of the species;

and also in view of the fact that the description was almost

entirely drawn up from branches brought to me from Mr.

Pillans’ garden, where his plants flowered in May 1908. I

have a pencil-note with these specimens to the effect that the

plant grew to 18 inches in height, and this was embodied in

my description ; but, judging from what I have learnt subse-

quently, I now feel certain that the information I actually

received was “ 8 inches,” and that I misheard it and wrote

“18 inches.” I am glad to have an opportunity of correcting

this error, as it may lead, and, indeed, has already led, to a

little confusion among workers.

The species is said to be common near Matjesfontein,

whence several collections have been sent, the last being

that of Mr. J. Archer (No. 44).

Another station from which I have seen living material

is Touws River, where Mr. F. J. Cook found it (National

Botanic Gardens, No.

Our plate represents almost an entire plant sent by Mr,

F. Frith to Kirstenbosch (N.B.G., No. where it flowered

in August 1921, when Miss Page made her drawing.

The generic name, Echinus, meaning hedgehog, refers to

the shape and covering of the seeds, which resemble miniature

hedgehogs. I have not come across a seed covered with such

long processes before, nor have I read of one. But as com-

paratively few seeds in this large group have been examined

and described, there is no telling at present whether such a

type will prove very unusual or not. The specific name,

apiculatus, is in allusion to the apex of the leaf, which hardens

into a rigid spine — not, as spines go, very conspicuous in

itself ; and yet more pronounced than I can remember ever

to have seen it on the leaf of any other species of the Mesem-

bryanthemum group. The union of the stigmas to form a

style also strikes me as remarkable in a species of shrubby

habit, and probably calls for some anatomical examination.

Meantime, although it is possible to separate the stigmas

almost to the base if a little force is used, the union seems

to be a definite connation and not merely connivance.

Description : — An erect shrublet, up to 20 cm. in height,

all the herbaceous parts velvety-pubescent with very

minute spreading hairs, the colouring at first greyish, soon

turning to brownish-green. Branches rather rigid, bearing

the persistent remains of fallen leaves, up to 7 mm. in diameter,

the internodes 1- to 1-5 cm. long; branchlets short, usually

2~ to 4-leaved, the pairs closely set. Leaves ascending or

spreading, connate for one-quarter to one-half their length,

acutely keeled, keel entire and with the margins conspicuously

paler in colour, somewhat cartilaginous, closely ciliolate with

minute dark brown hairs, flat or convex above, one side con-

vex, the other usually flat, acute or obtuse, spine-tipped,

1-5 to 3 cm. long, 6 to 9 mm. broad and in diameter. Flowers

solitary, open during the day, 3 cm. in diameter. Peduncle

between the bracts and receptacle, 5 mm. long, the bracts

often reaching to the apex of the receptacle. Receptacle

turbinate, about 6 mm. long. Sepals 5, almost equal in length,

apiculate, 3 with membranous margins, 7 to 8 mm. long.

Petals 1 to 3-seriate, the shorter ones very few, linear-

spathulate, entire, rose-pink, often paler towards the base,

IT cm. long, up to 2 mm. broad. Stamens at first conico-

collected, very soon erect, about 4 mm. in diameter, sur-

rounded by golden-yellow staminodes; filaments bearded,

pink at the base, yellow upwards, 4 to 5 mm. long ; anther

and pollen pallid. Disk inconspicuous, annular, crenulate.

Ovary inferior, concave above; stigmas 5, connate for one-

third to one-half their length, narrow-subulate, acuminate,

5 mm. long. Capsule expanded 1-6 cm. in diameter; keels

almost parallel throughout and reaching nearly to the apex

of the valve, the wings somewhat semi-ovate; wings of the

loculi distant and scarcely covering half the cell; seeds

roundish in outline, shaggy with rather thick and long

processes, attached to the outer wall.

Plate 266. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

calyx ; Fig. 3, gynaecium ; Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7, petal, staminode, stamens,

stigma ; Fig. 8, cross-sections of leaf ; Fig. 9, portion of capsule ; Fig. 10,

seed.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

267.

M.M.Page del.

Plate 267.

FAUCARIA TIGRINA.

Cape Province.

Ficoidaceae.

Fattcaria, Schwantes, Zeitscht. Sukkulent., 10, 176.

Faucaria tigrina, Schwantes, comb. nov. (= Mesembryanthemum tigrinum,

Haw., Obs. 164).

This is one of the best known of the dwarf species of

Mesembrieae, and one of the hardiest. It was very probably

introduced into England in 1790 by Masson; for in 1795,

when Haworth published the species, he remarks : “I thought

of naming this fine new Mesembryanthemum, maculatum or

variegatum, from its maculated foliage, but on considering

the matter, found it most advisable to continue the term

tigrinum, as it is both sold and very well known by that

name.”

Our Plate was drawn from a specimen presented to the

National Botanic Gardens (No. 4^) by Mr. N. S. Pillans,

who obtained it from the Albany Division. The plants had

probably been in cultivation for some ten years before the

drawing was made. Fig. 10, however, has been added from

a specimen sent recently fresh from the veld, near Grahams-

town, by Mr. R. A. Dyer (Botanical Survey). The pair of

young leaves, parting company as they expand, illustrates

Haworth’s remark quoted under Plate 265 in this connection.

Description : — Stem much abbreviated, 1-3 cm. in

diameter at the apex. Branches very short, crowded, densely

6 to 8-leaved. Leaves spreading, somewhat rhomboid in

outline, thickest near the apex, widest in the middle, flat,

or nearly so above, keeled from a little above the base,

acute, margins entire in the lower portion, closely toothed

upwards, each tooth with a long whitish or purplish hair,

the hair usually curving towards the base of the leaf, greyish-

green, spotted and variegated with white, or the green becom-

ing purplish with age, up to 3 cm. long, 2-2 cm. broad, 7 mm.

in diameter. Flowers solitary, sessile in the rosette of leaves,

open in the middle of the day, up to 5 cm. in diameter.

Receptacle somewhat compressed, suboblong, 1 cm. in diameter

at the apex. Sepals 5, unequal in length, oblong, 1 to 1-4 cm.

long. Petals 3 to 4-seriate, linear-spathulate, acute or obtuse,

golden yellow on the upper side, becoming paler towards the

base, orange on the under side, up to 2-2 cm. long, 2 mm.

broad. Stamens erect, 6 mm. in diameter at the apex ;

filaments slightly pubescent and glandular, yellow above,

white below, up to 9 mm. long, anthers and pollen yellow.

Disk composed of 5 crenate glands. Ovary convex above,

inferior; stigmas 5, filiform, acuminate, over-topping the

stamens, 1 cm. long. Capsule expanded 2 cm. in diameter;

valves 5, the keels arising in the loculus and scarcely extend-

ing beyond the base of the valve, diverging, acuminate,

completely hidden by the wings, which are large, erect in the

lower part, then spreading inwards ; loculi deep but narrow,

the wings meeting at the centre and at the wall, otherwise

separated and exposing the seeds; tubercle none; seeds

attached to the outer wall, roundish, minutely tuberculate.

Plate 267. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

calyx ; Fig. 3, gynaecium ; Figs. 4, 5, 6, petal, stamen, stigma ; Fig. 7,

cross-sections of leaf ; Figs. 8, 9, leaf, upper and under surface ; Fig. 10,

branch with capsule ; Fig. 1 1 , portion of capsule, somewhat diagrammatic ;

Fig. 12, longitudinal section through capsule; Fig. 13, ditto, with one

wing removed to show keels; Fig. 14, seed.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

268

z

4

M.M.Page del

Plate 268.

ARGYRODERMA crateriforme.

Cape Province.

Ficoidaceae.

Argyboderma, N. E. Br. in Gard. Chron. vol. 78, p. 433.

Argyroderma crateriforme, N. E. Br. in Gard. Chron. vol. 79, p. 268

(Mesembrianthemum crateriforme, L. Bolus, Annals Bolus Herb. vol. iii.

p. 165).

There is something to be said in favour of delaying the

publication of this Plate until such time as an opportunity

should occur of obtaining an expanded flower and a perfect

fruit to complete the drawing. On the other hand, however,

a good deal may be gained by avoiding further delay. For the

species is, apparently, either a rare one, or it has been over-

looked, or mistaken for something else; and a more explicit

knowledge of its structure, such as our Plate is calculated to

afford, may be the means of our getting the necessary addi-

tional material. Up to the present, and to the best of my

knowledge, the plant has only been collected once. Another

reason for proceeding to publish at once lies in the hope that

it may be found possible to illustrate in this Journal at least

one species of all those genera and sub -genera into which the

genus, Mesembryanthemum, has recently been split up, and

of any new genera which may be described from time to time.

So far a dozen or more genera of the first kind have been

represented in these pages, among them being Piquetia

(M. Pillansii, Kensit), Roodia, Erepsia, Leipoldtia, Schon-

landia, Carpobrotus, Crocanthus, Mesembryanthemum

(M. stipulaceum, Linn., having been selected as a typical

species), and there are at least fifty more, if anyone can be

bold enough to hazard a guess at this stage of our investiga-

tions, still to appear.

Plate 78 of this work represents the interesting Roodia

brevipes * ( Roodia digitifolia, N. E. Br.), and a comparison

* The type of Mesembrianthemum brevipes, Schltr. (Engl. Bot. Jahrb.

vol. 27, p. 126 [1899]), has no fruit ; but after a careful examination of the

flower I have no hesitation in regarding it as identical with that of Roodia

digitifolia, N. E. Br., and propose the following combination : — Roodia

between that and the present Plate will serve to show how

similar the two species are in their floral structure. If the

fruits should also prove to be alike, the two genera, Roodia

and Argyroderma, are very closely connected — the most

striking difference being in the length of the leaves.

The plants from which our Plate was prepared were sent

from Van Rhynsdorp by Mr. E. B. Watermeyer (National

Botanic Gardens, No. 3#£-), and flowered at Kirstenbosch in

June of the same year when the drawing was made.

Description : — A dwarf, glabrous herb, without shining

papillae. Branches closely set, each branch 2-leaved and

forming a body up to 3-3 cm. long, 9 mm. broad at the base,

and 3-3 cm. broad at the apex. Leaves connate for one-third

to one-half or more of their length, diverging upwards, the

upper surface slightly concave and somewhat rhomboidal in

outline (see Fig. d), when viewed laterally slightly narrowed

towards the base, truncate or almost truncate at the apex,

then rounded, obscurely keeled, keel eccentric, the sides more

or less convex, glaucous-green, smooth, up to 1-9 cm. broad.

Flower solitary, open during the day, about 3-2 cm. in diameter.

Peduncle bracteated at base and with the bracts enclosed in

the leaf-sheath ; bracts connate for about one-third of their

length, the free part hooded above, 2 cm. long. Receptacle

produced beyond the ovary into a cup, slightly constricted

at the apex, about 8 mm. in diameter. Sepals 6, ovate, obtuse,

almost of equal length, 4 with membranous margins, 4 to 5

mm. long. Petals numerous, 3 to 4-seriate, linear-spathulate,

rose-purple, 04 to 1*5 cm. long, up to 1*5 mm. broad. Stamens

inflexed or incurved, or the outer ones nearly erect and shorter

than the innermost, filaments white, all bearded, 3 to 4 mm.

long; anthers and pollen white. Disk annular, deeply cut,

segments acute. Ovary inferior, flat above; stigmas 14,

spreading and closely pressed to the ovary ( ? connate for

most of their length), scarcely 1 mm. long.

Plate 268. — Figs, a, b, c, d, whole plant with one leaf damaged, flower

with bracts, pair of leaves in side view, one leaf in front view ; Fig. 1, longi-

tudinal section through the flower ; Fig. 2, calyx ; Fig. 3, gynaecium ;

Figs. 4, 5, 6, petals, stamens, stigma ; Fig. 7, cross-sections of leaf.

brevipes, L. Bolus, comb. nov. = Roodia digitifolia, N. E. Br. = Mesem-

brianthemum brevipes, Schltr.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

B.O Carter del.

Plate 269.

PUN CTILL ARI A Roodiae.

Cape Province.

Ficoidaceae.

Ptjnctillabia, N. E. Br. in Gard. Chron. vol. 80. p. 212; Phillips, Gen.

South Afr. FI. Plants, p. 243.

Praictillaria Roodiae, N. E. Br. in Gard. Chron. vol. 80, p. 229 (1926).

The type of this species is a plant collected by Mrs. E.

Rood from near Van Rhynsdorp. This I have not seen, but

from the description and Mr. Leslie’s excellent photograph the

following collections have been identified with the type : —

H. H. Curzon (National Botanic Gardens, No. without

precise locality, which flowered in April 1918, and was drawn

by Miss Page (B) ; Mrs. Neilson (N.B.G. -\8bA), common near

the farm, Spes Bona, Ceres Karroo; and P. R. Frames

(N.B.G. from the same locality. Mrs. Neilson’s speci-

mens have been used for the part of the Plate marked A.

Plants straight from the veld in colour, form, and markings

closely resembled clusters of iron-stone, the very punctures

or dots simulating a dark lichen-like growth, as is shown in

drawing (10), which was made about two months after their

advent and when the green coloration predominated on the

younger growth. Two months later the brown stone-colour

had almost disappeared on some of the plants. The leaves

are remarkably polymorphic, and we have attempted to

illustrate the chief forms, which vary from an almost circular

outline with a deeply concave upper surface to an oblong

outline with the upper surface flat or very slightly concave.

All are obtuse with sometimes an obscure apical keel, the

dorsal keel being even less evident and usually markedly

eccentric ; and in every case one of a pair of leaves is shorter

than the other.

Description : — Glabrous. Branches crowded, 2 to 4-

leaved. Leaves ascending or spreading, connate, the sheath

1 to 1*4 cm. long, variously shaped, usually rounded on the

back, concave or flat on the upper surface, suborbicular

(up to 4-4 cm. in diameter), somewhat rhomboidal, ovate, or

oblong, very obtuse, up to 5 cm. long, 2*2 cm. in diam.

Flowers open throughout the day, 3-8 to 5 cm. in diameter.

Peduncle enclosed in the leaf-sheath, 1-2 cm. long, bracteated

at base, bracts connate for nearly half their length, slightly

unequal in length, up to 1*6 cm. long. Receptacle shortly

clavate, not produced beyond the ovary. Sepals 4 to 5,

almost of equal length, broadly ovate or oblong-lanceolate,

all with a membranous margin, 8 to 9 mm. long. Petals

1 to 2-seriate, laxly arranged, linear, narrowed towards the

base, usually toothed at the apex. Stamens at first collected

into a cone, later becoming loose and erect or slightly spread-

ing ; filaments white ; anthers and pollen pale yellow. Disk

annular, deeply divided into laterally compressed segments.

Ovary almost flat or slightly convex above; stigmas 9 to 11,

tapering upwards from a very narrow subulate base, 9 mm.

long, slightly overtopping the stamens. Capsule expanded

1*8 cm. in diameter; valves 9 to 11, keels contiguous below,

diverging above, wings narrow, ending in a bristle and falling

short of the valves; cell-wings extending half-way, or less,

across to the mouth of the cell, the tubercle small; seeds

oval, smooth.

Plate 269. — A, Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

sepals ; Fig. 3, gynaecium ; Fig. 4, petals ; Figs. 5, 6, stamens, stigma ;

Fig. 7, portion of capsule ; Fig. 8, seed ; Fig. 9, cross-sections of leaf (of

Fig. 11); Figs. 10, 11, 12, 13, branches showing various forms of leaves;

Fig. 14, flower with bracts. B, Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the

flower.

Note. — Dr. Schwantes has recently sunk Punctillaria, N. E. Br., in

Pleiospilos, N. E. Br., and I am not quite sure, at the moment, whether

this is to be taken seriously. The following may explain my difficulty.

Mr. Brown distinguished Pleiospilos from Punctillaria chiefly on the ground

of an absence of tubercle in the capsule-loculi of the former. Dr. Schwantes

now asserts that tubercles are present in the two species of which the genus

Pleiospilos consists. Is not the conclusion, then, that, as all Punctillariae

have tubercles, and as all Pleiospili are now also found to have tubercles,

the latter should become Punctillariae ? Or does the fact that Pleiospilos

stands before Punctillaria in the key decide the question ? *

* [Those who acquiesce with Dr. Schwantes in combining PunctiUaria

and Pleiospilos and also with the International Rules of Nomenclature

will use the name employed by Dr. Schwantes, i.e. Pleiospilos. — J. H.l

F.P.S.A., 1927.

270.

M.M.Page del.

Plate 270.

EREPSIA viridis.

Cape Province.

Ficoidaceae.

Ekepsia, N. E. Br. in Gard. Chron. vol. 78, p. 433; Phillips, Gen. South

Afr. Flowering Plants, p. 248.

Subgenus Pleiocarpa (e Mesembryanthemo viridi, Haw., composita).

Capsula 7 to 10-locularis ; folia connata, more sectionis “ Uncinata,”

semi-teretia.

Erepsia viridis, L. Bolus ( M . viride, Haw., Obs. 314, n. 97. M. integrum,

L. Bolus, Annals Bolus Herb. vol. iii. p. 134. Ruschia Integra, Schwantes,

Zeitscht. Sulckulent. 11, 187).

In November 1921, when for the first time living material

of this species was sent to us by Mr. F. A. Rogers from Ashton

in the Robertson Division, I hesitated between M. viride ,

Haw., and a new species, and decided upon the latter. Salm

Dyck’s figure of M. viride influenced my decision; but I

have now come to the conclusion that the difference between

the representation of the corolla (probably the original had

been long in cultivation) in the latter figure and that of

our plant is not sufficient to constitute a specific distinction.

Moreover, Salm Dyck’s figure does not, necessarily, represent

the type. This was taken to England in 1791-92 by F.

Masson, and Haworth described it in 1795. Our plant agrees

well with his description as far as that goes. Apparently no

drawing was made of the type and no material preserved.

The only collection I could find, in searching through the

large European Herbaria, which closely resembled our present

species (and in a less degree M. karrooicum, L. Bolus) was

M. campestre, Burchell (No. 1340), of which there are two

specimens without flowers, but with fruit, in the Kew

Herbarium. Mr. Brown, however, regards M. campestre as

being very similar to M. parviflorum, Haw., a species which

is certainly distinct from M. viride, Haw. Burchell got his

plant “ between Jakhals Fontein and Kuilenberg,” near the

Roggeveld in the Sutherland Division, on August 8, 1811,

and on the following day remarks in his Travels : “ M.

campestre now in bloom everywhere decorated the road.”

He describes it as being erect and li ft. in height, with pink

flowers. It would be most interesting to hunt in the same

locality, and at the same season, for Burchell’s plant. Mr.

Brown has, so far, not described the fruit of M. campestre.

If it should be found similar to that figured in our Plate, the

probable identity of the two species, at present based upon

a superficial resemblance only, would be placed a stage

nearer certainty.

Following Hawrorth, I placed M. integrum in § Uncinata,

stating, however, that the floral structure was that of the

§ Bracteata. Dr. Schwantes, without noticing this reserva-

tion, has followed the same lead; and, accordingly, has

taken this species over with the rest of the § Uncinata for

his genus Ruschia. It seems best, however, to regard it as a

subgenus of Erepsia, distinguished from the other typical

species in having connate, semi-terete leaves, 7 to 10 stigmas,

and a 7 to 10-celled capsule.

The name Erepsia refers to the roofing over, or covering

up, of the stamens by the inner petals or staminodes.

Haw'orth’s admirable description (mitten in 1795) of this

type of flower is well worth quoting : — “ ... a few have

the inner petals not only of a different colour to the outer

but of a different structure, being of a nature between the

stamina and petals, operating somewhat like a nectarium,

or the fringe-like processes in Passiflora, and by secluding

from the sight, protecting the converged-up antherae.” He

concludes this interesting “ Observation ” thus : — “ How far

some of these differences in the parts of fructification, when

other circumstances are detected to corroborate and strengthen

them, may be thought sufficient to break down this bulky,

and I will add difficult, genus into lesser families, and therefore

facilitate the investigation of its component individuals, is

not perhaps the province of a young botanist to determine,

at least it would ill become me to decide.” And, although

he continued his investigations in connection with this group

for some thirty-two years longer, Haworth permitted himself,

in the absence of adequate material, to create no more than

the following four genera : Gibbaeum, Glottiphyllum, Hymeno-

gyne , Cephalophyllum.

More recent collections of Erepsia viridis are those of

F. J. Cook (National Bot. Gardens, No. f*), from Concordia

Valley, Montagu Division; and of H. G. Fourcade.

Description : — A rigid, entirely glabrous shrublet, 20 to

30 cm. high. Stem up to 1*3 cm. in diameter at the base.

Branches ascending or erect, 6 to 15 cm. long, 2 mm., or the

younger ones, up to 4 mm., in diameter. Leaves ascending,

acuminate and hooked-recurved, connate ; the sheath passing

into the stem, without an impressed line, usually appearing

to be 5 mm. long; blade almost semi-terete in the middle,

keeled towards the apex, flat on the upper surface, greyish-

green, the margins and entire keel often reddish, 5 to 8 mm.

long, 3 mm. broad in the middle. Flowers solitary, up to

1-8 cm. in diameter, peduncles very short, enclosed in the

uppermost leaves. Receptacle clavate or turbinate. Sepals 5,

unequal in length, acuminate, 5 to 9 mm. long, 2 keeled,

3 with a membranous margin. Petals in many series, the

outer spathulate-linear, obtuse, the inner linear-lanceolate,

acute or acuminate, papillate towards the base, dull rose-

purple or rose, 4 to 7 mm. long, up to 1-5 mm. broad. Stamens

and staminodes as in the genus ; filaments white, bearded ;

anthers and pollen yellow. Disk scarcely visible. Ovary

concave above; stigmas 7 to 10, minute. Capsule woody,

slightly convex, 1-6 cm. in diameter when expanded; valves

7 to 10, keels parallel for most of their length, diverging

near the apex, wings very narrow, ending in a bristle, falling

short of the apex of the valve; cell-wings almost completely

covering the cell, tubercle none ; seeds attached to the outer

wall, obovate, minutely dotted.

Plate 270. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

calyx ; Fig. 3, gynaecium ; Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, petals, staminode, stamen,

stigma; Fig. 10, capsule expanded; Fig. 11, seed; Fig. 12, cross-sections

of leaf.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

271.

B.O. Carter del.

Plate 271.

MESEMBRYANTHEMUM octonarium.

Cape Province.

Ficoidaceae.

Mesembryanthemum, Linn. ; Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant, vol. i. p. 853;

Phillips, Gen. S. A. Flowering Plants, p. 241.

Mesembryanthemum octonarium, L. Bolus, sp. nov. Forsitan ab

omnibus ceteris generis stigmatibus 8 distinguitur.

Planta glabra (una tantum visa) ad 18 cm. alta, caule ad 7 mm. diam.,

ramis adscendentibus vel subpatentibus ad 13 cm. longis, 5 mm. diam.

internodiis 0-5 — 2 cm. longis, ramulis erectis. Folia saepius patentia, basi

vix connata, carinata, carina decurrente, supra plana vel leviter convexa,

lateraliter visa subclavata, ad 3-5 cm., saepius 2-5-3 cm., longa, 1-1 cm. lata,

ad 1-4 cm. diam. Flores solitarii vel (?) ternati, lat'eralibus tardissime

evolutis, fere sessiles vel pedunculo ad 5 mm. longo, meridie aperti, 6-7 cm.

diam., alabastro lateraliter compresso. Receptaculum turbinatum, apice

1 cm. diam. Sepala 4 inaequilonga, 2 multo majora, foliis simillima, ad

2 cm. longa, 2 late membranaceo-marginata, ad 1-2 cm. longa. Petala sat

densa, inter se subaequilonga, linearia, inferne parum attenuata, obtusa,

roseo-purpurea, inconspicue purpureo-vittata, 2-5 cm. longa, ad 5 mm.

lata. Stamina erecta, intima conferta, apice 1-2 cm. diam., filamentis pur-

pureis inferne pallidioribus barbatis ad 9 mm. longis, antheris purpureo-

brunneis, polline pallidissime brunneo. Discus annularis, crenulatus.

Ovarium supra convexum, inferum, stigmatibus 8 subulatis acuminatis 2-5

mm. longis. Capsula non visa.

Our Plate represents about a third part of the one plant

Mr. N. S. Pillans (No. 5760) collected in Namaqualand,

between Doornpoort and Brakfontein, in October 1926.

This plant he succeeded in growing at Rosebank, near Cape

Town, where it flowered in May 1927. The strikingly beauti-

ful flower opened for several days in succession, during the

hottest part of the day, and remained perfect, increasing its

diameter from 2 to 2f inches. As is usual with these brilliant

rose-purple petals, the colour defies reproduction as well as

description; but one can at least testify to the absence of

that strident magenta tint which affords little or no pleasure

to some people, and is even distressing to many.

Unfortunately no fruit is available, and without this I

have not found it possible to decide upon characters suffici-

ently distinctive for a new genus. The fact of the stigmas

being 8 (which would exclude our plant from Mesembry-

anthemum, now limited to 4 to 7 stigmas) taken alone does

not seem an adequate distinction. Therefore, and until we

know more of what the capsule may reveal, I have placed

our species under M esembryanthemum. The specific name

(octonarium = in eight) refers to the 8 stigmas.

Description : — Plant glabrous, up to 18 cm. high, the

stem up to 7 mm. in diameter. Branches ascending or rather

spreading, up to 13 cm. long, 5 mm. in diameter; internodes

0- 5 to 2 cm. long ; branchlets erect. Leaves usually spreading,

scarcely connate at base, keeled, the keel decurrent on the

branch, flat above or slightly convex, viewed laterally some-

what clavate, up to 3*5 cm., usually 2-5 to 3 cm. long, 1*1 cm.

broad, up to T4 cm. in diameter. Flowers solitary or perhaps

ternate, and the lateral ones very slow in developing, almost

sessile, or with the peduncle up to 5 mm. long, open in the

middle of the day, 6 to 7 cm. in diameter, the bud laterally

compressed. Receptacle turbinate, 1 cm. in diameter at the

apex. Sepals 4, unequal in length, 2 much larger, very like

the leaves, up to 2 cm. long, 2 broadly membranous-margined,

up to 1-2 cm. long. Petals rather dense, almost of equal

length, linear, slightly narrowed downwards, obtuse, rose-

purple, with an inconspicuous darker band, 2-5 to 3 cm. long,

up to 5 mm. broad. Stamens erect, the innermost crowded,

1- 2 cm. in diameter at the apex; filaments purple, paler

below and bearded, up to 9 mm. long ; anthers purple-brown,

pollen very pale brown. Disk annular, crenulate. Ovary

convex above, inferior; stigmas 8, subulate, acuminate, 2-5

mm. long. L. Bolus.

Plate 271. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower;

sepals; Fig. 3, gynaecium; Figs. 4, 5, 6, petal, stamen, stigma;

cross-sections of leaf.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

Fig. 2,

Fig. 7,

«

f

272

M.M.Page del.

Plate 272.

MESEMBRYANTHEMUM dissitum.

Cape Province.

Fiooidaoeae.

Mesembbyanthemtjm, Linn. ; Benth. et Hook. f. Oen. Plant, vol. i. p. 853;

Phillips, Gen. S. A. Flowering Plants, p. 241.

Mesembryanthemum dissitum, N. E. Br. in Journ. Linn. Soc. Bot.

vol. 45, p. 114. Mitrophyllum dissitum, Schwantes in Zeitsch. Sukkulent.

Heft 11, Band 2, p. 182.

The type of this species was collected by the late Dr.

H. H. W. Pearson in 1910 at Daunabis during one of the Percy

Sladen Memorial Expeditions (No. 6116) to Namaqualand.

Living plants were sent to Kew and some were retained and

grown in Mr. Pillans’ garden at Rosebank, near Cape Town.

One of the original plants, now more than 17 years old,

flowered profusely during this June, when we were able to

enjoy the rare, or probably unprecedented, experience of

having M . proximum, M. clivorum ?, and Mitrophyllum

mitratum also blooming at the same time. In 1916 plants

were presented to the National Botanic Gardens (No. m

and our Plate was prepared partly from a plant which flowered

there in June 1917 (Fig. A and the dissections). The rest of

the Plate (Figs. B, C) was added in May-June 1921 from

the Rosebank material. The fruit-structure is almost exactly

the same as that of M. proximum, N. E. Br. The specific

name, dissitum = set apart, is in reference to “ the long

slender internodes separating the pair of free leaves from

those united into a cone ” — by which character the author

was able to distinguish the species from M. proximum and

M. mitratum.

Description : — Old plant up to 45 cm. high. Branches

glabrous, purplish, becoming dark grey or black with age,

up to LI cm. in diameter, internodes 1 to 6-5 cm. long. Leaves

minutely papillose, of two forms — the first pair shortly

connate, the sheath up to 1*1 cm. long, the blades finally

spreading, linear-lanceolate, slightly concave above, glabrous,

up to 6-5 cm. long, 1*5 cm. broad, 1 cm. in diameter; the

second pair up to 4-5 cm. long, connate for one-half to two-

thirds of their length, the blades erect, 3 to 4 mm. broad, the

sheath (and often with it the blades) persisting during the

resting-stage and until the larger leaves are ready to emerge.

Flower solitary, expanded during the middle of the day, up

to 4 cm. in diameter, subtended by a pair of leaves of the

first type but smaller and, like the 7 cm. long peduncle,

papillate. Receptacle turbinate, papillate, 8 mm. in diameter

at the apex. Sepals 5, unequal, 2 somewhat semi-terete, up

to 2 cm. long, 3 with membranous margins, 1 to 1*7 cm. long.

Petals 4-seriate, linear, tapering very slightly downwards,

up to 1*8 cm. long, 1-5 mm. broad. Stamens at first collected

into a cone, soon diffuse; staminodes none; filaments

glabrous, white, up to 8 mm. long; anthers pale yellow.

Disk annular, crenulate. Ovary inferior, convex above ;

stigmas 5, filiform, plumose, 8 mm. long. Capsule expanded

2*4 cm. in diameter; valves 5, the keels broad, lying flat on

the valve, distant, or contiguous if the valve recurves, at the

base and diverging upwards, the margin denticulate, wings

linear, as long as the valve; cell-wings almost covering the

cell, transparent ; seeds attached to the outer wall. L. Bolus.

Plate 272. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

calyx ; Fig. 3, gynaecium ; Figs. 4, 5, 6, petals, stamen, stigmas ; Fig. 7,

cross-sections of large leaf ; Fig. 8, section of expanded capsule ; Fig. C,

flower seen from above.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

273

3

B.O. Carter del.

1

Plate 273.

JUTTAMNTERIA proxima.

Cape Province.

Ficoxdaceae.

Juttadinteria, Schwantes, Zeitsch. Sukkulent. Heft 11, Band 2, p. 182.

Juttadinteria proxima, L. Bolus , sp. nov. J . rheolenti, L. Bolus, proxime

affinis, sed differt in circuitu foliorum, basi latissimo, superne gradatim

leviterque attenuato.

This species is very closely allied to J. rheolens, L. Bolus,

the only striking difference being in the shape of the leaves,

which are broadest at the base and narrow slightly upwards.

This difference was not nearly so marked when the plants were

first brought from the veldt. But now, in June, a plant of

J. rheolens has leaves swollen to bursting, up to 2*2 cm. in

diameter, and almost globose, except that every leaf narrows

towards the base. The flowers open about 6 p.m. and close

about 10 p.m., the older ones remaining open till midnight

or later. The rhubarb smell is present in both species, but

the flowers of J. proxima are sweet-smelling as well. Our

Plate represents a portion of one of the plants collected by

Mr. Pillans (No. 5720) in Namaqualand, between Arris Drift

and Sendling’s Drift, last October, and flowered in his garden

in March and in June. The genus is named after Frau Jutta

Dinter.

Description: — Plant glabrous, 18 cm. by 11 cm. in

diameter, 8 cm. high. Stem short, 8 mm. in diameter.

Branches 4 to 6 cm. long, with the remains of 3 to 5 pairs of

leaves, and bearing two pairs of leaves, one pair of which is

axillary and encloses the flowering bud, the fruit of the

previous year’s flower being pushed to one side. Leaves

connate at the base, sheath with an impressed line, 7 mm.

long, keel inconspicuous and oblique, flat above or slightly

convex, one side convex, one side flat, viewed from the front

broadest at the base, tapering upwards, the one margin

curved and the other nearly straight, making an oblique

apex, viewed from the side very obtuse or somewhat truncate,

pale glaucous, smooth, almost polished, up to 4-5 cm. long,

1-4 cm. in diameter. Flowers solitary, expanding in the even-

ings, in the day position closed with the stigmas exserted, up

to 3 cm. in diameter. Peduncle 1-2 cm. long, bracteated at

base. Receptacle turbinate, 1 cm. in diameter at the apex.

Sepals 5, slightly unequal, obtuse, up to 1-2 cm. long. Petals

about as long, 2-seriate, obtuse or emarginate, rose-pink, up

to 2 mm. wide. Stamens collected 5 mm. in diameter at the

apex, filaments white, sparingly bearded, up to 8 mm. long,

pollen golden. Disk annular, crenulate, brown, conspicuous.

Ovary inferior, concave above; stigmas 12, slender, shortly

connate at the base, 1 cm. long. Capsule expanded 1*8 cm. in

diameter; valves 12, keels connivent, diverging from above

the middle, wings acuminate, as long as the valve ; cell-wings

covering nearly the whole of the cell, tubercles none ; seeds

minutely tuberculate, attached to the outer wall. L. Bolus.

Plate 273. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

calyx ; Fig. 3, gynaecium ; Figs. 4, 5, 6, petals, stamens, stigma ; Fig. 7,

cross -sections of leaf ; Fig. 8, portion of capsule ; Fig. 9, seed.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

Plate 274.

MITROPHYLLUM mitratum.

Cape Province.

Ficoibaokae.

Mtteophyllum, Schvxmtes, Zeitsch. Sukkulent. Heft 11, Band 2, p. 181.

Mitrophyllum mitratum, Schwantes, l.c. p. 182 ; Mesembryanthemum

mitratum, Marloth in Trans. Roy. Soc. S. Afr. vol. ii. p. 35.

The genus, Mitrophyllum, having been founded on no

one specified type, and, moreover, upon insufficiently known

material, we are faced with the anomaly of adopting as the

type a species (the first given in the sequence of those com-

posing the genus as defined by Dr. Schwantes) whose fruit-

structure is at variance with that laid down in the generic

description. In every detail the capsule of Pillans, 5450

(Little Namaqualand, in light clay soil on stony hills about

six miles N.E. of Oograbies Poort, and twelve miles E.N.E. of

Port Nolloth, October 1926), agrees with that of Marloth,

4690, the type of M. mitratum ; and, although the flower of

the latter is smaller and has pink petals, I have refrained

from making a new species until we have had more opportunity

of studying the possible variations in the species. Our Plate

represents a small portion of a fifteen-year-old plant (A),

drawn in March, and (B) the very same portion in flower

during June. The open flower is almost indistinguishable

from that of Mesembryanthemum proximum, N. E. Br., but the

fruit of the latter differs considerably.

Description : — Old plant 40 cm. high ; stem 2 to 4 cm.

in diameter, with 7 elongated branches, up to T5 cm. in

diameter, internodes 0-5 to 3 cm. long, each branch terminating

in a mitre-shaped body, the node below being 2 to 3 cm.

distant, the flowering branch with an internode up to 12 cm.

long. Leaves very minutely papillose, of two forms — the

first with a sheath up to 1*5 cm. long, and large spreading

blades up to 1 1*5 cm. long, 2*5 cm. in diameter; the second

pair united for most of their length, the blades more or less

erect and very much smaller. Flowers solitary, opening after

midday, with a delicate fruity odour, up to 5-5 cm. in diameter.

Peduncle about 3-5 cm. long. Receptacle turbinate, 1*3 cm. in

diameter. Sepals 5, unequal, the longest up to 2 cm., 3 with

membranous margins. Petals 4-seriate, acute or acuminate,

pure white, 2-6 cm. long, 1*5 mm. broad. Stamens erect, the

outermost lax and spreading, the inner 1*3 cm. in diameter,

filaments white, glabrous, anthers and pollen golden. Disk

annular, crenulate. Ovary inferior, deeply lobed in the centre ;

stigmas 5, at first spirally intertwined, then spreading, very

narrow subulate, attenuate, 1-5 cm. long. Capsule expanded

1*4 cm. in diameter; valves 5, the keels central, small, con-

nivent, wings linear ; cell-wings almost entirely absent ; seeds

attached to the floor of the cell. L. Bolus.

Plate 274. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

sepals; Fig. 3, gynaecium ; Figs. 4, 5, 6, petals, stamens, stigma; Fig. 7,

capsule; Fig. 8, portion of expanded capsule; Fig. A, portion of branch

with two bodies ; Fig. B, the same after developing for three months.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

275.

B.O. Carter del.

Plate 275.

FRITHIA PULCHRA.

Transvaal.

Ficoidaceae.

Frithia , N. E. Br. ; Burtt-Davy, Flora of the Transvaal, Part I. p. 162 ;

Phillips, Gen. S. A. Flowering Plants, p. 247.

Frithia pulchra, N. E. Brown in Burtt-Davy, Flora of the Transvaal,

Part I. p. 162.

Our Plate was prepared from plants presented to the

National Botanic Gardens (No. *§g°) by Mr. F. Frith, after

whom the genus has been called. They flowered during

December, January, and February, the translucent leaf-tips

or “ windows ” having appeared above the ground some

weeks previously, for |-f inch, before the flower-bud en-

circled in their midst became visible. No stem appeared

above ground throughout.

Our first acquaintance with this species dates back to

January 1906, when Miss Olive Nation (No. 373) sent it from

the “ top of the Magaliesberg, 5500 ft.” in the Rustenburg

Division. A few days earlier, at the end of December 1905,

Mr. D. F. Gilfillan (Herb. Galpin, 7272) found it at Witbank,

Middelburg Division ; and more recently Mr. Frith came upon

it in quantities on the mountain near Rustenburg. The

specific name, pulchra = pretty, is undoubtedly well deserved

by this charming little plant.

Description : — Glabrous perennial herb, about 2-5 cm.

high, stem very short, remaining underground, with a few

membranous remains of old leaves. Leaves almost erect, op-

posite, usually 4 to 6 to a branchlet, crowded, clavate, rounded

on the under-surface, slightly concave on the upper, the

convex tips nearly circular in outline and translucent, like

the rest of the leaf covered with crowded, rounded papillae

visible to the naked eye, 1 to 2 cm., rarely up to 2*5 cm., long,

up to 8 mm. in diameter at the apex. Flower solitary, almost

sessile, open during the day, 3 to 3*5 cm. in diameter. Re-

ceptacle almost globose, produced into a tube beyond the

ovary, 7 mm. in diameter at the apex. Sepals 5, rather

unequal in length, 5 to 8 mm. long, tips translucent, 3 with

membranous margins. Petals united at base, 3-seriate, deep

rose-pink, becoming paler towards the narrowing, white

base, up to 1*6 cm. long, 3 mm. broad, the fourth series

staminodal, yellow with orange tips, acuminate, 8 mm. long.

Stamens erect, in 3 series, the inner free, or almost free, the

outer adnate to the corolla-tube; filaments 2 to 5 mm. long,

the inner sparingly bearded, yellow ; anthers and pollen

yellow. Disk of 5 separate crenate glands. Ovary inferior,

convex above; stigmas 5, subulate, acuminate, 2 mm. long.

Capsule expanded, 5 mm. in diameter ; valves 5, the margins

reflexed, the keels connivent below, slightly diverging upwards,

wings very narrow ; cells very deep, cell- wings either absent

or very narrow ; seeds attached to the outer wall, minutely

tuberculate. L. Bolus.

Plate 275. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

sepals; Fig. 3, gynaecium ; Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7, petals, staminode, stamens,

stigma ; Fig. 8, portion of leaf, enlarged ; Fig. 9, a single plant ; Fig. 10,

flower, viewed from the back ; Figs. 11, 12, portion of capsule and seed.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

276.

jap M w

Plate 276.

DISPHYMA CRASSIFOLIUM.

Cape Province.

Ficoidaceae.

Disphyma, N. E. Br. in Gard. Chron. vol. 78, p. 433.

Disphyma crassifolium, L. Bolus, comb. nov. (= Mesembryanthemum

crassifolium, Linn.).

This plant in its wild state appears to be found in brak

places only. We have had specimens from the Zwartkops

River near Redhouse collected by Mrs. Florence Paterson

and Mr. F. A. Rogers; from the Knysna collected by Miss

Duthie (No. 911), from which collection our drawing was made

in September 1924; from the Riversdale Division (Dr. J.

Muir, 3084) ; Cape Peninsula, Paarden Island (Wolley-Dod,

3370). I have also seen specimens said to have been collected

on Robben Island. On the banks of the Brak River near

Mossel Bay I saw it growing in masses along with several

species off Salicornia. There was a considerable range (f to

3 ins.) in the length of the leaf, those growing in the moister,

sometimes even marshy, parts being longer and thicker.

Plants sent from the Zwartkops River have been grown at

Kirstenbosch for about ten years on a bank under partial

shade, and have retained their green matted growth through-

out, fresh cuttings being substituted to renew the growth

where the plant had died back. The petals vary from white

(Paarden Island) to mauve (Duthie) and from mauve to a

bright rose-pink (Muir, Paterson and Rogers).

The genus Disphyma has been separated from Mesembry-

anthemum by Mr. N. E. Brown chiefly on account of the

“ expanding-keels being widely separated (nearly 1 line

apart) at the base, diverging ; tubercle at the opening to each

cell two-lobed (not so in any other known genus).” The

generic name ( dis — double ; phyma = tubercle) is in allusion

to the “ two-lobed tubercle.”

Description : — Plant entirely glabrous. Branches

elongate, prostrate, rooting, terete, up to 5 mm. in diameter;

internodes 2 to 3 cm. long ; all the axils with short, densely-

leaved branchlets. Leaves ascending or spreading, soft and

turgid, almost semi-terete, the keel acute in the younger leaves

only, margins acute throughout, flat or very slightly convex

above, obtuse or more rarely abruptly acute, narrowed

towards the base and shortly connate, sheath 1 to 3 mm. long,

smooth, bright green, turning yellow and reddish with age,

up to 2-5 cm. long, 6 mm. broad and thick. Flowers solitary,

opening in the middle of the day, up to 2-7 cm. in diameter.

Peduncles 1 to 3 ’5 cm. long, without bracts. Receptacle

clavate, 7 mm. in diameter at the apex. Sepals 5, usually

very unequal in length, acute, 0-9 to 1*8 cm. long, 3 with

membranous margins. Petals 2-seriate, the shorter inner ones

very few, linear, narrowing from above the middle down-

wards, obtuse, entire, up to 1-1 cm. long, 1*5 mm. broad.

Stamens erect or the outermost soon spreading; staminodes

none; filaments up to 6 mm. long, the inner bearded with

long papillae ; anthers and pollen pale yellow. Disk annular,

deeply crenulate. Ovary convex above, inferior; stigmas 5,

densely plumose, subulate, tapering into a long bristle, up to

4 mm. long. Capsule pale yellowish, rather spongy in texture,

1*2 cm. in diameter when expanded; valves 5, the margins

sharply reflexed, keels wide apart, slightly toothed, wings

large, somewhat oblong, reaching to the apex of the valve;

cell-wings almost completely covering the cell ; tubercle

bipartite, pallid ; seeds subobovate, almost smooth, attached

to the outer wall. L. Bolus.

Plate 276. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

calyx ; Fig. 3, gvnaeeium ; Figs. 4, 5, 6, petals, stamens, stigma ; Fig. 7,

portion of capsule ; Fig. 8, seed ; Fig. 9, cross-sections of a leaf.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

277.

M.M.Page del

Plate 277.

RUSCHIA CYMBIFOLIA.

Cape Province.

Ficoidaceae.

Ruschia, Schwantes, Zeitsch. Sukkulent. Heft 11, Band 2, p. 186.

Ruschia cymbifolia, L. Bolus, comb. nov. (= Mesembryanthemum

cymbifolium, Haw., Phil. Mag. 1824, p. 424; Flor. Cap. vol. ii. p. 417).

There must always be a certain degree of doubt concerning

the accuracy of identifications with old species where the

original description is meagre, or when it is incomplete owing

to inadequate material. In the case of M. cymbifolium ,

described in 1824, Haworth’s type-plant had not produced

flowers, and he was unable to place the species with its

probable allies. Fortunately he has left a drawing of a branch

of the type, and with this and his excellent description our

specimens agree, except that our largest leaves are smaller

(rarely reaching three-quarters of an inch) than those in the

drawing and those described as being nearly an inch. Accord-

ing to modern ideas the fruit-structure of M. cymbifolium

would exclude the species from the genus Mesembryanthemum ,

which in its present restricted sense does not include species

having a tubercle in the cells of the capsule. Although our

plant differs widely in the foliage, the fruit-structure exactly

agrees with that of Ruschia rupicola, Schwantes (= M.

rupicola, Engler), the type-species of the genus Ruschia,

established in April 1926 and named after Mr. E. Rusch, of

the farm Lichtenstein, near Windhoek.

Our Plate was prepared from a plant which flowered in the

National Botanic Gardens, Kirstenbosch, in June 1923,

collected and sent by Dr. John Muir (No. 2707) from the

Riversdale Division, and equal to Muir, 987, from “ hills at

Onverwacht, near Albertinia, August 1913.”

Description : — Plant glabrous, sparingly branched, 17 to

30 cm. high, stem up to 1*1 cm. diameter at the base. Branches

spreading or ascending, up to 30 cm. long, with internodes

1 to 2-5 cm. long. Leaves finally widely spreading, scarcely

connate, acutely keeled, the keel slightly decurrent on the

stem, compressed, viewed laterally, widening from the middle

and abruptly narrowed at the apex into a recurved apiculus

which sometimes ends in a short bristle, up to 1-6 cm. long,

5 mm. in diameter, 4 mm. broad. Flowers solitary or more

often ternate or occasionally bi-ternate, the lateral flowers

developing very tardily, open in the middle of the day, up to

1-8 cm. in diameter. Peduncles 1 to 2 cm. long, all bracteated

near the middle. Receptacle somewhat turbinate, 5 to 6 mm.

in diameter at the apex. Sepals 5, nearly equal in length,

oblong-lanceolate, acute, apiculate, 6 to 7 mm. long, 3 with

a membranous margin. Petals 1 -seriate, linear, tapering

slightly downwards, subobtuse, purple-rose with a darker

inconspicuous central line, up to 9 mm. long, scarcely up

to 2 mm. broad. Stamens collected in a cone, 3 mm. in

diameter at the apex, surrounded by numerous acuminate

staminodes, whitish at base, purple-rose upwards; filaments

bearded at base, 2 to 4 mm. long; anthers and pollen pallid.

Disk annular, denticulate. Ovary inferior, convex above ;

stigmas 5, narrow subulate, long acuminate, 3*5 mm. long.

Capsule 7 mm. in diameter, expanded up to 1 cm. in diameter ;

valves 5, almost spreading, in the upper portion with narrowly

winged central keel, margins reflexed, keels short, diverging

widely upwards, wings none ; wings of the loculi covering half

the cell ; tubercle inconspicuous, whitish ; seeds disposed on

the outer wall, subquadrate, papillate. L. Bolus.

Plate 277. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

calyx; Fig. 3, gynaecium ; Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7, petal, staminode, stamens, and

style; Fig. 8, cross-sections of leaf ; Figs. 9, 10, capsule, seed.

I add here the description of another species of Ruschia : —

Ruschia orientalis, L. Bolus, sp. nov. — Planta erecta rigidua, glabra,

laxe ramosa, 20 cm. alta, ramis ad 3 mm. diam., internodiis saepius 1-3 cm.

longis, primiun ancipitibus, ramulis ultimis saepe 1-1-5 cm. longis, dense

4-6-foliatis, cicatricibus foliorum delapsorum interdum onustis; folia sat

difformia, pauca brevia, saepius elongata, adscendentia vel fere patentia,

acute carinata, carina leviter decurrente, rarius minute cartilagineo-serru-

lata, supra plana, lateribus leviter convexis, apiculata, apiculo recurvo,

i

levia, saturate viridia, ad 2 cm. longa, 4 mm. diam., medio 3 mm., basi fere

4 mm., lata; flores solitarii, meridie expansi, 2-2 cm. diam., pedunculis

brevibus, 4—5 mm. longis, foliis supremis (bracteis) sepala attingentibus ;

receptaculum turbinatum, apice 5-6 mm. diam. ; sepala 5, inter se inaequi-

longa, lanceolata acuta, 6-9 mm. longa, 2 foliis simillima, 3 membranaceo-

marginata ; petaladensa, 2-seriata, inter se fere aequilonga, lineari-spathulata,

Toseo-purpurea, infeme inconspicue vittata ; stamina conico-collecta, apice

1-5 mm. diam., staminodiis apice recurvis palidissime roseis circumdata,

filamentis albidis, ad 5 mm. longis interioribus parce barbatis; discus

annularis crenulatus, 4 mm. diam. ; ovarium supra fere planum, 5-lobum,

stigmatibus 5 angustissime subulatis superne gradatim attenuatis 4 mm.

longis ; capsula aqua expansa 1 cm. diam., valvis 5 fere erectis apicem versus

medio longitudinaliter alato-carinatis, marginibus reflexis, carinis brevibus,

superne late divergentibus, alis intramarginalibus nullis, alis locali dimidium

tegentibus, ore loculorum tuberculo sat magno albido omnusto, seminibus

parieti exteriore dispositis subquadratis papillatis, 1 mm. diam.

Cape Province : South-Eastern Region; Albany Div., common in open

parts of scrub, top of Queen’s Road, near Botha’s Hill, Grahamstown, fl.

Dec. 1926, Miss L. Britten, 5528 (Botanical Survey).

F.P.S.A., 1927. (Plate 277.)

278

B.O. Carter del.

Plate 278.

DELOSPERMA pergamentaceum.

Cape Province.

Ficoidaceae.

Delos perm a, N. E. Br. in Gard. Chron. vol. 78, p. 413.

Delosperma pergamentaceum, L. Bolus, sp. nov.

Planta glabra, ad 30 cm. alta {fide N. S. Pillans) ; caulis plantae juvenilis

multo abbreviatus, apice 5 mm. diam., ramis confertis, dense 4-6-foliatis,

floriferis ad 5 cm. elongatis. Folia adscendentia vel fere patentia, obtuse

carinata, supra plana, lateribus fere planis vel leviter convexis vel altero piano

altero convexo, lateraliter compressa, lateraliter visa inf erne gradatim attenu-

ata, apice rotundata vel obliqua vel subtruncata, connata, vagina ad 6 mm.

longa, pallide glauca, inferne purpureo-suffusa, levia, senecta fere perga-

mentacea et ad 7 cm. longa, 1*6 cm. lata, juniora ad 4 cm. longa, basi 8 mm.,

apice 2 mm. lata, basi 7-8 mm., apice 1-3-1 *4 cm., diam. Flores solitarii,

post meridiem aperti, ad 4-4 cm. diam. ; pedunculi breves, foliis supremis

bracteiformibus, 1-8 cm. longis; receptaculum perbreve, subcompressum, in

petiolum transeuns. Sepala 5, inaequilonga, 2 foliis simillima, 1-1 cm. longa,

3 membranaceo-marginata, 5-8 mm. longa. Petala sat dense 3-4-seriata,

alba, interiora acuminata, multo breviora angustioraque quam exteriora,

linearia 2-2 cm. longa, ad 1-5 cm. lata. Stamina erecta, conferta, apice 6 mm.

diam., mox sublaxa, exteriora subdivergentia, staminodiis nullis, filamentis

omnino glabris albis ad 8 mm. longis, antheris pollineque aureis. Discus e

5 glandulis conspicuis, transverse linearibus, crenulatis, fere 2 mm. diam. 0-5

mm. altis. Ovarium supra convexum vel planum profunde convexo-lobatum,

stigmatibus 5, iineari-filiformibus, superne attenuatis, ad 9 mm. longis,

stamina superantibus, papillis sat parvis. Capsula 1 cm., vel expansa 1-5

cm., diam., valvis 5, marginibus reflexis, carinis parallelis subcontiguis, alis

acutis, apicem valvae attingentibus, loculi alis angustissimis, inter se dis-

tantibus, tuberculo nullo, seminibus parieti dispositis ovalibus levibus.

Our species ( Pillans , 5693, collected in Namaqualand

on hills one mile west of Arris Drift, October 1926, and

flowered at Rosebank January 1927) has been placed in

Delosperma on account of the structure of the fruit with its

5 valves, and of the nectary. Vegetatively it is very different ;

indeed, it would be difficult to imagine a typical Delosperma

growing in the arid regions of Namaqualand. Externally

there is a close resemblance to some species of Juttadinteria ,

notably J. deserticola, Schwantes — a plant I have not been

able to study in the living state. The fruit-structure is also

similar except in respect to the number of carpels. The

specific name refers to the parchment-like texture of the dried

leaves.

Description : — Plant glabrous, up to 30 cm. in height

( fide N. S. Pillans). Stem much abbreviated, 5 mm. in diameter

at the apex. Branches crowded, densely 4- to 6-leaved,

bearing the remains of 2 to 4 leaves, flowering branches

elongated to 5 cm. Leaves ascending or nearly spreading,

bluntly keeled, flat above, sides almost flat or slightly convex,

or one side flat and one side convex, laterally compressed,

viewed laterally gradually attenuated downwards from just

below the apex, rounded or oblique or somewhat truncate,

connate at base, sheath up to 6 mm. long, pale glaucous green,

suffused with purple downwards, smooth, of firm texture, up

to 4 cm. long, 8 mm. broad at the base, 2 mm. at the apex,

1*3 to T4 cm. in diameter at the apex, 7 to 8 mm. diameter at

the base. (An older plant which was dried without pressure

showed leaves with an almost parchment-like texture, reaching

a length of 7 cm. and a breadth of 1*6 cm., the upper surface

deeply channelled, strongly compressed laterally, wTith a few

transverse wrinkles and a brow n marbling. The main stem

was elongated into a strongly compressed peduncle 4 cm. long.)

Floivers solitary, opening after the middle of the day, up to

4-4 cm. in diameter. Peduncles short, almost enclosed

within the uppermost leaves (or ? bracts), which with the

sheath 5 mm. long are 1-8 cm. long. Receptacle very short,

slightly compressed, gradually passing into the petiole.

Sepals 5, unequal in length, 2 very like the leaves, IT cm.

long, 3 wuth membranous margins 5 to 8 mm. long. Petals

rather densely 3- to 4-seriate, white, the interior acuminate,

much shorter and narrower than the linear, subobtuse,

exterior ones 2-2 cm. long, up to D75 mm. broad. Stamens

erect, crowded, 6 mm. in diameter at the apex, soon somewhat

lax, the outermost slightly diverging ; staminodes none ;

filaments entirely glabrous, white, up to 8 mm. long; anthers

and pollen golden. Disk of 5 conspicuous transversely linear

crenulate glands, almost 2 mm. in diameter, 0-5 mm. high.

Ovary convex above, deeply 5-lobed; stigmas 5, linear-

filiform, gradually attenuated upwards, up to 9 mm. long,

overtopping the stamens, the papillae rather small. Capsule

1 cm. in diameter, when expanded 1*5 cm. ; valves 5, margins

reflexed, keels parallel and very close, wings acute, reaching

to the apex of the valve ; cell- wings very narrow, tubercle none ;

seeds disposed on the outer wall, oval, smooth. L. Bolus.

Plate 278. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

calyx-lobes ; Fig. 3, gynaecium ; Figs. 4, 5, 6, petals, stamens, stigma ; Fig. 7,

portion of capsule ; Fig. 8, seed ; Fig. 9, transverse sections of leaf ; Figs.

10, 11, portion of flowering branch.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

279.

B.O. Carter del.

Plate 279.

MESEMBRYANTHEMUM tinctum.

Cape Province.

Ficon> ACE AE.

Mesembryanthemum, Linn. ; Benth. et Hook. f. Gen. Plant, vol. 1. p. 853;

Phillips, Gen. S. A. Flowering Plants, p. 241.

Mesembryanthemum tinctum, L. Bolus, sp. nov.

Planta (unica visa) 6-7 cm. alta, radice fibrosa, caule brevissimo 4 mm.

diam., ramis elongatis, omnibus partibus herbaceis laete viridibus, parvis

papillis nitentibus. Rami patentes, apicem versus adscendentes, ad 6 cm.

longi, internodiis ad 1-5 cm. longis senectis glabris atro-brunneis. Folia

difformia, par primum brevius, ultra medium in corpusculum subglobosum

lateraliter subcompressum basi fere truncatum ad 1 cm. diam. connata,

obtusa; par secundum longius, inf erne connata, vagina 5 mm. longa,

erecta, mox leviter divergentia, interdum apicem versus incurvata conni-

ventiaque, supra plena, in maturis carinis infra apicem vix visis, lateraliter

subcompressa et obtusissima vel fere truncata, 1-5-2 cm. longa, 3 mm. lata

ad 4 mm. diam. Flos solitarius (unicus visus) meridie expansus, ad 3-7 cm.

diam. Pedunculus teres, 2-5 cm. longus. Receptaculum turbinatum,

apice 5-6 mm. diam. Sepala 5, 2 multo longiora, ad 1-4 cm. longa, 3 late

membranaceo-marginata, 7-9 mm. longa. Petala sat laxa, 2-3-seriata,

linearia, infeme leviter attenuata, apice 2 dentata, roseo-purpurea, 1-6 cm.

longa, ad 2-5 mm. lata. Stamina sat pauca, erecta, subdiffusa; filamentis

roseo-purpureis, basi papillis purpureis dense barbatis; antheris purpureo-

brunneis, polline pallide stramineo; staminodiis nullis. Discus annularis,

crenulatus, inconspicuissimus. Ovarium supra valde concavum, e margine

ad medium gradatim declinatum, stigmatibus 5 albidis linearibus acmninatis

conspicue plumosis 4 mm. longis. Capsula non visa.

Our Plate represents one of the many new and interesting

species collected by Mr. N. S. Pillans (No. 5777) in Namaqua-

land in October 1926, and flowered in his garden. The

plant was found in a resting state, when the whitish-grey

bodies (the future branchlets), usually about 5 mm. in diameter,

must have looked like the small pieces of quartz among which

it grew, between Doornpoort and Brakfontein. By June the

plant was in full growth, with practically every body developed

into a glittering, green branchlet. One flower only was

produced then, and this was repeated in the drawing in order to

show a back view. As this flower was used for dissection, and

as there appeared to be no prospect of obtaining another

flower this season — since all the other leaf-pairs were of the

form whose sheath becomes the cover for the resting-body —

a branchlet of the dried material with young fruit has been

added (Figs. 8, 9) of Pillans 5635, which appears to be this

species. The habitat, “ on stony hills of white quartzite, |

mile south of Holgat,” is very similar ; and the collector notes

that the branches are at length procumbent and the petals

red. This capsule when expanded is 1*3 cm. in diameter and

has 5 valves with broad keels lying flat on the valve, touching

at the base and diverging widely, having an oblong, acute

wing overtopping the valve. The cell-wings cover the whole

cell, and would actually touch the outer wall if the margins

were not narrowly recurved. Another of Mr. Pillans’ collec-

tions (Bolus Herbarium, No. 17771 — “on Granite, Platte

Klip, 1 mile S. of Hondeklip Bay, in fruit October 1924 ”)

also appears to be a close ally, if not the same species.

Portion of the fruit and a seed are added (Figs. 10, 11). The

specific name, tinctum, has been chosen not only on account

of the brightly tinted petals, but also because the purplish

colouring-matter of the stamens when moistened forms a

deep red dye. A comparison of this Plate with the two

following will demonstrate that in their leaf-form and manner

of passing through the resting-stage the three species are alike.

They would all, therefore, be included in Mitrophyllum,

Schwantes, a genus which has been based almost entirely upon

vegetative characters. In view, however, of what we have

been able to learn recently of this group from flowers and

fruit, it scarcely seems possible to adopt the genus as composed

by the author, who will, no doubt, agree that a revision is

necessary.

Description : — Plant 6 to 7 cm. high ; root fibrous ; main

stem very short, 4 mm. in diameter; all herbaceous parts

bright green, glittering with small papillae. Branches spread-

ing, ascending towards the apex, up to 6 cm. long ; internodes

up to 1-5 cm. long, the older glabrous, very dark brown.

Leaves of two forms, the first pair shorter, united for more than

half their length into a subglobose body, somewhat laterally

compressed, almost truncated base, up to 1 cm. in diameter,

the free parts obtuse; the second pair longer, connate, the

sheath about 5 mm. long, or shorter and enclosed in the

case of the leaves subtending the flower, at first their upper

surfaces appressed, then slightly diverging, sometimes incurved

and conniving at the apex, flat above, keels scarcely visible in

the adult leaf except at the apex, laterally somewhat compressed

and very obtuse or almost truncate at the apex, 1-5 to 2 cm.

long, 3 mm. broad, up to 4 mm. in diameter. Flower solitary,

opening in the middle of the day, up to 3*7 cm. in diameter.

Peduncle terete, 2*5 cm. long. Receptacle turbinate, 5 to 6 mm.

in diameter at the apex. Sepals 5, 2 much longer and leaf-like,

up to 1*4 cm. long, 3 with a broad membranous margin, 7 to 9

mm. long. Petals rather lax, 2- to 3-seriate, linear, slightly

tapering downwards, 2-dentate at apex, rose-purple, 1-6 cm.

long, up to 2*5 mm. wide. Stamens rather few, erect, subdiffuse ;

filaments rose-purple, densely bearded at base with crimson

papillae ; anthers purple-brown, pollen pale straw ; staminodes

none. Disk annular, crenulate, very inconspicuous. Ovary

remarkably concave above, with a gradual slope from margin to

centre, which is not at all raised; stigmas 5, whitish, linear,

acuminate, long-plumose, 4 mm. long. Capsule not seen.

L. Bolus.

Plate 279. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

gynaecium without stigmas ; Fig. 3, gynaecium ; Figs. 4, 5, 6, petals, stamens,

stigma ; Fig. 7, portion of leaf ; Fig. 8, branchlet from Pillans, 5635 ; Fig. 9,

portion of fruit of ditto; Figs. 10, 11, portion of fruit and seed of Bolus

Herbarium, No. 17771.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

Plate 280.

PSAMMOPHORA Pillansii (Figs. 1 — 9).

P. modesta (Figs. 10 — 18).

Cape Province.

Ficoidaceae.

Psammophora, Dinter and Schwantes, Zeitsch. Sulclculent. Heft 11, Band 2,

p. 188.

Psammophora Pillansii, L. Bolus, spec. nov. — P. modestae aflBnis, sed

distinguitur floribus 3-natis majoribus, sepalis inter se fere aequilongis,

ovario supra fere piano, alis loculos subtegentibus.

The genus Psammophora (= sand-bearer) has been so

named on account of sand sticking to the leaves, which

exude a gummy substance — a phenomenon of very rare

occurrence in this large group of plants. Up to the present

it comprised two species, P. modesta and P. Nissenii, Dinter

and Schwantes, both previously described under Mesembry-

anthemum. The former species was also collected by Mr.

Pillans (No. 5187) in Namaqualand, and has been added to

our Plate for comparison. The upper portion of a leaf (Fig.

11) is enlarged to show the curious splitting-up and peeling of

the epidermis on a comparatively young leaf, the papillae

beneath appearing renewed and fresh, and very viscid. This

peeling was not observed on the leaves of P. Pillansii ( Pillans

5714 — Namaqualand, between Doornpoort and Brakfontein,

October 1926), which flowered in Mr. Pillans’ garden in May

1927, when the drawing was made. P. Nissenii appears to be

a very distinct species, but P. Pillansii is closely allied to

P. modesta, differing in the larger and ternate flowers, the

sepals being nearly of equal lengths, and the ovary being nearly

flat above.

Description : — Plant up to 16 cm. high. Branches

densely crowded below, sometimes elongating, erect, straight,

up to 3 mm. in diameter; internodes 0*5 to 1*5 cm. long.

Leaves somewhat variable in shape, some shorter and thicker.

the longer ones up to 2*5 cm. long, 4 to 5 mm. broad and

thick, scarcely convex above and on the sides, obtuse, the

shorter ones 0*6 to 1-5 cm. long, 7 mm. in diameter, somewhat

cymbiform, keel rather conspicuous, margins obscure, the

younger ones green and viscid, the old ones glaucous and

rough, almost dry, shortly connate at base, sheath 1 mm. long.

Flowers ternate, the lateral ones sometimes developing rather

slowly, open in the middle of the day, 2-2 cm. in diameter.

Peduncles terete, the central one without bracts. Receptacle

turbinate. Sepals 4, almost of equal length, 5 mm. long, the

exterior ovate-oblong, interior linear-lanceolate with a broad

membranous margin. Petals rather lax, 2-seriate, the interior

scarcely, or only a little shorter than the rest, linear, scarcely

narrowed downwards, obtuse or subacute, pale rose with an

inconspicuous central band, 7 to 9 mm. long, 1 mm. broad or a

little more. Stamens at first collected in a cone, 3 mm. in

diameter at the apex, surrounded by a few whitish staminodes

which become rosy upwards ; filaments rosy above, sparingly

bearded at the base, up to 5 mm. long; anthers and pollen

whitish. Disk dark green, annular, crenulate. Ovary slightly

convex above; stigmas 8, narrow-subulate, long-attenuate,

conspicuously fringed at the base. Capsule when expanded

about 1*2 cm. in diameter; valves 8, keels parallel, mem-

branous wings well developed; cell- wings narrow and not

united but nevertheless partially covering the cells; tubercle

none. L. Bolus.

Plate 280. — Fig. 1, longitudinal section through the flower; Fig. 2,

calyx; Fig. 3, gynaecium ; Figs. 4, 5, 6, and 7, petals, staminode, sepals,

stigma; Figs. 8, 9, portion of leaf and cross-sections of leaf; Fig. 10, P.

modesta ; Fig. 11, portion of leaf; Fig. 12, longitudinal section through the

flower; Fig. 13, calyx; Fig. 14, gynaecium; Fig. 15, petals; Figs. 16, 17,

stamens, stigma; Fig. 18, portion of expanded capsule.

F.P.S.A., 1927.

INDEX TO VOLUME VII

PLATB