NAMED RAFFLESIA. 891
its growth : and lastly, on finding these vessels in some cases penetrating the ])asc of tlic column itsolf {platr 20 (22),/. 1).^
But to judge of the validity of these objections, it became necessary to examine the nature of this connection in plants known to be parasitic on roots ; in those especially, which i^^c in several other respects resemble Bafflesia, as Cytinns, Aphjteia, Cyiwmorium, and Balanoj^liora. On this subject I cannot find that a single observation has hitherto been made, at least with respect to the genera now mentioned. Snfficient materials, indeed, for such an investigation are hardly to be expected in collections, in which the parasite is most frequently separated from the root ; and even when found in connection with it, is generally in a state too far advanced to afford the desired information. I consider my- self fortunate, therefore, in having obtained specimens of several species where the union is preserved ; and the re- sult of the examination of these, though not completely satisfactory, has been to lead me back to my first opinion, namely, that the Great Flower is really a parasite, and that the root on which it is found probably belongs to a species of Vitis.
An account of some of the more remarkable of this class of parasitic plants, to which a few years ago I had ])aid par- ticular attention, may hereafter form the subject of a sepa- rate communication. At present I shall confine myself to such general observations on the class as relate to the ques- tion respecting Bqfflesia.
In the first place, plants parasitic on roots are chiefly distinguishable by the imperfect development of their leaves and the entire absence of green colour; an observation which, as applying to the whole tribe, Avas I believe originally made by Linuteus.^ In both these points they agree with BaJJIesia.
A second observation which may be made respecting them is, that their seeds are small, and their end)ryo not only minute, but apparently imj)erfectly developed ; in some cases being absolutely undivided, and probably acoty-
^ finujKs Melifensis, p. 3. Amau. Acad, iv, /). 353.
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