V. The anatomy and morphology of the leaves and inflorescences of <i>Welwitschia mirabilis</i>

Abstract

Abstract Although the structure of Welwitschia has already been investigated by various workers,* it seemed advisable that this interesting and isolated genus should he further studied in the light of recent knowledge. At the suggestion of Prof. Seward I undertook this study, and material was kindly sent by Prof. Pearson, of Cape Town. This material consisted of plants probably more than 20 years old, the stems of which were about 2½ inches in diameter, and inflorescences. The male inflo­rescences contained flowers in all stages of growth ; but in the oldest female flowers the ovule was still very immature, and the embryo not yet developed. I also received two seedlings, one 13 and the other 27 months old, from the Cambridge Botanic Garden. This research has been carried out in the Cambridge University Botany School during my tenure of a Bathurst Studentship (1908-9) and a Newnham College Fellowship (1909-10).