The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online

RECORD: Darwin, C. R. 1862.01.15. Monochætum ensiferum. CUL-DAR205.8.22. Edited by John van Wyhe (Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)

REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe 4.2022. RN1

NOTE: See record in the Darwin Online manuscript catalogue, enter its Identifier here. Reproduced with permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library and William Huxley Darwin. The volume CUL-DAR205.8 contains notes on the genus Monochaetum and other plants.

"Lindley, John, 1799-1865. Botanist and prolific writer on botanical subjects. Member of Horticultural, Linnean and Geological Societies. Played a pivotal role in traditional botany in the Victorian era. 1828 FRS. 1829-60 Prof. Botany University College London. 1843 CD sent L some seeds which had been found by William Kemp under 25 feet of white sand. CCD2:355. 1853 L was in competition with CD for award of Royal Medal of Royal Society. CCD5:165. 1856 CD to Hooker, suggesting that L was worth a Copley Medal. 1857 L got a Royal Medal in 1857. CCD6:72."
Turnbull, George Henry, 1819-80. Building contractor who resided at the Rookery, Down. Became a subscriber to the Down Coal and Clothing Club in 1854-55 until 1872. His gardener, John Horwood, oversaw the construction of CD's hothousein 1863. Three letters from CD to T survive. (Paul van Helvert & John van Wyhe, Darwin: A Companion, 2021.)

[22]

Monochætum ensiferum

Mr Turnbull Jan. 15/62/

This is position which flower holds [annotated sketch]

Crimson anther which arises from opposite petal is much longer & has thicker projectionthan the yellow anther which arises from opposite the calyx – The anthers stand at right angles to each other. = as far as position opposite the sepals & petals is concerned, it is certain that the pale yellow anthers here correspond with the purple of Heterocentron & the bright yellow of latter with the crimson of this Monochætum; but then pistil is here straight.

(over)

[22v]

Purple pistil in other flowers

The crimson anther contain most pollen; but pollen from both equally good & equal-sized. The crimson anthers facing petals ought to be bad according to Lindley & yet are certainly good.

I cannot see how Bees would act.

Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)