[105]

Megarrhiza Californica.— Jan 9th. — 1880

(used)

In every case I have observed that plumule came up from great depth, & I have now watched seed germinating on close to surface.— In no case was seed in tough coats lifted up. In fact united petioles not rigid enough to lift them up — What happens is that the perfectly confluent petioles (forming hollow tube), no doubt tipped with radicle & with short hypocotyl penetrates the ground & probably serve to carry radicle to greater depth.— When placed in Permanganate of Potash — whole of these petioles, short hypocotyl, & radicle are all stained brown.— good! The long plumule alone remains quite unclosed. The tube splits in plan of the 2 cotyledons.

There is no vestige of Heel.— for it has not to split the seed-coats.

[105b]

The confluent petioles are clothed with hairs likes those on true roots. —

The tip of Plumule is hooked, I am almost certain on it breaks through ground.—