Art. IX. Descriptions of Three New Genera of Plants, from the State of New-York. Cylactis, Nemopanthus, and Polanisia.
Art. IX. Descriptions of Three New Genera of Plants, from the State of New-York. Cylactis, Nemopanthus, and Polanisia, by C. S. Rafinesque.
1. N. G. Cylactis.
Calyx campanulated 6 to 10 fidus, sepals a little unequal. Petals 4 to 6 equal. Many perigynous stamens. Pistils 8 to 12, ovaries sessile ovate, styles elongated, stigmas capitated. Berries few, distinct, one seeded.
This new genus belongs in the analytical and natural method, (see Analysis of Nature) to the first natural class Eltrogynia, first natural order Rhodanthia, second natural family Senticosia, next to the genera Rubus, Oligacis, &c. It would range itself into the artificial class Icosandria of the Linnæan sexual system; but not properly into any of its orders, since the number of pistils is variable, and never above 12. Only one species belongs to it, which I have discovered in company with Mr. Knevels, on the Catskill mountains. The etymology of the name derives from two Greek words meaning radiated calyx. It differs essentially from Rubus by the unequal many cleft calyx, variable petals, and few pistils.
Cylactis montana. Mountain cylactis—Stem herbaceous upright, unarmed, pubescent; leaves quinate, nearly smooth, upper ones sessile, stipules oblong, folioles ovate acuminate, incised, serrated, ciliated, base acute, entire, the middle one petiolated: flowers few corymbose, peduncles erect elongated bracteolated; calyx pubescent, sepals lanceolate acute, nerved, reflexed; petals cuneate-obovate, longer than the calyx.
It is a small perennial plant, rising about half a foot; flowers white, blossoming in June. On the Catskill mountains near the great falls, &c.