IN PLANTS HAVING IRREGULAR COROLLAS. 403 
simple. The flowers are arranged in two rows, one on each side 
of the floral axis, and at first the two rows stand back to back. 
Each flower consists of a perianth composed of an outer whorl 
of three segments and of a similar inner whorl; of three stamens 
arising from the base of the segments of the outer whorl ; and of 
three carpels. The flower arises in the axil of a spathe-like 
braet; and opposite to this bract is another spathe-like bract, 
which stands between the flower and the floral axis, having its 
back turned towards the axis. This latter bract is recognized by 
Eichler * as consisting morphologically of two bracts united; and 
it has been shown by Payer that it does actually so arise in 
development. If all parts of the flower developed equally, this 
flower would be regular and actinomorphic ; and if each retained 
its original position, they would all look upwards and the two 
rows would stand in one vertical plane. As a matter of fact this 
state of things actually occurs in a good many flowers which 
maintain their original regularity and position. It is of some 
interest to observe that these regular flowers are generally the 
lowest on the spike, that is to say, the flower which opens first f. 
Of the specimens examined a considerable proportion showed 
this feature; and Mr. Burrell informs us that it is frequently to 
be seen even amongst the best named varieties, for it is not held 
to constitute a defect since the regular flower can be turned 
downwards so as to stand in series with the other flowers on the 
spike. In most (? all) of these regular flowers, the stamens 
retain their original position, each anther being turned directly 
outwards. 
Such, then, being the original position of the flowers, by exami- 
nation of the diagrams it is seen that the flower may assume 
either the first type or the second, according to the plane about 
which its irregularity is developed. The account given by Eichler 
relates to G. cardinalis, which, according to him, develops upon 
what we have called the second type, but, from figures of numerous 
species, this type seems to be exceptional. 
Firstly, the original opposite position of the two rows of flowers 
is forsaken as the flowers open; and each flower as it opens 
turns horizontally towards the other row, so that the inclination 
* Eichler, ‘ Bliithendiagramme, i. p. 161. 
T Payer, ‘ Organogénie, p. 659. 
1 In the case of several other plants, the topmost flower is not unfrequently 
peloric (Pelargonium, &c.). 
