CH. XII] BY WIND. 157 



In the plantain the filaments of the stamens are 

 enormously long in proportion to the size of the flower ; 

 this is frequently the case in wind-fertilised plants, for 

 instance in the wheat-flower shown in fig. 71. 



FIG. 71. 

 WHEAT-FLOWER, 



showing the large anthers hanging far out on long flexible filaments. 

 Above are the two large branching styles. sq, the scaly floral 



leaves. From Le Maout and Decaisne. 



In consequence of this character the anthers are well 

 exposed and easily shaken by the wind, and the distribution 

 of the pollen correspondingly favoured. In the " catkin " 

 of the hazel the same end is brought about by other 

 means. The catkin is an inflorescence, a stalk bearing 

 numerous minute flowers, the stamens are short, but the 

 whole inflorescence is pendant and flexible, and easily 

 shaken by the wind. In the nettle the filaments are at 

 first bent inwards towards the centre of the flower, but 

 later on they uncurl with a sudden movement, scattering 



