146 NECTARY. [CH. XI 



striking characters in which the architecture of flowers 

 is modified. 



FIG. 65. 



FLOWER OP THE COWSLIP DIVIDED LONGITUDINALLY. 

 From Le Maout and Decaisne. 



Before passing to the reproductive parts of the flower 

 a point in the structure of the buttercup petal must be 

 noted, a minute notched scale (fig. 66) at the base of the 



FIG. 66. 



PETAL OF EANUNCULUS, 



showing the scale-like nectary at the base. 



From Le Maout and Decaisne. 



inner surface. This is known as a nectary and secretes the 

 sugary juice called nectar, the importance of which in the 

 natural history of the flower will be considered later. 



