380 



DICOTYLEDONES. 



Adonis, Pteonia. The perianth of the Ranunculaceffi is considered by Prantl 

 to be usually petaloid. The nectaries arise in the Ranumulaceffi (1) on 

 normal stamens (Clematis sect. Viorna), (2) on the h' ney-leaves (this is 

 generally the case), and (3) on the carpels (Caltha and the majority of Trollius- 

 species). As the result of his researches upon the Ranunculacese, Prantl 

 does not agree with the view advanced by Drude (Schenk, Hand. d. Bot. iii.) 

 that the petals in general have proceeded from the metamorphosis of the 

 stamens (A')] . 



v 



FIG. 373. Ovaries in longitudinal section : v the ventral suture; <i the dorsal suture : 

 A, B Clematis ; C Ranunculus ; D Myosurus. 



The most primitive form of fruit is undoubtedly the pod formed by one carpel, 

 on the edges of which (along the ventral suture) two rows of ovules are situated : 

 Paeonieffi, Helleboreae, Delphiniea? (Fig. 379). In a great many genera the 

 number of ovules has been limited to one perfect one, which is placed in the 

 central plane under the united leaf-edges, and sometimes also some barren 

 ovules above it (Fig. 373). The fruitlets in this case become achenes, and 

 are present in much larger numbers than when there are follicles. 



FIG. 37-1. Hcllebonis niger : A flower; B receptacle ; pet petals PIG. 375. Caltha 



(honey-leaves); pi stamens and carpels; Cseed; D anther (cross palwsiris: frui*. 



section) ; <ilb endosperm. 



The following have FOLLICLES : Pxoniete, Hellebores (except 

 Acttva) and Delpliiniex ; ACHENES : Ranuncideie, Anemonese and 

 Clematideie. 



