2 
THE FLOWER. — - 87 
the root, as in Primrose and Cowslip (Primula vulgaris and 
P. veris), Lily of the Valley ( Convallaria majalis). 
295. When the peduncle is branched, each of the divisions 
is called a pedicel ; and the term rachis is applied to the main 
stalk from which the pedicels spring. 
Hi, THE BRACTEA OR FLORAL LEAF AND ITS MODIFICATIONS. 
296. Most flowers arise from the axilla of a leaf: this 
leaf, especially when different from the common leaves of 
the plant, is called a bractea. Where the floral leaf or brac- 
tea is not developed, it is still believed to be present in a ru- 
dimentary form. It sometimes resembles very much the 
other leaves of the plant, being smaller, however, and closer 
to the flower ; and at other times is very different from them 
both in colour and form, as in the Hydrangea, and in Purple 
Cow-wheat (Melampyrum arvense). In the Lime-tree (Tilia 
Europea), the penduncle arises from a lanceolate bractea. 
The leaves of the tree are broad, cordate, and serrated. 
297. All leayes between the bractea and the calyx are 
called bracteole. 
298. An involucre consists of several bractex thickly set 
in a kind of whorl around the base of the flower, as in the 
Anemone, the Daisy (Bellis), and many others. The brac- 
tex are always called an involucre in the Umbel and in the 
Capitulum. The involucre is triphyllous, composed of three 
leaves, in the Anemone ; tetraphyllous, pentaphyllous, &e. 
See Fig. 19, par. 324. 
299. The bractew sometimes are verticillate (whorled), — 
and cohere at their margins like a calyx. They are then to 
be distinguished from the calyx chiefly hy being pleceh= 2 
neath several flowers instead of only one. ce 
300. When there is round the pedicel a hock ote 
leaves like a small involucre, they receive the name of invo- 
lucellum or partial involucre, as in the Carrot (Daucus carota), 
Lao het se lnvoleare of apy. panies ee 
rs ta ee ON 
