OP FRUCTIFICATION. 243 



Linnceus distinguishes seven parts of fruc- 

 tification, some of which are essential to the 

 very nature of a flower or fruit, others not 

 so indispensably necessary, and therefore not 

 universal. 



L Calyx, the Calyx or Flower-cup, generally 

 resembling the leaves in texture and co- 

 lor?, and forming the outermost part of a 

 flower. This is not essential, and is often 

 absent. 



II. Corolla, the Corolla, or more delicate 

 coloured internal leaf or leaves, properly 

 petals, of a flower, likewise not essential. 



III. Stamen, or Stamina, the Stamen or 

 Stamens, commonly of a slender or thread- 

 like form, bearing some kind of knob or 

 cellular body, and ranged internally with 

 respect to the Corolla. These are es- 

 sential. 



IV. Pistillum, or Pistilla, the Pistil, or Pistils, 

 in the centre of the flower, consisting of 

 the rudiments of the fruit, with one or 



r 2 



