262 



BOTANY OF THE LIVING PLANT 



among the Dipsaceae. It is in fact a character recurrent in several distinct 

 families, though it finds its headquarters in the Compositae. Its biological 

 effect is that an inflorescence acts functionally in the same way as a single 

 flower. 



Fig. 184. 



Inflorescence of Astrantia : a simple 

 umbel. (After Figuier.) 



Fig. 185. 



Inflorescence of Chervil : a compound 

 umbel. (After Figuier.) 



Inflorescences usually develop on a radial plan, especially those of indefinite 

 type. But many definite inflorescences appear distinctly dorsiventral. These 



~-v 



Fig. 186. 

 Inflorescence of Daisy : a capitulum. (After Figuier.) 



are so arranged that each flower as it blooms is directed upwards, thus secur- 

 ing prominence at the time of pollination. This is seen in the Forget-me-nots 



