THE ANGIOSPERMAE 



121 



position, but where numerous ovules are produced, they form two rows, one 

 arising from each margin, and the sill in such cases remains small and is 

 sterile. 



Fig. 1 1 83. — Peltate development of the carpel rudiment. Arrows indicate the direction 

 of the floral axis. {After Gnebel.) Theoretical. 



The above represents the most characteristically peltate carpel-form, 

 which is to be seen in some Ranunculaceae and Rosaceae. In other members 

 of these families and indeed in the majority of free carpels, the development 

 may be called semi-peltate. A peltate primordium is formed in the earliest 

 stages, with dorsum and sill, but the latter remains relatively small and is 

 sometimes fused to the receptacle tissue. The dorsum becomes concave, 

 often hood-shaped, and its edges approach and subsequently coalesce 

 above the top of the sill (Fig. 1184). The extent to which the sill grows 



Fig. II 84. — Peltate development of the carpels in Thalictmm, showing the union of the 

 margins of the dorsum above the top of the ovulate sill. {After Troll.) 



