1984 



A TEXTBOOK OF THEORETICAL BOTANY 



-I 



Fig. 1915. — Ravenala iiiucicr^cisccirieiisls. TraNeller's 



Gardens, Singapore. 



Tree. Botanic 



I 



by the paired petals in the young flowers and pressure causes them to 

 separate, releasing the internal organs and thereby scattering the pollen. 



In Strelitzia there are five South African species, ranging in height 

 up to about 10 ft. or more. The leaves are large and radially arranged 

 and the inflorescences consist of a cincinnus arising in the axil of a great 

 spathe (Fig. 1916). The sepals are free but the lateral petals are united 

 and enclose five fertile stamens. The odd petal is very short and broad. 

 These two anterior petals form a landing-stage for humming-birds 

 which are concerned in pollination. Pressure by the birds causes the free 

 edges of these petals to separate, thus exposing the anthers which come into 

 contact with the under surface of the bird. In a subsequent visit this region 

 \\\\\ come into contact with the style which projects far beyond the limits 

 of the petals and is therefore the first organ touched. The flowers of 

 Strelitizia reginae are coloured blue and orange and are about 6 in. long; 

 hence they are extremely conspicuous objects and are highly valued in 

 cultivation. 



