THE MOXOCOTYLEDOXES 



202; 



Included in this tribe are the closely similar genera Galanthus and 

 Leiicojiim. Galanthus (Fig. 1962) has six species, occurring in Europe and 

 especially in the Mediterranean region. G. nivalis (Fig. 1963) is the Snow- 

 drop. On the inner surface of 

 the inner perianth segments 

 are green grooves secreting 

 nectar. These segments are 

 erect in the bud but become 

 pendulous as the flower opens. 

 The anthers form a down- 

 wardly directed cone sur- 

 rounding the style. Each de- 

 hisces by a lance-shaped 

 opening and ends in a brush- 

 like elongation. Against this 

 a visiting insect is sure to 

 strike and become covered 

 with pollen. Since, however, 

 the stigma projects beyond 

 the anther it will be touched 

 first, so that cross-pollination 

 is probable. The flowers are 

 visited by honey bees not only 

 for nectar but also to collect 

 pollen. 



Species of Leiicojum (Snow-flake) (Fig. 1964) occur in southern Europe 

 and are often cultivated in gardens. Two species are rare in Britain. 



Fig. 1963. — Galanthus. Flower in longitudinal 

 section to illustrate pollination. See in text. 



Fig. 1964. — Leiicojum aestivum. Flowers. 



