16 



corolla lobes are sharply pointed, and spread outward. That 

 portion of the corolla which is hidden witiiin the calyx is green 

 in color. 



Within the corolla are four pistils, ( the seed-producing 

 organs ), and eight stamens, ( the pollen-producing organs). 

 The pistils are either entirely separate from one another, 

 or are somewhat joined together at their bases. Each 

 pistil consists of three parts, — 1, a basal enlarged portion, the 

 ovary, which contains the numerous ovules or unfertilized seeds ; 

 2, a long slender portion, the style, which connects the ovary 

 with (3), the stigma, which is borne on the end of the style, and 

 which is more or less hairy, to receive the pollen. The pollen 

 grain falls upon the stigma, grows down through the hollow 

 style, and fertilizes an ovule in the ovary. 



The eight stamens, in two rows of four each, are fastened 

 on the inside of the middle portion of the corolla, and are just 

 long enough to protrude slightly beyond the corolla. Each 



FIG. ,5. 

 Flower of Bryopliylhiiii. 

 Showing a Imd, an opened flower, and a withered flower. 

 (From Bailey — Cycl. Amer. Hort.) 



pistil develops into a slender pod, that splits open along one sick- 

 to permit the escape of the many seeds within. 



Because of its simple and plentiful mode of vegetative rcjiro- 

 ductioh, the air-plant is easy to ])ropagate and raise. It will 

 grow on almost any soil, and rccjuires practically no attention. 

 It is es])ecially useful for bedding effects among rockery or 

 around the foundations of houses. Although it will grow in 

 comparatively heavy shade, it thrives best in a sunny locality. 

 When once started the plant will i)ropagatc itself by means of 

 its fallen leaves, thus constantly increasing the area covered. Its 

 large size and habit of s])reading render it unsuitable for plant- 

 ing in pots or boxes. 



Its sturdy character and rapid growth should conunend the 

 air-plant for more general use as an ornamental i)lant. and its 

 curious habits should attract those who are interested in the 

 plant-life of Hawaii. 



