34 



MELASTOMA. ZINNIA. 



[CHAP. 



interstices into which the anthers are packed before the 

 flower expands. As this adhesion to the calyx does not 



Fig. 17. Melastoma Malabathricum. 



Fig. 18. Flctver of Melastoma- 



extend to the top of the ovary, the latter may be described 

 as half-superior. 



Calyx half-inferior^ gamosepalotts. 

 Corolla, _p€rigy7tous, polypetalous. 

 Stamens perigynous, decandrous. 

 Pistil syncarpoiis, ovary half-superior. 



6. Garden Zinnia (Zinnia elegans). — The structure of 

 its flower-heads is very puzzling to beginners. The best 

 way to understand it is to make a vertical section right 

 through the middle of one of the heads with a sharp knife, 

 cutting from below upwards. You will then find that what 

 appeared at first to be a single flower with spreading richly- 



