•>7? URTTCACEAi. [chap. 



Sub-type i — Banyan, or Indian Fig {Ficus benghalensis)^ 

 or the Peepiil {F. religiosd). Flowers unisexual, in sessile, 

 axillary, globular receptacles (Figs). Male and female 

 flowers in the same Fig. Perianth three- to five-lobed : male 

 flowers with a single stamen. 



Observe the adventitious roots given off freely by the 

 branches (of the Banyan and many other species of F'lcus)^ 

 which descend and take root in the soil, thus enabling the 

 tree to spread itself over a wide area. Observe, also, the 

 large deciduous stipules, which leave ring-like scars at the 

 base of the leaves when they fall. The stipules of some 

 species {F, elasfica, &c.) are well adapted for exhibiting 

 the milk-sap canals in situ under the microscope. The 

 margin of a young stipule should be placed in focus, and 

 then pressure applied, or a wound made in some part of 

 the stipule out of the field of view. This occasions a 

 rapid movement or emptying of the fluid, apparendy from 

 the elasticity of the walls of the canals which contain 

 it. Some botanists have thought that these canals formed 

 a circulatory system analogous to the veins and arteries 

 of animals, but this notion is not supported by careful 

 observation. Note the succulent, hollow receptacle, the 

 top of which is closed by minute scales. The flowers 

 are very minute, and are closely packed on the inner surface 

 of the common receptacle. When the fig is ripe, the 

 individual fruits are commonly, but incorrectly, called the 

 seeds. The common receptacle of Fig resembles the 

 receptacle of Rose, with this important difference, that 

 instead of enclosing the fruit-carpels of a single flower 

 it encloses those of an indefinite number of flowers. 



Sub-type 2 — Jack-fruit Tree {Artocarpus ififegrifolia). 

 A tree much cultivated in Southern India, with stipulate 



