Pollination and Fertilization 



157 



enclosed by two bracts. The silk is the long style, the upper 

 portion of which is stigmatic. 



Examine Kafir Corn. Where are stamens and grains 

 borne ? 



The white spathe of Zantedeschia (" Arum ") surrounds a 

 ceritral column, on the lower part of which ovaries are borne. 

 The upper portion is not ripe until a few days after the stigmas 

 are. It consists of stamens closely crowded, which will in time 

 discharge quantities of white pollen. The spathe or bract 



Fig. 156. — Spadix of Zantedeschia cethiopica, Spreng, with one half of 

 spathe. Tne pistillate flowers are below, the staminate flowers above. (From 

 Edmonds and Marloth's " Elementary Botany for South Africa ".) 



surrounds a spadix of flowers, the pistillate below and staminate 

 at the top. 



These are only a few examples of imperfect or diclinous 

 flowers. Why should stamens and pistils be separated in 

 difl"erent flowers ? Often on different plants ? 



We are beginning to feel sufficiently acquainted with 

 flowers to ask for confidences not revealed to chance acquaint- 

 ances. If we find a new acquaintance on the veld, let us 

 know all we can about it before it is pressed. Some of them 



