THE ROSE FAMILY 



47 



4. In the Flowers of the Hedge Rose (fig. 47) we can 

 distinguish first a green cup-like receptacle, containing numerous 

 distinct pistils and crowned by five sepals, five petals, and 

 numerous stamens. Sepals and petals are imbricate in bud, 

 and the stamens 1)ent inwards (incurved). The cultivated Rose 

 has, however, numerous petals, which are formed b}- the trans- 

 formation of some of the stamens. This is sometimes easily seen 

 as some of the petals in the middle occasionally bear pollen bags. 



5. The Carpels are seated disunited or free in the hoUowed- 

 out "fleshy" top of the flower-stalk, which becomes a beautiful red 

 colour when ripe, and is made up of a soft sweet pulp in order 

 to attract birds by whose means the seeds can be scattered far 



Fi^. 48. — Riibus elliplicus. 



and wide To prevent the seeds being digested by the birds the 

 pericarps are thick-walled and are provided with prickly hairs 

 and so are not damaged even if swallowed, which is rather un- 

 likely, as the birds do not like such hairs. 



6. The Scent of the Rose is derived from a volatile oil which 

 evaporates easily and leaves no greasy stain, if applied to paper. 

 This oil is extracted from the petals, by distillation, and then 

 sold as a precious perfume, known as Attar of Roses. 



