46 THE STORY OF PLANT LIFE 
amongst grass it generally ousts the latter, being, 
during the growing season, a sturdy species. 
The plant with its clustered tubers has the rosette 
habit, with a compact mode of growth. 
The leaves are radical and on long stalks, cordate or 
crenate, shining, with well-marked veins. As re- 
marked, the sepals are three, and the petals variable 
with a nectary at the base of each. The petioles are 
somewhat enlarged at the base. The ripe carpels 
are quite smooth, as indeed is the whole plant, which 
is glossy and dark-green. It 1s not more than six 
inches in height. 
The flowers appear in February, and continue 
right up till April, when the Lesser Celandine is at 
the height of its glory, lingering on fitfully into May. 
Its stellate flowers are enshrined in verse, and 
it was particularly endeared to Wordsworth. 
‘*Long as there are violets 
They will have a place in story ; 
There’s a flower that shall be mine, 
’Tis the little Celandine.” 
When it flowers there are few insects about, but it 
is visited by flies, bees, and beetles, although the 
latter do not like yellow flowers, and being con- 
spicuous it is often sought by honey-seeking insects, 
which get dusted with its abundant pollen, and carry 
it off to the next flower. So it is frequently cross- 
pollinated. 
When the fruits, which are achenes, are ripe they 
