GAMOPETAL^ 325 



membranous margin. The ultimate flower-stalk is 

 equal in length to the calyx. The calyx is decurrent 

 on the flower-stalk. It has five downy ribs, with 

 bluntly pointed lobes. The petal-like border of the 

 calyx is crowned by five slender, short teeth. The 

 limb of the petal is inversely ovate. The fruit is a 

 utricle longer than the calyx-tube, hairy on and 

 between the ribs. 



Flowers may be found in June and July. The 

 plant is a herbaceous perennial, sometimes a foot in 

 height. 



Honey is secreted in the base of the flower. The 

 flower has a sweet scent. The tube of the corolla is 

 lined with hairs which protect the honey from rain 

 or creeping insects. The five stigmas stand in the 

 centre when the flowers open and the anthers form a 

 ring around them, just over the honey. Later, their 

 position is changed, the anthers bend inwards, the 

 stigmas outwards. The latter become later spirally 

 twisted and come in contact with the anthers. 

 Hence self-pollination may result. 



The calyx becomes membranous and funnel-like 

 in fruit and serves as a parachute to disperse the 

 seeds. The plant is often cultivated for the borders 

 in gardens. 



A popular plant, it has many common names, such 

 as Arby, Cliff-rose, Cushion (from its habit). Lady's 

 Cushion, Sea Cushion, Cushion-pink, Marsh or Sea- 

 Daisy, Sea Gilliflower, Sea Grass, Lady's Pincushion, 

 Our Lady's Quishion, Pincushion, Pink, French 



