404 



THE LILIALES 



like those of the previous family, but the crowding on the recep- 

 tacle has resulted in the obliteration of one whorl of stamens. 

 The structure of the flowers often shows a series of variations that 

 adapt them to insect visitors and crossing, as is well illustrated 

 in the iris (Fig. 289, B, C). The styles have a very unusual 

 form, resembling a leafy organ with the stigma on the upper side 

 of a small projecting shelf. Beneath each of these curving styles 

 is a stamen. The insect naturally alights upon the broad leaf 

 of the outer whorl of the perianth and the peculiar coloration of 



4X€ 



Fig. 289. Advanced forms of the Liliales: A, Narcissus with inferior 

 ovary, 0. The six sepals cohere at their base, forming a tube and they also 

 develop an outgrowth at the mouth of this tube, which surrounds the anthers 

 and stigma like a cup. B, flower of Iris. C, section of same, showing in- 

 ferior ovary, 0; stigma, .g; and anther, a. 



this leaf probably directs him to the nectar secreted at the base 

 of the perianth. In reaching this food he crowds down into the 

 tube and rubs off the microspores upon his back. In leaving the 

 flower he cannot hit the stigma, but in visiting another flower it 

 can readily be seen that he will deposit some of the spores upon 

 the stigma situated upon' the top of the shelf, thus effecting a 

 crossing. This order includes a large number of showy culti- 



