250 The Romance of Wild Flowers 
off When the pollen has all been distributed, the 
corolla is thrown off in a peculiar manner by the 
calyx, which flattens itself 
laterally, the pair of lobes 
on each side becomes erect 
instead of spreading, and .. 35-277) 
the pressure this double ~ 
action exerts on the corolla- 
lobes is such that the base 
of the corolla-tube is de- 
tached and the entire organ is thrown off. The 
object of this is apparently twofold: to prevent 
waste of time owing to flies operating on flowers 
already fertilised, and further to protect the ovaries 
during the development of the 
seeds. Yet the corclla often flies off 
before the stigmas have received 
pollen. Miiller mentions the fine 
hairs that fringe the lower half of 
the corolla- mouth as serving to 
protect the honey from rain. Their 
position and direction do not sup- 
port this view: such a function 
would be better served if the hairs projected from 
the upper lobe of the corolla. But they do effectually 
block the way to the honey for any weak creeping 
insects, and it is clear that the plant has to protect 
itself from such robbers, for stems, leaves, flower- 
stalks, and calyx are alike covered with hairs to keep 
them away. 
The Brooklime (V. beccabunga), whose stout 
hollow stems and thick smooth leaves contrast 
strongly with those of Germander Speedwell, is 
Bursting bud of Speedwell 
Flattened calyx of Speedwell 
