DISPERSION OF POLLEN BY THE WIND. 



147 



petals, the globular receptacle of the inflorescence supports a large number of 

 these peg-shaped stamens. They stand out in all directions from the sphere, and 

 their peltate connectives have their edges in contact as in the case of the Yew. 

 Similarly, also, cavities are formed beneath the roof, composed of the connectives, 

 and serve as temporary resting-places for the pollen-cells when they are discharged 



Kg. 235.— Hazel {Corylus Avellana) with flowers and fruits. 



from the dehiscent and shrivelling anthers. The final process of dispersal of the 

 pollen in the form of dust is, however, essentially different from that which occurs 

 in Yew, Cypresses, and Junipers. In Planes individual stamens fall out of the 

 spherical inflorescence, like bits out of a mosaic, and thus gaps are formed which 

 constitute the means of egress from the cavities filled with pollen-dust. The 

 inflorescences are suspended by long stalks, like big beads on a knotted string, and 



