228 



Also the inflorescence in the var. tetrandrum comprises 

 fewer flowers. 



Colour. Th. Fries states that the perianth-leaves are 

 yellowish-green with brown dots. 1 found cultivated specimens 

 (Hortus Bergianus) in which they were greenish. Scent is 

 absent. 



Fig. 39. Chrysoplenium alternifolium var. tetrandrum. 



A, .J, A', from cultivated specimens. A, Longitudinal section of a flower which is still 

 almost a bud; the anthers are closed; the styles are short erect cones. B, Longitudinal 

 section of a young, hut fully expanded flower; the stigmas are partially in contact with 

 the anthers which are shedding quantities of pollen upon them (D is from this same 

 flower). C, A fertilised flower; the fruit- and seed-setting have begun; the free parts of 

 the carpels are rising higher into the air,' and the perianth-leaves are more closed. 

 D, Style from В (more highly mag.); upon the stigmas are seen numerous pollen- 

 grains. E, F, Sterile anthers, the latter in connection with its perianth-leaf. G, Longi- 

 tudinal section through a sterile anther. U, Normal anther (magnified as E and F). 

 J, Fruit, not yet quite ripe. K, Longitudinal section of a similar fruit; the seeds have 

 been removed, but the funicles only partially. (E. W., 1886.) 



The large yellow honey-secreting area of the principal 

 form is no doubt entirely wanting from var. tetrandrum. If 

 honey is secreted it must be in a small quantity only. All 

 these things result in the flowers being far less conspicuous 

 than are those of the principal form. In younger flowers, the 

 free part of the carpels in the middle of the flower is very 

 slight, but as the flower grows older it becomes larger, the 

 styles bending outwards (Fig. 39 C, /, K). 



