136 THE BAMBOO GARDEN CHAP, 
violet colour disappears almost entirely ; the scaly leaves at 
the base of the spike turn yellow, while some of them are 
detached and fall off. In shape the spike is elliptical and 
shghtly arched. The ligulated sheaths are distichous as we 
have seen, but during this period of vegetation they are so 
turned that their extremities close in towards the dorsal part 
of the spike, giving the latter the appearance of being 
one sided. 
The first sign of approaching inflorescence is given by 
the leaves turning yellow, withering, and falling off. When - 
they have entirely disappeared the flowers begin to show 
themselves. For some time before their complete develop- 
ment, two of the three stamens are lodged side by side in the 
topmost scale, while the third lives in solitude in the one 
immediately below it. 
Messrs. Riviere remark that in the flowers of PHYLLOo- 
STACHYS FLEXUOSA glumelle are of extremely rare occurrence, 
indeed in the many specimens that they have examined 
they have only found them once. 
During the period of flowering the culms are completely 
bare of leaves, and, with the ripening of the fruit, vegetation 
ceases, although occasionally the branches produce at their 
points a few abortive floral organs. As the culms disappear 
small shoots rise up bearing flowers, which are sometimes 
perfect and sometimes abortive. In other cases the little 
culms bearing leaves and flowers together live for a period 
and are succeeded by others bearing leaves only and of 
stronger growth. Thus it seems that the rhizomes are not 
altogether killed after flowering, but, though greatly enfeebled, 
eradually show signs of returning life and vigour. 
