2IO 



Cornell Extension Bulletin io 



both arrangements are found in hybrids although the two-lip is 

 characteristic. 



J. G. Baker suggests terming the various lip markings as monospite 

 when one-spotted and dispite when two-spotted. 



It is quite possible that by studying this character 

 one might find out the original parentage of many of 

 the garden hybrids. Perhaps closer relations could 

 be found between certain species by this means. 



Bliss (1916) considers that there are four types 

 of gladiolus bloom, as follows: 



1. The zygomorphic, or normal, form 



2. The reversion form 



3. The actinomorphic form 



4. The semi-peloriate, or florist, form 



He believes these forms to have appeared due 

 to variations caused by exceptional or changed 

 culture, rather than by genetic origination. In other 

 words, they are not the results of the influence of 

 the parent species. He differentiates the various 

 forms as follows: 



The normal flower is zygomorphic, or bilaterally 

 symmetrical. All the flowers face in one direction 

 and rather horizontally. The three outer seg- 

 ments of the perianth are about equal in size and 

 are larger than the inner segments. The inner seg- 

 ments are unequal in size and vary in form and 

 color. The upper segment is usually considerably 

 hooded, while the lower segments are convex and 

 have markings characteristic of the variety. The 

 zygomorphic flowers seem ideal in form and color 

 for attraction of insects. It is thought that they 

 have been developed from a more primitive form — 

 tlie actinomorphic, radiating, or regular form. 



In the reversion form the outer segments are 

 similar in shape and color. The inner segments 

 also are similar, and all three have markings charac- 

 teristic of the variety. The flowers of the acti- 

 nomorphic and reversion forms are erect and face in two directions, while 

 the normal, or zygomorphic, form and the florist form are front-facing. 

 The florist form seems intermediate between the zygomorphic and 

 actinomorphic forms, but it is still zygomorphic. In the florist form the 



Fig. 16. EUREKA 



This variety illustrates the 

 peculiar upright, lily-like 

 blooms 



