VIIl] CHARACTERS OF CALYX 73 



It should also be noted that such a calyx-tube may 

 pass through every stage of investment of the ovary, from 

 slight perigyny to pronounced epigyny. 



In view of the common recurrence of certain types, 

 we must pay attention to the terminology in each of 

 these cases. To begin with the Calyx. 



Sepals, when free, are usuali}^ green and present evident 

 resemblances to leaves in form, insertion, venation, &c., 

 as may be seen by comparing them in Buttercups, Violets, 

 Hypericum, and the terms used in describing them are 

 those in use for simple leaves, excepting that the lamina 

 of a sepal is called the limh, and the narrow stalk-like 

 portion the claw. 



In some cases the calyx, so far as any indication of 

 sepals appears, is reduced to a mere rim or a few minute 

 teeth, even microscopic in size, and is said to be obsolete ; 

 the word being used to denote that we are not here 

 dealing with a truly monochlamydeous flower, with the 

 calyx absolutely wanting, but with one where the free 

 limbs of the sepals are extremely reduced. Examples 

 are supplied by the Ivy, Rubiacese, Compositse, and 

 Valerianaceae in abundance, all plants with epigynous 

 flowers. 



Sepals are commonly green and herbaceous in texture, 

 but they may be woody, as in some Myrtace^, or fleshy 

 (Sedum), and are often brightly coloured e.g. Clematis, 

 Glerodendron, many Ranunculacese and Liliacese and are 

 then termed petaloid. 



The gamosepalous calyx usually presents distinctions 

 between the tube, corresponding to the coherent claws, 

 and the limh, the free portion which corresponds to the 

 limbs of the sepals ; and it usually indicates by its teeth, 

 lobes, or other divisions how many sepals have grown 

 up together to form the structure. The aperture at 



