BOG MYRTLE 203 



(i) Flowers devoid of any perianth {achlamy- [For (ii) 

 deous) ; singly in the axils of simple covering ^^^P--'-' -J 

 scales, and at most accompanied by one or 

 two glandular scales or a cup-like disc at 

 the base. The catkins or catkin-like spikes 

 are therefore simple i.e. each cover-scale 

 or bract is single, and not compounded of 

 several fused scales. 



(a) Catkins with entire scales, more or less [For (^s) 

 stiff and erect; each floiver with one or see p. 223.] 

 two scale-like or peg-like glands at its 

 base. Leaves narrovj or lanceolate to 

 ovate, elliptical, &c., hut never broadly 

 cordate, angular, or lohed. 



* Catkins sessile, arranged in terminal erect 

 spikes ; each $ flower with two lateral 

 basal fleshy scales (bracteoles). Each 

 scale of the S catkin with 4 free stamens 

 with red anthers ; each scale of the 5 

 catkin with an ovary bearing two fila- 

 mentous red styles, ripening to an in- 

 dehiscent nutlet witli 1 seed, not comose. 

 Fruit flanked by the adherent wing-like 

 fleshy bracteoles. Plant aromatic with 

 resinous elands. 



o^ 



Mijrica Gale, L. Bog Myrtle, Sweet Gale (Fig. 57). 

 A bog bush with rather willow-like aspect, and waxy- 

 resinous, fragrant secretions. Leaves deciduous, mem- 

 branous, exstipulate, entire except at the slightly toothed 

 apex ; matt green above, paler beneath, and with 

 scattered golden glands. 



Catkins stiff and erect, ovoid, the (/" about 1'5 (1 3) 

 X 0"8 cm., and brownish, the $ about half as long and 



