270 FIG 



(b) The <? and ? flowers on the same plant i.e. 

 " monoecious." 



[For (ii) (i) Perianth single, very small and inconspicu- 



see p. 272.] ^^^^ j ^ ^^^ flower is monochlamydeous. 



(a) Floivers minute and numerous, enclosed, 

 and hidden, in peai-shaped or top-shaped 

 hollow receptacles, formed of the siuollen 

 floral axis, the inner sides and base of 

 luhich are lined by them. Small tree 

 with lobed harsh leaves, and white latex. 



Ficus Carica, L. Fig (Fig. 96). Small tree, with 

 short stem and thick spreading branches bearing large, 

 harsh, lobed leaves, with milky juice. 



Flowers moncBcious, appearing with the leaves, minute, 

 lining the interior of a hollow pear-shaped axillary re- 

 ceptacle perforated at the apex, which ripens to the fleshy 

 " fig," and may attain a length of 5 8 cm. but is much 

 smaller in the wild state, and greenish-yellow to violet- 

 brown. Flowers pedicellate, of three kinds ; hermaphrodite, 

 with a 3 5-fid perianth and 3 5 stamens surrounding 

 the ovary; male, of similar structure but wanting the 

 ovary; and female, with a 5-partite perigone, a superior 

 ovary with one ovule, lateral style and bifid stigma. Ento- 

 mophilous (see p. 164). Fruit proper, achenes, immersed 

 in the pulp of the receptacle. 



[The fleshy receptacle {HypantJiodium) is comparable 

 to a capitulum, the apex of the receptacle of which is 

 pushed in, the sides growing up around it and meeting at 

 the top, so that what was the outside bearing the flowers 

 becomes introverted. There are allies of the Figs e.g. 

 Dorstenia which show intermediate stages, in illustration 

 of which Fig. 7 would serve. See also p. 164 for fertilisa- 

 tion.] 



