294 



HORSE-CHESTNUT 



Inflorescence a racemoid panicle with cymose branches. 

 Upper flowers ^ by abortion. Floral formula iT^) O5 ^^^ 4, 

 JL8 5 G^(3)j disc extrastaminal. Flowers entomophilous, 

 proterogynous, dichogamous and honey-bearing ; in a large 

 erect pyramidal mixed panicle {thyrsus). Calyx greenish ; 

 petals crisped and imdulate, white with yellow basal flecks, 



Fig. 113. Horse-chestnut, JEscuhis Hippocastanum. A, flower from 

 the side; B, the same in longitudinal section; C, a petal of same. D, 

 a (? flower in the ? stage, the stigma in position but the anthers as yet 

 immature ; E, the same in the <f stage, in section, the mature anthers now 

 raised; F, a <? flower in section, p. 293 (E and P). 



which turn rosy or purplish ; stamens long and sweeping 

 forwards, then erect. Pollen brick-red, elongated-oblong, 

 smooth, 35 40 x 20 /i with about 3 longitudinal furrows, 

 striated. Ovary and style glabrous. Fruit large, sub- 

 globose, with coarse prickles, splitting and exposing the 

 large polished brown seed. 



