80 



INDEPENDENCE OR SEPARATION OP ORGANS. 



normal organogeny as well as from unusual confor- 

 mation contradictory inferences may be drawn, it would 

 obviously be unsafe to attempt the explanation of the 

 so-called calyx-tube in general from any particular 

 instances ; so far as Rosacece are concerned, there is so 

 much variation in the relative position of calyx and 

 carpels under ordinary circumstances, that it is no 

 matter for surprise that similar diversities should exist 

 in teratological cases. A similar remark will apply to 

 Saxifragacecey Cucurhitacece^ MyrtacecBy Bmniacece, Rubi- 

 acecBj and other families of like conformation. 



In TJmhelliferce, a detachment of the calyx from the 

 ovaries frequently occurs, sometimes 

 without any other change; at other 

 times attended by more serious altera- 

 tions. So far as can be judged from 

 exceptional occurrences of this kind, 

 it would appear that in this order the 

 axis or flower-stalk does not, in any 

 material degree, enter into the compo- 

 sition of the fruit. 



In the Rubiaceous genus Bikkhia^ 

 as mentioned by Duchartre, the ovary 

 is completely inferior, but when the 

 fiiiit arrives at maturity four small 

 leaves are detached from its surface 

 which had previously adhered to it, 

 and which it seems reasonable to consider as the 

 sepals. 



In Campanulacece a similar separation of calyx from 

 the ovary may be occasionally met with. On the other 

 hand, the occasional formation of a leaf on the inferior 

 ovary of these plants would indicate the axial nature 

 of the fruit. In Campanumcea and Gyclodon the calyx 

 is inferior, while the corolla is superior. In the last- 

 named genus this peculiarity " is carried to the highest 

 degree, the sepals being, in C. parmjUynim^ placed on 

 the peduncle of the flower far removed from the base 

 of the corolla and ovary, whilst in C. trun^catmn and in 



Fig. 38. Flower 

 of (Enanthe crocaia, 

 in which the five 

 sepals were com- 

 pletely detached 

 from the ovaiies, 

 here three in num- 

 ber and destitute of 

 stylopods. 



