86 



COLLEGE BOTANY 



MODIFICATIONS OF THE FLOWER 



The flower is subject to innumerable modifications : such as 

 (1) the absence of parts, (2) the variation in number of parts, 

 (3) the union of parts and (4) the modification in form of 

 parts. A complete flower is one that contains all four sets of 

 organs, such as the apple or peach blossom. If any set of organs 

 is missing, as the corolla in the anemone or wind-flower, it is 



FIG. 65. FIG. 66. 



FIG. 65. Diagrammatic cross-section of 

 lily. Regular flower. 



FIG. 66. Diagrammatic longitudinal 

 and cross-section of pea blossom. Ir- 

 regular flower. 



incomplete. Flowers without corollas are very generally 

 grouped as apei&lous, and if both corolla and calyx are missing 

 they are naked. If all the parts of each circle are alike in shape 

 and size, as in the apple and peach, it is regular (Fig. 65), but if 

 unlike, as in the violet or pea, it is irregular (Figs. 66 and 67). 

 If there are an equal number of parts on each circle, as in the 

 lily, it is symmetrical, but if unequal, as in the wild roses, which 

 have numerous stamens, it is unsymmetrical. If both stamens 

 and pistils are present, it is perfect (hermaphroditic}, regardless 



