THE INFLORESCENCE, AND THE FLOWER 



239 



and the organic apex of the flower lies at the bottom of it (v.). It is] here 

 that the single ovule arises (vi.) and thus the ovary containing it lies appa- 

 rently below the other parts. It is described as inferior, and the flower as 

 epigynous. But it is clear that the succession of parts, excepting the 



FIG. 188. 



i.-viii. Successive stages in the development of the individual flower of the 

 Sunflower; i.-vi. in vertical, vii., viii., in transverse section. ,/Z=flower. b 

 bracteole. =petal. s=stamen. e=carpel. s=sepal. (i.-v., vii. and viii. x 60. 

 vi. x 16.) The shaded zone in vi. is the result of intercalary growth originating at 

 the dotted line in v. 



reduced calyx, is acropetal, and the carpels are actually nearest to the apex. 

 Thus the epigynous state results from the relatively slow growth of the apex, 

 which is overtopped by the stronger growth around it. 



(vii) Differences of Symmetry. In many flowers, such as the Butter- 

 cup, Rose, or Tulip, the parts may develop equally on all sides of the 

 axis, giving a radial or actinomorphic symmetry. This is believed to 

 be a primitive condition, and it is found in flowers which are not 

 highly specialised. It prevails in spiral or hemicyclic types. In 

 others the development may be unequal on different radii, so as to 



