APPENDIX A 



509 



essentially as above described. Also the 10 stamens, but they are of unequal 

 lengths, and they surround a minute green central process, which represents 

 the abortive gynoecium. The pistillate flowers are of like structure ; but here 

 the androecium is represented by ten small conical staminodes, while the 

 gynoecium is fully developed, with five carpels, a large ovary with five styles 

 and stigmas, and numerous ovules on a free central placenta. 



Pollination. Comparing the two species : in both, nectar is secreted at the 

 base of the tube, and protected by hairs, while the weak petals and stamens 

 are supported by the firm gamosepalous calyx. In the Ragged Robin there 

 is a separation of the sexes in time, it being markedly protandrous, which 

 gives a probability of intercrossing as a consequence of repeated insect-visits. 

 In the Red Campion the sexes are separated in space, being borne on distinct 

 plants. This renders self-pollination impossible, and cross-pollination obliga- 

 tory. That the latter is the derivative state is clearly shown by the presence 

 of the abortive stamens, and pistils. 



The fruit is a dry capsule, which opens by teeth at the distal end, and the 

 numerous curved, albuminous seeds are scattered as it is shaken in the wind. 



The products of the Order are unimportant. It is related to the Goose- 

 foot Family (Chenopodiaceae) . 



ORDER : POLYCARPICAE. 



Family : RANUNCULACEAE. 



Examples : MARSH-MARIGOLD, BUTTERCUP, 



MONKSHOOD. 



The Buttercup Family is relatively primitive, as indicated by the variability 

 of its floral construction, by the number of its parts, and the character and 

 composition of the perianth : also by the fact 

 that all the parts are inserted separately upon 

 a conical receptacle. It includes herbs or shrubs 

 of temperate and cold climates, with alternate 

 ex-stipulate leaves, having palmate venation. 

 They are mostly acrid, and poisonous. 



(15) A simple type of their floral construction 

 is seen in the Marsh-Marigold (Caltha palustris, 

 L.), common in wet places. It is a coarse herb, 

 with creeping rootstocks and cordate radical 

 leaves. The flowering stems are sub-erect, with 

 a few leafy bracts and cymose branching. The 

 large yellow flowers consist of : 



Perianth, a single series of petaloid sepals, 

 5 or more, imbricate in bud : the outermost 

 obliquely anterior ; polyphyllous, and inferior. 



Androecium, stamens indefinite (80 to 150), 

 free, hypogynous, dehiscent by lateral slits. 



Gynoecium, carpels 5 to 10, apocarpous, 

 superior. They are follicles, with margins 



FIG. 414. 



Pistil of Caltha, with numerous apo- 

 carpous carpels. Enlarged. 



turned centrally, to which the numerous ovules are attached in two rows 

 (Fig. 414). Each has a terminal stigma, while near the base of each, on 

 either side, is a group of honey-secreting hairs. Ovule anatropous. 



