SECTION 8.] 



PLAN OF THE FLOWER. 



81 



portion above : the Stigma is a portion of the style, usually its tip, with 

 moist naked surface, upon which grains of pollen may 

 lodge and adhere, and thence make a growth which ex- 

 tends down to the ovules. When there is no style then 

 the stigma occupies the tip of the ovary. 



237. The Torus or Receptacle is the end of the 

 flower-stalk, or the portion of axis or stem out of which 

 the several organs of the flower grow, upon which they 

 are borne (Fig. 223). 



238. The parts of the flower are thus disposed on the 

 receptacle or axis essentially as are leaves upon a very 

 short stem ; first the sepals, or outer floral leaves ; then 

 the petals or inner floral leaves ; then the stamens ; lastly, 

 at summit, or centre, the pistils, when there are two or 

 more of them, or the single pistil, when only one. Fig. 

 223 shows the organs displayed, two of each kind, of such 

 a simple and symmetrical flower as that of a Sedum or 

 Stouecrop, Fig. 222. 



221 

 3. PLAN OF FLOWER. 



239. All flowers are formed upon one general plan, but with almost in- 

 finite variations, and many disguises. This common plan is best understood 

 by taking for a type, or standard for comparison, some perfect, complete, 



222 



regular, and symmetrical blossom, and one as simple as such a blossom 

 could well be. Flowers are said to be 



Perfect {hermaphrodite), when provided with both kinds of essential or- 

 gans, i. e. with both stamens and pistils. 



Complete, when, besides, they have the two sets of floral envelopes, namely, 



Fig. 221. Model of a simple pistil, with ovary cut across and slightly opened 

 ventrally, to show the ovules and their attachment. 



Fig. 222. Flower of Sedum ternatum, a Stonecrop. 



Fig. 223. Parts of same, two of each kind, separated and displayed ; the torus or 

 receptacle in the centre; a, a sepal ; b, a petal; c, a stamen ; d, a pistil. 



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