68 



THE FLOWER. 



Fig. 120. 



of plants. Most umbels are formed by compound plants, 

 each stem or ray, bearing itself a partial, or little umbel, as 

 represented in the figure. 



2. Verticillate, Fig. 126, (whorled.) 

 When the flowers on very short peti- 

 oles, or sessile, form a ring at intervals 

 around the stem. In some species, 

 however, the flowers are not continued 

 all round the stem, but only on oppo- 

 site sides, as in the Dead Nettle, (La- 

 mium.) Many of the labiate flowers 

 are whorled, as Mint, Motherwort, and 

 Hyssop. 



3. Racemus, Fig. 127, (a duster,) or Ra- 

 ceme. This consists of numerous scattered 

 flowers, each on its own proper stem, the 

 whole proceeding from a common stalk. It is 

 generally pendalous. Ex. Grape, Currant, 

 Pokeweed, (Phytolacca.) A cluster is some- 

 times compound, that is, consisting of several 

 smaller clusters, each having its own proper 

 stem, all of which proceed from a common 

 stalk. The Raceme often runs into the Spike 

 at the top ; as does the panicle into the Ra- 

 ceme. 



4. Spike, Fig. 128, (spica.) This is com- 

 posed of many sessile flowers, arranged on a 

 common peduncle. It generally grows erect, 

 with crowded flowers. In some spikes, how- 

 ever, the -flowers form separate groups, leav- 

 ing intervals of the stalk naked, as in some of 

 the Mint tribe. Ex. Wheat, Barley, Virgin- 

 ian Speedwell, (Veronica Virginica.) 



What is the form of that kind of inflorescence called a whorl ? Whai 

 is the form of a raceme 1 What are examples? What is the- form of a 

 spike, and what are examples ? 



123 



