5 2 FLOWERS OF THE WOODS AND COPSES 



phrodite florets in the centre of each umbel, which are surrounded by 

 10-20 male florets which develop later. Male flowers were found in 

 the centre of the umbels by Schulze. The complete flowers are pro- 

 terogynous, the stigma ripening first. The older flowers in the centre 

 are complete. The long stigmas touch the anthers of the surrounding 

 florets. Both resemble Astrantia major. Where the umbels are 



simple, the florets 

 form so closely 

 packed a surface 

 that the petals re- 

 main rolled up in 

 the middle of the 

 flower and hairs 

 protect the honey 

 from the rain. 

 They make the 

 flower less easily 

 reached by insects 

 and less conspicu- 

 ous. Flies and 

 beetles are the 

 chief visitors. 



The fruits are 

 hooked, and as- 

 sisted in their dis- 

 persal by catching 

 in the wool or hair 

 of passing animals. 

 Sanicle is a 

 clay - loving plant 

 addicted to a clay 

 soil, growing in 

 woods and shady 

 places or hollows 



where clay is formed on granitic, volcanic, and later Liassic and 

 other rock soils. 



A fungus Puccinia Sanicula commonly attacks it. No insects are 

 known to feed upon it. 



Sanicula, Brunfels, is from the Latin samis, healthy, because of the 

 healing properties formerly attributed to the plant. The second Latin 

 name is merely Latin for European, referring to its range. 



SANICLE (Sanicula etiropcea, L.) 



