[82 



FLOWERS OF WASTE PLACES, ETC. 



In most respects the floral structure of Melilot is like that of 

 Dutch Clover or Meclicago. But the calyx is not so long as in the 

 former. It is also more expanded, so that the petals, which are longer, 

 have much greater freedom of movement. The cells of the alas or 

 wings are at one point interwoven with those of the keel as if grown 

 together, and when one is moved the other of necessity must also move, 

 whilst at the same time both return together to their former position 

 when pressure is removed. The wings and keel are able to rotate 



V 



MELILOT (Melilotus officinalis, Lam.) 



Photo. Flatters & Garnett 



further downwards, the claws not being adherent as in Dutch Clover; 

 and by aid of the finger-like processes, which here replace the pouches 

 of the latter at the superior basal angle of the wings, they return to 

 position. These processes clasp the central staminal column above, 

 about a quarter of the way from the base. They separate when the 

 carinae are drawn down, springing back and clasping it as before. The 

 stigma projects beyond the anthers. Cross-pollination is therefore the 

 rule. Melilot is visited by Hymenoptera, Apidae, Sphegidae, Tenthre- 

 clinidae. 



The seeds are dispersed by the plant's own action. The pod is 

 short and straight, with few (1-2) seeds, which are scattered when 



