90 CALYX. 



titute either of stamens or pistils, it is termed imperfect. A 

 flower is said to be incomplete when any of the seven organs of 

 fructification are wanting. 



The word Calyx is derived from the Greek, and literally 

 signifies a cup; it is the outer cover of the corolla, and usually 

 green ; when not green it is said to be coloured. This organ is 

 an expansion of the bark of the flower-stalk, as appears from 

 its colour and texture. The calyx usually envelopes the corol- 

 la, previous to its expansion, and afterwards remains below or 

 around its base. Sometimes the calyx consists of one leaf on- 

 ly, it is then called monophyllous ; when it consists of several 

 distinct leaves, it is called potyphyllous ; when one calyx is sur- 

 rounded by another, it is double ; when one calyx surrounds 

 many plants, it is common. 



In the calyx are three parts, very distinct in calyxes which 

 are long and cylindric; they are, 1st. the tube which commences 

 at the base, or the top of the peduncle; "2nd. the throat, above 

 the tube; and 3d. the mouth, or the upper and expanded part; 

 the tube of the calyx is cylindric in the pink, and prismatic in 

 the stramonium, 



The position of the calyx with respect to the germ, offers an 

 important mark of distinction between different genera, a ml al- 

 so between different natural families of plants. The calyx is 

 said to be superior when it is situated on the summit of the germ 

 as in the apple ; it is inferior when situated below the germ, as 

 in the pink. In many plants the calyx is neither superior or 

 inferior, but is situated around the germ. 



When the calyx drops oif before the flower fully expands, it 

 is called caducous; the petals of the poppy are, at first, enclosed 

 in a calyx of two large green leaves, but these fall off before 

 the flower is fullblown. When the calyx withers and drops off 

 with the corolla it is called deciduous. In many plants it re. 

 mains until the fruit is matured ; it is then called persistent. In 

 a pea- pod, for example, the calyx may be seen as perfect as it 

 was in the blossom. In an apple or a pear, the dried leaves of 

 the calyx may b seen on the tops of the fruit; this shows that 

 the calyx was superior. 



According to the divisions of Linnaius there are seven kinds 

 of calyxes; viz. 



Perianth, G'nme, 



Incolucrum, Calyptra, 



Amnit, Volva. 

 Spalha, 



Perianth. This term is derived from the two Greek words 

 peri, around, and anthos, flower. This is the only real calyx 

 or cup, as the term cup does not properly apply to the other 



Description of the calyx -Parts of the calyx -Position with respect to the 

 germ Duration Different kinds of calyxes Perianth. 



