DODECATHEOtf. 163 



any definite form. The leaves, sheathing the scape at the 

 base and springing with it from the crown (radical), are 

 oblong, obtuse, nearly entire, and smooth. The inflores- 

 cence is an umbel. 



THE FLOWER EEGION. The Flowers are 5-parted (^), 

 complete, perfect, regular, symmetrical, gamopetalous (al- 

 though the petals are almost separate). What of the calyx ? 

 What of the stamens ? Here is an arrangement like that in 

 Claytonia (p. 41). The 5 stamens stand opposite to (oppos- 

 ing] the 5 petals. The slender anthers are coninvent in a 

 slender cone inclosing the thread-like style. The ovary and 

 fruit are superior, 1-celled. The many ( oo ) seeds are 

 affixed to a central erect column that is, to a free central 

 placenta. Is the ovary simple or compound ? Probably 

 compounded of 5 carpels, since the other organs are in 5s. 

 But the fusion is so intimate as to leave no trace of the 

 seams, lobes, or cells ; nor does the style or stigma give any 

 indications. This is extraordinary. Compare the triple 

 pistil and capsule of Erythronium (p. 32). 



The Name, Dodecdtheon (dodeka, twelve, -theoi, gods) 

 was conferred by Linnaeus as if the flowers (about 12 in 

 number) were so many little divinities a poetic fancy not 

 unworthy of the great naturalist. D. Meddia, the specific 

 name given by Catesby, in honor of Dr. Mead, the dis- 

 coverer, was originally intended for the genus. 



Scientific Terms, Free central placenta. Opposing stamens. 



contrivance to secure crossing. An insect lighting upon a short-styled flower would 

 naturally dust, its head with pollen from the stamens clustered about the mouth of the 

 tuhe ; on going to a long-styled flower, its head, covered with- pollen, would at once 

 come in contact with the sticky pistil at the opening of the throat ; and rice versa, 

 pollen would in the same way be carried from a long-styled flower to fertilize a short- 

 styled one. It is curious to note also how the flower is, so to speak, " made the most 

 of " in the floral competition for insect services by a simple contrivance. The corolla 

 being deeply cleft and each petal bent backward, brings every part of the surface into 

 conspicuous notice, 



