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PLANTS AND MAN 



simple and perhaps primitive condition, the petals are of equal 

 size and distinct from each other, forming a symmetrical corolla. 

 This condition is well illustrated in the buttercup, magnolia. 



A II B 



Fig. 42. — In many flowers the petals are of equal size and separate from each 

 other, as in the buttercup (A) and the wild rose (B). 



poppy and wild rose (fig. 42). In other cases some petals are 

 larger than others, forming an asymmetrical corolla as in the pea 

 and orchid families. Another common condition is the fusion of 



Fig. 43. — In some flowers the petals are fused to form a funnel-shaped corolla, 

 as in the honeysuckle (A), bluebell (B), and wild potato vine (C). 



the petals to form a tubular corolla as in the morning glory 

 (fig. 43) . Sometimes flowers with such fused corollas are so minute 

 that individually they would escape the notice of animals; these 

 are clustered in compact heads to form the "composite" flower 



