364 MODIFICATIONS OF OVARY. [BOOK i. 



superior. But, in reality, the inferior ovary is only so in 

 consequence of the tube of the calyx contracting an adhesion 

 with its sides ; and such being the case, the exactness of the 

 description of the constant place of the pistillum as above is 

 unshaken. This is proved in many ways. Among Saxifrages, 

 the genus Leiogyne has the ovary superior; in Saxifraga 

 itself the calyx partially adheres to the sides of the ovary, 

 which then becomes half inferior ; while in Chrysosplenium 

 the union between the calyx and ovary is complete, and the 

 latter is wholly inferior. Again, in Appleworts (Pomacese) 

 the ovaries partially cohere with the calyx in Photinia, com- 

 pletely in Pyrus, and by their backs only in Cotoneaster ; 

 whence the ovary is half superior in the first instance, quite 

 inferior in the second, and what is called parietal in the third. 

 (Botanists call anything parietal which arises from the inner 

 lining or wall of an organ ; thus in Cotoneaster the ovaries 

 are parietal, because they adhere to the inner lining of the 

 calyx, and in Papaver the placentae are parietal because they 

 originate in the inner lining of the fruit.) 



Sometimes the ovary, instead of being sessile, as is usually 

 the case, is seated upon a long stalk ; as in the Passion flower 

 and the genus Cleome. This stalk is often called the theca- 

 phore or gynophore (also basigynium or podogynium) ; but it is 

 obviously analogous either to the petioles of carpellary leaves 

 or to an internode, and the application of a special term to it 

 appears unnecessary. Cassini calls the elongated apex of the 

 ovary of some Compositse, le plateau. 



That part of the ovary from which the ovules arise is called 

 the placenta (trophospermium, Richard ; spermaphorum, colum, 

 receptacle of the seeds] . It generally occupies the whole or a 

 portion of one angle of each cell (Plate V. fig. 1. e. } 2. c., &c.), 

 and will be spoken of more particularly hereafter. It is 

 sometimes lengthened in the form of a little cord, as in the 

 Hazel nut, and many Crucifers : it is then called the umbilical 

 cord (funiculus umbilicalis, podospermium] . 



The swelling of the ovary after fertilisation is termed 

 grossification. 



The style (tuba of old authors) is that elongation of the 



