612 



BOTANY 



TART II 



more of which are enclosed in a cupule (Fig. 606 cp) derived from 

 united bracteoles. The trilocular ovary has two pendulous anatropous 

 ovules in each chamber and ends in three stigmas. 



Distributed chiefly in the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere, also in 

 tropical Asia. 



FIG. 605. Carpinus betulus. 1, Branch with male catkins projecting from the buds of the preced- 

 ing year and female catkins on the growth of the current year. 2, Female catkin in fruit. 

 3, Male flower. 4, Stamen. 5, Bract \vith two female flowers. 6, Female flower. 7, Fruit. 

 (1, 2, 7, nat. size ; 3-6 enlarged.) 



MORE IMPORTANT SPECIES. Fagus sylvatica, the Beech (Fig. 607), is one of our 

 most important deciduous trees. The leaf is entire, elliptical, shortly stalked, 

 and, especially when young, covered with fine hairs. Leaves two -ranked. 

 Inflorescences on shoots of the current season. Male inflorescences capitate and 

 pendulous, flowers Avith an oblique, bell-shaped perianth and usually 8-12 stamens. 

 Female inflorescences terminal, capitate and erect ; flowers in two-flowered dichasia. 

 The cupule surrounds both flowers (Fig. 608 J5), and completely envelops the 

 triangular, nut-like fruits ; at maturity it opens by splitting into four valves. 

 Its surface is covered with numerous, blunt prickles. 



Castanea vulgaris, the edible Chestnut, is a native of the Mediterranean region. 



