134 ORGANOGRAPHY, BOOK I. 



sliort and corymbose, with a centrifugal expansion indicated 

 by the presence of a solitary flower seated in the axils of the 

 dichotomoiis ramifications, and a clear conception is formed of 

 what is called a cyme. This kind of inflorescence is found in 

 Sambucus, Viburnum, and other plants {jicj. 84.). 



If the cyme is reduced to a very few flowers, such a dis- 

 position has been called a verticillaster by Hoffhiansegg. 

 [Ferzeichniss z. Pflanz. Cult., ii. 203.) It constitutes the 

 normal form of inflorescence in Labiatse, in which two verti- 

 cillastri are situated opposite to each other in the axils of the 

 opposite leaves. By Linnaeus, the union of two such verticil- 

 lastri was called a verticillus or whorl ; and by others, with 

 more accuracy, a verticillus spurius or false whorl. Link terms 

 this inflorescence a thyrsula ; but Hoffiiiansegg's name seems 

 preferable. 



The following tabular view of the differences in in- 

 florescences will probably tend to render the above remarks 

 more clear : — 



Flowers not placed on stalks, 



arranged upon a lengthened axis, 



which is pe)'manent, Spike, Locusta, Spadix. 

 which is deciduous, Catkin. 

 arranged upon a depressed axis, Capitulum, Anthodium. 

 Flowers placed on distinct stalks, 



arranged upon a lengthened axis. 

 Stalks simple, 



and of equal length, Itaceme. 

 the lowermost the longest. 



Inflorescence centripetal, Coy7/>«/^'. 



centrifugal,i^«5czc/f'. 



Stalks branched. 



Inflorescence lengthened and 



centripetal, Panicle. 

 depressed and cen- 

 trifugal. Cyme, Verticillaster. 

 arranged upon a depressed axis, Umbel. 



It occasionally happens, as in the Vine, that the rachis of 

 some of the masses of inflorescence loses its flowers ; but at 



