246 



THE FLOWER. 



should normally be but one, that is, the multiplication of an organ- 



by division (abnormal multiplication , also termed deduplication or 



chorisis) : 



3d. The union of the members of the same circle (coalescence] : 

 4th. The union of adjacent parts of different circles (actuation) : 

 5th. The unequal growth or unequal union of different parts of 



the same circle (irregularity) : or, 



6th. The non-production or abortion of some parts of a circle, 



or of one or more complete circles (suppression of abortion). 

 7th. To which may be added, the abnormal development of the 



receptacle or axis of the flower. 



448. Some of these deviations obscure more or less the symmet- 

 rical structure of the flower ; others merely render it irregular, 

 or disguise the real origin or the number of parts. These devi- 

 ations, moreover, are seldom single ; but two, three, or more of 

 them frequently coexist, so as to realize almost every conceivable 

 variation. 



449. Several of these kinds of deviation may often be observed 

 even in the same natural family of plants, where it cannot be 

 doubted that the blossoms are constructed on the same general plan 

 in all the species. Even in the family Crassulacese, for example, 



where the flowers are remarkably symmetrical, 

 and from which our pattern flowers, Fig. 256 

 and 277, are derived, a considerable number of 

 these diversities are to be met with. In Cras- 

 sula, we have the completely symmetrical and 

 simple pentamerous flower (Fig. 283, 284), 

 viz. with a calyx of five sepals, a corolla of 

 five petals alternate with the former, an androe- 

 cium (418) of five stamens alternating with the 

 petals, and a gynsecium (419) of five pistils, 

 which are alternate with the stamens ; and all 

 the parts are regular and symmetrical, and also 

 distinct and free from each other ; except that 

 the sepals are somewhat united at the base, and 

 the petals and stamens slightly connected with 

 the inside of the calyx, instead of manifestly 

 arising from the receptacle or axis, just beneath the pistils. Five 

 is the prevailing or normal number in this family. Nevertheless, 



FIG. 283. Flower of a Crassula. 284. Cross-section of the bud. 



