CHAPTER XVII. 

 THE FLOWER SHOOT.* 



The portion of the stem on which the flowers are borne, 

 together with the flowers, is the flower shoot. The flower shoot is 

 usually the terminal part of the main stem, or of one or more 

 branches. 



Fig. 103. 

 Flower cluster of Rhododendron maximum. 



220. Function of the flower. The chief end towards which 



the plant works is the production of seed or some other structure 



of similar function, for the multiplication of its kind. The 



flower performs a very important work in the production of seed. 



The seed is formed in certain parts of the flower. The organs 



* This chapter is for reference or special assignment. 



142 



