FLOWERS, THEIR STRUCTURE AND KINDS 175 



280. The pistillate inflorescence of Indian corn. This is 

 formed by a consolidation of several spikes into one body, known 



Fig. 127. 

 Pistillate inflorescence of Indian corn showing long styles, the "silk." 



as the " ear" of corn (fig. 127). The cob is formed by the consoli- 

 dation of the spikes, the flowers being borne in double rows along 



