486 



PART IV. CLASSIFICATION. 



layer only a few millimetres in thickness, which lines the hard shell ; the 

 rest of the space (the remaining cavity of the embryo-sac) is filled with 

 fluid, known as coco-nut milk. The embryo, which is small, is imbedded 

 in the firm tissue of the endosperm, tinder the spot where there is a hole 



FIG. 298. A Pait of the $ inflorescence of Phoenix reclinata (nat. size): B single $ 

 flower: C two carpels: D floral diagram. J Fruit of Areca Catechu: one half of the 

 fibrous pericarp has been removed. 



(corresponding in position to the style of the single fertile loculus of the 

 ovary) in the endocarp. Elaia guineensis is the Oil Palm of West Africa ; 

 the mesocarp of the plum-like fruit, yields the oil. Phytelephas grows in 

 tropical America : the hard endosperm is known as vegetable ivory. 



SUB-CLASS II. GLUMIFLOBJE. 



Flowers monoclinous, or unisexual and then mostly monoecious, 

 usually in heads or spikelets invested by imbricate bracts : perianth 

 absent, or scaly : ovary superior, uni- or multilocular, with one 

 ovule in the loculus : seeds with endosperm. 



Cohort I. Glumales. Ovary unilocular : ovule erect. 

 Order 1. GRAMINACE^E. True Grasses. The leaves are alter- 

 nate on the stem, which is known as the haulm ; the embryo lies 



on the side of the endosperm 

 (Figs. 292-3). The usually 

 monoclinous flowers generally 

 have the formula AD, CO, 

 .43 + 0, 6rl ; they are enclosed 

 by bracts here termed palecc, 

 and are arranged in com- 



FIG. aW.-Diajjrams of Grass flowers. A p li ca t e d inflorescences ; the 

 P.ambusa. B Common type of Graminacece. 

 In A there are three, in B two lodicules. monomerOUS unilocular ovary 



