220 CURIOUS FORMS OF THE CALYX. 



The free foliola of the polyphyllous calyx may vary in 

 form, like the caulinary leaves whence they issue by way of 

 metamorphosis ; they may be oval, elliptical, linear, &c. 

 Yet none have ever been observed of a heart-shape (cordi- 

 form). 



Certain foliola of the polyphyllous calyx affect fantastic out- 

 lines. In the Delphinium, the upper sepal is prolonged into 

 a spur. In the aconites it is hollow like a helmet. The spur 

 of the calyx of the monk's-hood (Capucine) is the result of the 

 united prolongation of these foliola. The buckler (Scutellum), 

 from which is named the Scutellaria, a genus of Labiatae, is 

 a demi-orbicular boss formed below the inferior lip of the 

 calyx. 



The union of the calicinal foliola sometimes forms a conical 



calyx, as in the Silena conica, 

 anc * som etimes a cup-shaped 

 calyx, as in the orange ; some- 

 times, moreover, an urceolate 

 calyx, as in the henbane 

 (Hyosriamits niger). These 

 forms may vary singularly. 

 The calyx of the black alder 

 (Rhamnus frangula) is shaped 

 like a top ; that of the hari- 



FIG. 45The Henbane. COt (PkdSeoluS VUlgaris), like 



a bell ; that of the tobacco-plant, or the Mollucella spinosa, is 

 infundibuliform (or funnel-shaped). 



