FLOWERS 



387 



Flowers. The stem not only bears leaves but, in the 



higher kinds of plants, it bears flowers. The function 



of the flower is to 



produce seeds and 



provide for the con- 

 tinued existence of its 



kind. If the flower 



of a buttercup, quince, 



cassia, or geranium is 



examined, it will be 



found to be made up 



of four distinct kinds 



of structures. 



Around the outside 



is a cluster of greenish 



leaves. This is called 



the calyx. Within the 



calyx is the corolla, 



a cluster of leaves 



which in many plants are colored. Within the corolla are 



a number of parts consisting of a rather slender stalk with 

 an enlarged tip. This tip is called the 

 anther, and the stalk and anther together, 

 the stamen. 



In the center of the flower are the pistils. 

 At the top of a pistil is generally a some- 

 what enlarged portion, the stigma, which is 

 sticky or rough; and at the bottom there 

 is an enlarged hollow portion, the seed- 

 bearing part, called the ovary. These two 



parts are connected by the stalklike style. The stamens 



and pistils are the essential parts of the flower, the calyx 



EUCALYPTUS LEAVES 



FLOWER SHOW- 

 ING DIFFERENT 

 PARTS 



