170 



THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS 



In the Rose (Fig. 114) the receptacle is hollowed deeper 

 still, and arising from the edge of it are five reflexed sepals, 

 five petals, and numerous stamens, all of which are peri- 

 gynous. Within the cup and fixed to the sides are several 

 free carpels, each containing one ovule. No honey is 

 secreted, but the stamens provide much pollen for insects. 

 The Rose and Clematis are therefore called pollen- 

 flowers. 



The flowers of the Cherry (Fig. 115) and Plum have 

 a receptacle which is hollowed, and on its edge are five 

 sepals, five petals, and numerous stamens (i. e. they are 



Fig. 115. 



Vertical Section, 



Flower of Cherry. 



Fig. 116. 

 Vertical Section, 

 Flower of Apple. 



perigynous). There is only one carpel, and this is superior 

 to and free from the receptacle-cup. The anthers and the 

 stigma ripen together ; the anthers of the shorter inner 

 stamens and the stigma stand at the same level, while the 

 outer stamens are longer and overtop them. Honey is 

 secreted by the receptacle-cup, and insects collecting honey 

 and pollen may touch the stigma with pollen brought from 

 another flower, and thus bring about cross-pollination ; but, 

 owing to the relative position of the anthers and stigma, 

 self-pollination will very commonly occur. The whole of 

 the fruit is formed from the carpel ; the receptacle-cup 

 is thrown off and does not form part of the fruit. 



