SECTION 8.] 



PLAN OF THE FLOWER. 



81 



portion above : the Stigma is a portion of the style, usually its tip, with 

 moist naked surface, upon whicii grams of pollen may 

 lodge and adhere, aud theucc make a growth wiiicli ex- 

 tends dowu to the ovules. Wheu there is no style tlieu 

 the stigma occupies the tip of the ovary. 



237. The Torus or Receptacle is the end of the 

 flower-stalk, or the portion of axis or stem out of which 

 the several organs of the flower grow, upon which they 

 are borne (Fig. 223). 



238. The parts of the flower are thus disposed on the 

 receptacle or axis essentially as are leaves upon a very 

 short stem ; first the sepals, or outer floral leaves ; then 

 the petals or inner floral leaves ; then the stamens ; lastly, 

 at summit or centre, the pistils, when there are two or 

 more of them, or the single pistil, when only one. Fig. 

 223 shows the organs displayed, two of each kind, of such 

 a simple and symmetrical flower as that of a Sedum or 

 Stouecrop, Fig. 222. 



221 



§ 3. PLAN OF FLOWER. 



239. All flowers are formed upon one general plan, but with almost in- 

 finite variations, aud many disguises. This common plan is best understood 

 by taking for a type, or standard for comparison, some perfect, complete. 



regular, and symmetrical blossom, and one as simple as such a blossom 

 could well be. Flowers are said to be 



Perfect {hermaphrodite'), when provided with both kinds of essential or- 

 gans, i. e. with both stamens and pistils. 



Complete, when, besides, they have the two sets of floral envelopes, namely. 



Fig. 221. Model of a simple pi.stil, with ovary cut across and slightly opened 

 veiitrally, to show the ovules and their attacliinent. 



Fig. 222. Flower of Seduni ternatnm, a Stonecrop. 



Fig. 223. Parts of same, two of each kind, separated and displayed ; the torus or 

 receptacle in the centre; a, a sepal ; b, a petal ; c, a stamen ; d, a pistil. 



6 



