HOW TO KNOW THE WILD FLOWERS 



the stalks of which start from apparently the same point, is called 

 a Compound Umbel. (See Wild Carrot, PL XXVIII.) 



A close, circular flower-cluster, like that of Pink Clover or 

 Dandelion, is called a Head. (See Oswego Tea, PL LXXXII. ; 

 Sunflower, PL LVII.) 



A flower-cluster along the lengthened axis of which the 

 flowers are sessile or closely set is called a Spike. (See Vervain, 

 PL XCII. j Mullein, PL LI.) 



A Spadix is a fleshy spike or head, with small and often im- 

 perfect flowers, as in the Jack-in-the-Pulpit, and Skunk Cabbage 

 (Pis. CII. and CIV., also Fig. 4). 



-Ca 



Fig. 4. 



Fig. 5. 



Fig. 6. 



A Spathe is the peculiar leaf-like bract which usually en- 

 velopes a spadix. (See Jack-in-the-Pulpit and Skunk Cabbage, 

 Pis. CII. and CIV., also Fig. 5.) 



A leaf or flower which is set so close in the stem as to show 

 no sign of a separate leaf or flower-stalk, is said to be Sessile. 



A Complete Flower (Fig. 6) is " that part of a plant which 

 subserves the purpose of producing seed, consisting of stamens 

 and pistils, which are the essential organs, and the calyx and 

 corolla, which are the protecting organs." (Gray.) 



The green outer flower-cup, or outer set of green leaves, 

 which we notice at the base of many flowers, is the Calyx (Fig. 

 6 Ca). At times this part is brightly colored and may be the 

 most conspicuous feature of the flower. 



When the calyx is divided into separate leaves, these leaves 

 are called Sepals. 



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