CALYX. 



23 



Fig. 17. 



nosepalous calyces were originally polysepalous, but the 

 edges of the pieces have become united. 



133. When the pieces of a calyx are joined nearly all 

 the way up, but not entirely, the calyx is said to be 

 toothed; when half way up, cleft; and when a little 

 above the base only, parted. 



134. In such plants as the Dandelion, which belong 



to the natural family, Composite 

 a peculiar modification of calyx 

 exists. The calyx is closely 

 united to the body of the fruit, 

 at the top of which it elon- 

 gates, divides, and spreads into 

 a white feathery- looking sub- 

 stance called the pappus. This is 

 sessile when there is scarcely any 

 elongation previous to division, 

 stipitate when there is. 



135. The calyx in some plants, as in the Labiatae, 

 Fig. 18. has its limb so divided as to represent an 



upper and an under lip; the calyx is then 

 said to be bilabiate, and a little below the 

 orifice is the throat. 



136. There are two terms often met with, 

 namely "calyx superior, "and." calyx inferior." 

 which require explanation. Of the different 

 portions of which a flower is composed, the calyx is formed 

 lowest down on the axis, and the pistil the highest up, 

 however close they may appear together; now when 

 the calyx appears evidently to arise below the base of 

 the pistil, (called the ovarium,) it is said to be inferior, 

 (as in fig. 30) ; but when it adheres all around the ova- 

 rium, and seems to arise from above it, it is called su- 

 perior. But from what we first stated, we must re- 

 member that its true origin is inferior, whilst it is only 

 apparently superior (fig. 31), to the base of the pistil. 



Dr. Lindley remarks, "that the calyx may be superior 

 in consequence of the cohesion of the ovary with the 

 inside of an excavated pedicel, and not with the calyx 

 itself, as in Eschscholtzia." 



