32 



172. The spike (A) is essentially characterized by the 

 flowers being sessile upon the extended axis. Examples 

 may be seen in many of the Grasses, &c. It generally 

 grows erect, and the expansion of its flowers is markedly 

 progressive, the lower ones often fading before the upper 

 ones have opened. 



173. The spadix (B) has a fleshy axis sometimes extend- 

 ing beyond the sessile flowers which are enclosed in that 

 form of envelope called a spatha ; it sometimes becomes 

 branched as in some Palms (c). It occurs only in mo- 

 nocotyledonous plants ; it is seen in Arum maculatum. 



174. The amentum (D) is characterized by the flowers 

 of the extended axis being destitute of true calyx and 

 corolla, and the axis and its appendages dropping from 

 the plant together in a mass. It is seen in the Hazel-nut. 



