THE STAME> T S. 



117 



upon the ovary (Fig. 218) ; and Perigynous when placed around it (Fig. 217), and 

 attached to the calyx or corolla, as in the Rose all of which terms, although inaccu- 

 rate, are in constant use. 



Fig. 218. 



Fig. 219. 



Fig. 217. 



Fig. 217. Perigynous stamens. 

 Fig. 218. Epigynous stamens. 

 Fig. 219. Monodelphous stamens of the Mallow ; a, forming a tube ; 6, pistils. 



The point of insertion of the stamens is into the peduncle, at its terminal point ; 

 but sometimes they contract adhesions with themselves, which give such plants a 

 distinctive peculiarity. Thus of ten stamens in the Pea tribe of plants, nine are united 



together, and constitute a bundle, to the exclusion 

 of the tenth (Fig. 221 a). In the Geranium and the 

 Mallows the whole 

 are united into one 

 body (Figure 219); 

 whilst in the Hy- 

 pericum (Fig. 220) 

 there are three, four, 

 or more bundles. These conditions are 

 expressed by Greek words, which signify 

 the number of bundles or brotherhoods. 



Thus the Geranium is Monodelphous (one brotherhood), the Pea Diadel- 

 phous (two brotherhoods), and the Hypericum Triadelphous or Polydel- 

 phous (three or many brotherhoods). This union of the anthers refers to 

 their lower parts, and is sometimes so close as to have received the name of 

 columna, or gymnostemium, as in Orchids ; but there is another which has 

 exclusive reference to the upper vis., such as is met with in the Compositse. 

 Like that great class, the number of stamens in each floret is usually five ; 

 and they are so connected together at the top as to form a tube, through 

 which the pistil passes (Fig. 222). Such a condition is termed Syngenesia 

 (to grow together). Again, there are differences in size as well as position, 

 both accidental and essential. The accidental are such as have shorter ones, F jg > 2227 

 from an uneven development within the period of growth, either from Syngenesia. 

 original tardiness of appearance, or from some subsequent hindrance to mens united" 

 growth. This may be well seen in the Poppy, in which thu great number . ^> tne P^ s ~ 

 of stamens offers a facility for this kind of investigation. In the oxalig, also, thro' them 1 . 8 " 



Fig. 220. Poly- 

 delphous stamens. 



Fig. 221. Diadel- 

 phous stamens. 



