128 FLORAL FORMULA [CH. 



A y and G as expressing the Calyx (sepals), Corolla 

 (petals), Andrcecium (stamens), and Gynoecium (carpels), 

 respectively, it is easy to denote, by certain numbers and 

 signs in sequence, the relations of number and position of 

 the parts in any flower, thus : 



jPL 3 C 3 A 3 6r 3 



would signify that the given flower consists of four whorls 

 of three organs each ; i.e. three sepals (K 3 ) y three petals 

 ((7 3 ), three stamens (A B ), and three carpels (6r 8 ), and if we 

 agree that when written as above the mere numerals 

 denote that each whorl of organs alternates with the 

 organs of the next whorl and that each organ is separately 

 inserted, the floral formula sums up a good deal of 

 information in a very compact form. But we may also 

 agree that, written as above, the flower is actinomorphic, 

 because nothing to the contrary is indicated ; and, for the 

 same reason, that, just as the sepals, petals, and stamens 

 are free, so are the carpels. Further we may assume 

 nothing to the contrary being expressed that the ovary 

 G 3 is superior. 



Supposing our flower to be as above, but to have two 

 whorls of three free stamens each, and that the ovary is 

 syncarpous, as in a Lily. Then the floral formula would 

 run : 



K-3 ^3 A 3+3 6r( 3 ), 



the additional whorl of stamens being expressed by + 3, 

 and the syncarpy of the ovary by the ( ) enclosing the 

 number. 



Now suppose that, all else remaining as before, the 

 ovary is inferior e.g. in an Amaryllis: the formula would 

 then run : 



K-S ^3 -"-3+3 tr(3) 



the stroke above the number attached to the sign G 

 (Gynoecium) signifying that the latter is inferior. 



