CHAPTER XVII 



FLOWER- BRANCHES 



232. We have (86) seen that branches arise from the 

 axils of leaves. Sometimes the leaves may be reduced to 

 bracts and yet branches are borne in their axils. Some of 



the branches grow into long limbs; 



others become short spurs; others 



hear flowers. 



233. Flowers are usually borne 

 near the top of the plant, since 

 the plant must grow before it 

 blooms. Often they are produced 

 in great numbers. It results, 

 therefore, that flower - branches 

 usually stand close together, form- 

 ing a cluster. The shape and 

 arrangement of the flower-cluster 

 differ with the kind of plant, since 

 each plant has its own mode of 

 branching. 



234. Certain definite or well- 

 marked types of flower -clusters 

 have received names. Some of 

 these names we shall discuss, but 

 the flower-clusters which perfectly 

 match the definitions are the ex- 

 ception rather than the rule. The 



169. Terminal flowers of the white- determining of the kiuds of flow- 

 weed (in some places called ox-eye 



daisy). er- clusters is one of the most per- 



du) 



