CONFORMATION OF THE FLOWER 



125 



simple pistils, as the buttercup ; or a compound pistil, as 

 the St. John's- wort (Fig. 192). 



256. The pistil, whether simple or compound, has three 

 parts: the lowest or seed -bearing part, 

 which is the ovary; the stigma at the 

 upper extremity, which is a flattened or 

 expanded surface, and usually roughened 

 or sticky ; the stalk -like part or style, 

 connecting the ovary and stigma. Some- 

 times the style is apparently wanting, 

 and the stigma is said to be sessile on 

 the ovary. These parts are shown in the 

 fuchsia, Fig. 189. The ovary or seed 

 vessel is at a. A long style, bearing a 

 large stigma, projects from the flower. 

 See, also. Figs. 191 and 194. 



257. CONFORMATION OF THE FLOWER.— 

 A flower which has calyx, corolla, sta- 

 mens, and pistils is said to be complete ; 

 all others are incomplete. In some flowers both the floral 



envelopes are wanting: such are 

 naked. When one of the floral 

 envelope series is wanting, the 

 remaining series is said to be 

 calyx, and the flower is therefore 

 apetalous ( without 

 petals). Theknotweed 

 (Fig. 193), smart- 

 weed, buckwheat, elm 

 (Fig. 92), are ex- 

 amples. Some flow- 

 ers lack the pistils : i9 

 these are staminate, 

 whether the envelopes are missing or not. Others lack 

 the stamens : these are pistillate. Others have neither 



Flower of giirden 

 nasturtium. Separate 

 petal at a. The calyx Is 

 prolonged into a spur. 



196. The five petals of the pansy, 

 detached to show the form. 



