POSITION AND FORM OF STIGMA 



73 



prismatic; Fig. 184, a clavate form; Fig. 18G, one with a bulbous base. 

 The style branches in Fig. 185 are filiform; in Fig. 187 they are filiform 

 and plumose; in P'ig. 190, cai)illary, and in Fig. 188, subulate. Rarely, 

 styles will be connate above, distinct below (Fig. 189). 



Position and Form of Stigma. — The position and form of the stigma 

 are of very great importance in classification. Its size, as compared 

 with that in other related plants, is apt to be greater or less according 

 as the number of ovules to be fertilized varies. 



Figures illustrating forms of the stigma 



The Linear Stigma. — It has already ])een sliown that while the 

 stigma is commonly located at or ii(>ar the ai)ex, it may extend either 

 entire or divided into two lines for a greater or less distance down the 

 ventral margin of the style, becoming Linear (Fig. 191). 



Stigmas Introrsely Located. — If several united styles are separate 

 at the summit, or ui)i)er j)ortions, their stigmas are commonly borne 

 upon their inner faces, as in this case, and are frequently, by the co- 

 hesion of the former in the young condition, secluded from the access 

 of pollen until a certain time (Figs. 191 and 271). Between the con- 



