172 



BOTANY FOR BEGINNERS 



CHAP. 



Definite Inflorescences. A definite inflorescence is one 

 where the uppermost flower opens first and the lower ones in 



I 



A 



C 



FIG. 174. Diagram of definite inflorescences. A, dichotomous cyme ; B, helicoid 

 cyme ; C, scorpioid cyme. 



regular order, beginning at the top. In such an inflorescence it 

 is possible to say where the flowering will cease. Such inflores- 

 cences are also called cymose. As a rule the apex of the shoot 



produces a flower, which deve- 

 lops first, the flowering being 

 continued by secondary or ter- 

 tiary branches. The following 

 are the principal forms of de- 

 finite inflorescences. 



Solitary Flowers. In the 

 few cases where the apex of the 

 peduncle produces a single 

 flower, the flower is said to be 

 solitary. Example Tulip. 



The solitary flower may be 

 produced in the axil of a leaf, 

 when it is said to be solitary 

 and axillary. Example Poor 

 FIG. 175.- Axillary flowers of Ground Man's Weather - glass, and 



Ivy. (One-fourth nat. size.) Ground Ivy. (Fig. 175.) 



Dichotomous Cyme. In 



the dichotomous cyme the apex of the peduncle is occupied by 

 a flower, which opens first. From beneath this flower new 

 branches are produced, and the apex of each branch also 



