CHAPTER XIV. 



THE TERMS USED IN DESCRIBING THE FLOWER 







Terms. In describing the structure of a flower it is necessary 

 to use a number of terms or names to define the appearances 

 which the organs of a flower may present. It must be distinctly 

 understood that the mere learning of such terms without knowing 

 how to apply them is of little use. In all cases the flowers them- 

 selves should be examined and their peculiarities of structure 

 noted. The principal terms used in describing the flower are : 



The Torus. The upper portion of the flower stalk upon 

 which the floral leaves are fixed is called the torus or receptacle. 

 It is usually thicker than the portion below, and may expand 

 between the stamens and the pistil into a disc. The disc may 

 be club- cup- or urn-shaped. Upon the shape of the receptacle 

 will depend the appearance of the flower. 



Complete and Incomplete Flowers. -If the flower 

 is built up of calyx, corolla, stamens, and pistil, it is said to be 

 complete. When one or more of these parts are absent the flower 

 is said to be incomplete. 



The Buttercup, Wallflower, and Primrose are examples of 

 complete, and the Anemone, Hazel, and Oak of incomplete 

 flowers. 



Perfect and Imperfect Flowers. When the flower pos- 

 sesses both stamens and pistil it is said to be perfect. The 

 Anemone, Pea, and Rose are examples of perfect flowers. If 

 either the stamens or pistil is absent the flower is said to be 

 imperfect. The Hazel, Dog's Mercury, and Oak are examples of 

 imperfect flowers. 



Regular and Irregular Flowers. When the flower can 



